Definition of Art Therapy

ART THERAPY: DEFINITION ART THERAPY IS A Human Services Profession that utilizes art media, images, the creative art process, and patient/client responses to the created products as reflections of an individual’s abilities, development, personality, interests, concerns and conflicts.  Art Therapy practice is based on knowledge of human developmental and psychological theories, which are implemented in the full spectrum of models of assessment and treatment.  This includes educational, psychodynamic, cognitive, transpersonal, and other therapeutic means of achieving the following: 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.  It is practiced in a wide variety of settings, including 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.