So You Want to Be an Art Therapist?
Art therapy is a fabulous career for someone who loves being creative and helping others. You can use art therapy with people of any age and any background. I have compiled a list of resources for art therapists and those who aspire to be one.
I highly recommend seeking a master’s program that offers art therapy training while also meeting the requirements for state licensure in counseling. As an art therapist who is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have the ability to bill for insurance like any other counselor. This is essential for getting work in our field, as you will be competing with social workers, psychologists, and counselors for jobs. Having both talk therapy and art therapy skills gives you an extra edge when looking for a job, because you have skills for reaching clients that others can’t.
If you are seeking advice or supervision about art therapy, I provide coaching and supervision in person and via phone or Skype.
Art Therapy Websites
The American Art Therapy Association http://www.arttherapy.org
International Expressive Arts Therapy Association http://www.ieata.org
Lesley University, Expressive Therapies Program http://www.lesley.edu/expressive-therapies/
The Art Therapy Credentials Board – http://www.atcb.org
– Requirements for becoming an ATR and ATR-BC
– Information on the ATR-BC exam.
The Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor’s Association (MaMHCA) – http://www.mamhca.org
– LMHC licensure exam preparation materials and trainings
– Continuing education and professional development trainings
The Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation (OCABR) http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/license-types/
Click on Health care and social work and then choose Allied Mental Health Professionals
– Licensure requirements
– Licensure application
Art Therapy Prompts
click here
ART THERAPY AND COUNSELING BOOKS
Here’s a short list of my favorites:
The Art Therapy Sourcebook By Cathy Malchiodi
Managing Traumatic Stress Through Art
By Barry M. Cohen, Mary – Michola Barnes,and Anita B.Rankin
Creative Supervision By Mooli Lahad
Treating Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents:
How to Foster Resilience through Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency
by Margaret E. Blaustein, PhD, and Kristine M. Kinniburgh, LICSW
The Gift of Therapy
by Irving D. Yalom
Building Your Ideal Private Practice
By Lynn Grodzki
Women’s Growth in Connection
By Judith J. Jordan, Alexandra G. Kaplan, Jean Baker Miller, Irene P. Stiver, and Janet L. Surrey
*I do not profit from suggesting any of these books, I simply provide the links in order to help you find the resources that will be most helpful.
Image credit: <a href=’http://www.123rf.com/photo_12165713_bright-colored-paint-with-a-brush-on-a-palette.html’>sbelov / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
