Does an art therapist need specialized training?
Yes!
Protect yourself and ask for your art therapist and counsellors qualifications!
A qualified, trained art therapist will have completed the following:
Did you know...currently in British Columbia the government does not have a regulating college for the field of counselling? This means that anyone can call themselves a counsellor or therapist. Please ask about the qualifications that an individual has before you begin therapy with them. They should be open, transparent and can demonstrate that they have not only completed graduate studies, but that they are also professional members in good standing with associations who require adherence to ethical standards of practice.
Yes!
Protect yourself and ask for your art therapist and counsellors qualifications!
A qualified, trained art therapist will have completed the following:
- Successfully completed both undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, social work or psychiatry along with specialized studies in the field of art therapy and education in fine and visual arts.
- In Canada, all qualified art therapists are registered and accredited through provincial and national regulation bodies which upholds practitioners to established ethical standards and ongoing professional development.
- In British Columbia qualified Art Therapists will belong to the BC Art Therapists Association (BCATA) and many will also belong to the Canadian Art Therapists Association (CATA). These associations require graduate studies, ethical practice, accountability towards ongoing professional development!
Did you know...currently in British Columbia the government does not have a regulating college for the field of counselling? This means that anyone can call themselves a counsellor or therapist. Please ask about the qualifications that an individual has before you begin therapy with them. They should be open, transparent and can demonstrate that they have not only completed graduate studies, but that they are also professional members in good standing with associations who require adherence to ethical standards of practice.