Do art therapists need specialized training?
Yes!
Undergraduate and graduate studies in any of the following: psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, social work or psychiatry along with specialized studies in the field of art therapy and education in fine and visual arts.
Did you know....Many art therapists are also practicing artists and have worked in the arts sector at different points of their careers.
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.
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!
Yes!
Undergraduate and graduate studies in any of the following: psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, social work or psychiatry along with specialized studies in the field of art therapy and education in fine and visual arts.
Did you know....Many art therapists are also practicing artists and have worked in the arts sector at different points of their careers.
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.
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!