There may be students in your class that are struggling with emotional or behavioral issues that cannot be remedied through traditional teaching methods. In these cases, it may be a good time to consider referring the students to an art therapist or an art teacher. While both professions have the potential to help students express themselves creatively, they differ in their approaches and goals. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between art teachers and art therapists, and how each can contribute to the education and well-being of your students.
What is the role of an art therapist, and how do they use creative processes to promote healing and well-being?
Through integrative methods, art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience and empowers individuals, communities, and society.
What are the differences between an art teacher and an art therapist?
While both an art teacher and an art therapist may have an interest in art, their roles and responsibilities are quite different.
An art teacher is responsible for teaching students the technical skills and principles of art, such as color theory, composition, and perspective. They may work in various settings, including schools, community centers, and art studios, and teach individuals or groups of students of varying ages and skill levels. The focus of an art teacher is primarily on education and creative expression.
Art therapists are a mental health professional who uses art as a tool to help clients explore and express their emotions, improve their mental health and well-being, and address psychological issues. Art therapists are trained to use specific art-based techniques and interventions to help clients process difficult emotions, develop coping skills, and gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices, and typically work with individuals or small groups.
While both art teachers and art therapists may have a passion for art, their roles and responsibilities are quite different. Art teachers focus on teaching technical skills and principles of art, while art therapists use art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals improve their mental health and well-being.
Art Teacher
| Art Therapist
|
Trained in teaching
| Trained in psychology
|
Focus on end-product
| Focus on process
|
Helps develop skills with art media
| Helps with techniques but not main focus
|
Teaches concepts/elements of art
| Uses art to help process personal concerns
|
Teach specific way to make projects
| No right or wrong way to make your art
|
What educational and professional background is typically required for someone to become a qualified art therapist?
Art therapists are clinicians with master’s-level or higher degrees trained in art and therapy that serve diverse communities in different settings—from medical institutions and wellness centers to schools and independent practices. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in many settings. They are credentialed mental health care professionals who care deeply about the communities they support, helping to advance people’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The initials after my name stand for:
- MAT: master's in art therapy
- ATR: registered art therapist (Individuals who meet established standards, with successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy and supervised, post-graduate art therapy experience)
- BC: board certified (individuals who complete the highest-level art therapy credential by passing a national examination, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the theories and clinical skills used in art therapy)
The governor of Ohio recently signed a bill into law that will license Art Therapists. This protects the public by assuring they receive treatment from a trained, professional art therapist and not someone who is trying to use art therapy as a modality. Licensure in Ohio will hopefully make art therapy more accessible for all.
What is an average day like in an art classroom and art therapy session?
An art teacher's day typically begins before the first bell rings, as they prepare their classroom for the day ahead. They'll ensure all materials are in place and they may set up various art stations for students. Once class begins, they'll teach a variety of art forms, from painting to sculpture, and may provide instruction on art history, techniques, and theories. Throughout the day, an art teacher may grade assignments, provide feedback on student work, and plan future lessons. They may also meet with parents or administrators to discuss student progress or participate in professional development opportunities. At the end of the day, an art teacher will clean up their classroom and prepare for the next day's lessons.
An art therapist's average day typically involves a combination of client sessions, administrative work, and professional development. In client sessions, an art therapist works with individuals or groups to explore their thoughts and feelings through various art-based activities. These activities may include drawing, painting, sculpting, or other forms of creative expression. The therapist may also use verbal processing to help clients understand and communicate their experiences. Administrative work may include documenting client progress, maintaining art supplies and equipment, and communicating with other healthcare professionals. Additionally, art therapists may spend time researching new techniques and approaches, attending conferences or workshops, and participating in professional organizations to continue their education and stay up to date on the latest developments in the field.
How do art therapists tailor their therapeutic approaches to address the unique emotional and psychological needs of each client?
After building relationships and developing specific art therapy goals, art therapists then decide which art mediums and projects would be most beneficial. Art mediums have different resistant and fluid qualities. For instance, a student diagnosed with ADHD, may not do well with watercolor paints due to the fluidity of the medium.
In what settings do art therapists typically work?
Art therapists work with individuals, couples, families, and groups in diverse settings. Some examples include:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Veteran’s clinics
- Private practice
- Psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities
- Community clinics
- Crisis centers
- Forensic institutions
- Senior communities
What makes the job special?
My training as an art therapist allows me to be able to capture both the cognitive and emotional responses of a student in their artwork. Through art therapy assessments, I am able to gain valuable information for the school treatment team. I enjoy helping students gain new art skills as well as social emotional skills that will help them meet their goals. Art therapy is student-led learning about themselves, their community and their world.
"Art therapists are unique in the work they perform with students because they combine the attention they give to verbal communications of the students with special attention they pay to the nonverbal communications of the students, and they personalize their contact with the students." - The Handbook of School Art Therapy by Janet Bush
While art teachers and art therapists both have a passion for art and creativity, their roles and responsibilities differ greatly. Art teachers focus on teaching art techniques and skills to students while art therapists use art as a tool to help individuals improve their mental health and well-being. Both professions are valuable and contribute to the art world in their own unique ways. It is important to recognize and respect the differences between these two fields and appreciate the impact they have on the lives of their students and clients. Whether you pursue a career as an art teacher or an art therapist, you can inspire and transform individuals through the power of art.
Continued Reading
Kimberly S. Roberts serves as the ESC's Art Therapist and currently works in the alternative education programs of Ventures Academy and Ventures II. She administers small group art therapy services for elementary, middle, and high school students in need of social, emotional and behavioral interventions. Kim developed the school art therapy programs at both sites at their inception. She is currently in her 23rd year with the ESC. Prior to working for the ESC, Kim worked for 10 years in various populations including mental health and substance use in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Kim is a member of the Buckeye Art Therapy Association. She has been an advocate for art therapy licensure in the state of Ohio and has been a past member of the legislative committee. Questions? Feel free to contact her at [email protected].