According to the American Art Therapy Association...
"Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship."
Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of the creative process in art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of an individual. In art therapy, individuals are encouraged to explore their feelings, thoughts and perceptions through various art materials and techniques. This therapeutic approach provides a safe and supportive environment. For individuals that have difficulty with social and verbal communication, art therapy provides an non-verbal means of communication and self-expression.
Art Therapists are mental health professionals with national certifications. Art therapists are trained to assess the whole individual through the art making process, while developing a treatment plan with action steps.
Art Therapy targets non-artistic goals, such as:
social skills
coping skills
developmental growth
visual/spatial skills
sensory integration/regulation
imagination/abstract thinking
emotional regulation
self expression
leisure skills