Art Therapy

As defined by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc, "art therapy is a human service profession that utilizes art media, images, the creative art process and patient/client responses to the created products as reflections of an individual's development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts."

Art therapy practice is based on knowledge of human development and psychological theories which are implemented in the full spectrum of models of assessment and treatment including educational, psychodynamic, cognitive, transpersonal and other therapeutic means of reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness, developing social skills, managing behavior, solving problems, reducing anxiety, aiding reality orientation and increasing self-esteem.

Art therapy is an effective treatment for the developmentally, medically, educationally, socially or psychologically impaired, and is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical educational, and forensic institutions. Populations of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds are served by art therapists in individual, couples, family and group therapy formats.

Educational, professional and ethical standards for art therapists are regulated by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. Credentials are granted by The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. For more information, contact:

The American Art Therapy
1202 Allanson Road
Mundelein, IL 60060
Phone: 847-949-6064
Fax: 847-566-4580
E-mail: arttherapy@ntr.net
Web Page: www.arttherapy.org

The Art Therapy Institute of the Redwoods promotes and teaches the use of art media and imagery in therapy. Artwork and the art process are a vehicle for communication and expression of powerful feelings and thoughts through the use of symbol and metaphor. Jung said, "the psychological method for transforming energy is the symbol."

Professionals gain theoretical and practical knowledge of why and how the language of images and symbols speeds the therapeutic process as the therapist removes their ego, biases, and projections by focusing on the art product. The art media, as the facilitator of expression, allows for the creation of images which become a mechanism for change. This scientific process, shared in a therapeutic relationship, honors the creative process and an individual's unique method of expression and healing.