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Healing Arts

by Jessica Groach
Jessica.Groach@careertrainingdirectory.com
Staff Columnist

Two dozen sick children evacuated from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina were sent to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. It was there that they began art therapy.

The Healing Power of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a method of using the creative process to heal stress or trauma, and increase a patient's sense of self. Practitioners believe that through painting, drawing, sculpture or other artistic activity, patients can work through distress toward a greater sense of well-being. Art therapy is fairly new field, but a rapidly growing one, as professionals begin to realize that it is an effective tool for communicating with, understanding, and treating patients non-invasively.

Dr. Arshad Hussain, an art therapist with Doctors without Borders, explains, "Art therapy serves two purposes. It helps patients relax and work through their trauma. Secondly, through their art, we can follow the progress of their recovery."

Art Therapy Training

Art therapy training consists of a background in both art and psychology, and practitioners generally hold a masters degree in art therapy or a related field. An ATR, or registered art therapist, receives certification through a written exam administered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. Today, many online and distance education courses also offer art therapy training. To gain insight into the profession or to receive job placement assistance, volunteer at an organization to observe art therapy, and contact the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. for information.

In addition to receiving the proper education, an art therapist must have artistic ability, patience, sensitivity toward human needs and expressions, the capacity for understanding a person's psychological processes, and a desire to be creative in all aspects of the job. Art therapy isn't an exact science, but with patience, creativity, and understanding, it can be tremendously rewarding.

Sources:

"Kashmir Victims Undergo Art Therapy" by Al Jazeera.net; Sept. 21, 2005
"Hospital Staff Says Children Overwhelmed" by The Kansas City Channel.com; Sept. 9, 2005
The American Art Therapy Association

About the Author

Jessica Groach is a freelance writer, and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her background includes seven years in media, advertising and public relations. Her work has appeared in various lifestyle and business publications, including a Warner Business Book.

Posted on: Monday, October 10, 2005