What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication.
Clients who are referred to an art therapist need not have previous experience or skill in art. The art therapist does not judge what the client makes - there is no right or wrong way to make things. The overall aim of art therapy is to enable a client to bring about change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe environment.
The relationship between the therapist and the client is important, but art therapy differs from other psychological therapies in that what is made with the art materials offers a different way of exploring difficulties and feelings that may be easier or at times, more appropriate. Sometimes words can't be found to express thoughts and feelings verbally but the process of artmaking can help to do so or may communicate in its own non-verbal way what one wants to express.
Art therapists have a minimum of degree level training in art and further training at Masters level in psychological therapy. They are qualified and registered to work with groups of all ages. They are employed across a wide range of organisations including the NHS, primary and secondary schools, community services, hospices, prisons, voluntary agencies, as well as private practice.
Art therapy can help with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Physical illness
- Life changes
- Trauma
- Behavioural, emotional and mental health problems
- Learning disabilities
- Brain injury or neurological conditions
Those who practice art therapy have to maintain the standards of the professional body, the British Association of Art Therapists. Art therapists, along with drama therapists and music therapists need to register with the Health Professions Council.
The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) is the professional organisation for art therapists in the United Kingdom and has its own Code of Ethics of Professional Practice. Comprising of 20 regional groups, a European section and an international section, it maintains a comprehensive directory of qualified art therapists and works to promote art therapy in the UK.
Jacky Mahony Practices Art Therapy at The Banbury Therapy Centre. She is highly skilled and qualified in helping people to explore their world in a non-verbal way.