The Association’s Mission
The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (Association) is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that making art is healing and life enhancing. Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.
Adopted April 2008
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Art Therapy
Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. Research in the field confirms that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to become more physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and functional, resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, handle life adjustments, and achieve insight.
Our culture is one of inclusion of people of all backgrounds, open to new concepts and artistic expression that continues to expand the effectiveness of art as a healing therapy. We are rooted in the experience of those who began this field 40 years ago and honor their legacy by our commitment to the future of the art therapy profession.
Art Therapy: Definition of the Profession
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.
Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices.
The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) sets educational, professional, and ethical standards for its members. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), an independent organization, grants credentials. Registration (ATR) is granted upon completion of graduate education and post-graduate supervised experience. Board Certification (ATR-BC) is granted to Registered Art Therapists who pass a written examination, and is maintained through continuing education. Some states regulate the practice of art therapy and in many states art therapists can become licensed as counselors or mental health therapists.
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The Association’s Purpose
The purpose of the ASSOCIATION as established in the Articles of Incorporation is as follows:
- the provision of educational opportunities within the field of art therapy for members of the general public as well as art therapy professionals;
- the promotion of public awareness of the field of art therapy;
- the progressive development of the therapeutic use of art;
- the advancement of research and standards of clinical practice;
- the maintenance of criteria for training future art therapists in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques;
- the provision of appropriate vehicles for the exchange of information with colleagues and the general public;
- the awarding of scholarships and research grants; and
- the facilitation of the therapeutic use of art in institutional and private practice settings
Bylaws ARTICLE II, Section 2.1.
History of Art Therapy
Visual expression has been used for healing throughout history, but art therapy did not emerge as a distinct profession until the 1940s. In the early 20th century, psychiatrists became interested in the artwork created by their patients with mental illness.
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