Who are art therapists?

Art therapy is facilitated by a professional art therapist that combines talk therapy and visual art. Being an art therapist requires credentialing, education, and training in art therapy. It’s also common for art therapists to have counseling licensure, education, and training. Professional art therapists receive a master’s degree, often in counseling and art therapy, and are credentialed by the nationally recognized Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).

The highest credential you can earn as an art therapist is the Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), which assures that the art therapist has met and upholds rigorous standards and ethics. To receive this credential, an art therapist must pass a national exam, meet post-graduate clinical supervision requirements, and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of art therapy theories and clinical skills.

It is also common for art therapists to have professional training or expertise and interest in visual art before becoming an art therapist. This was my experience and where my journey began. Before I knew I wanted to become a therapist, my bachelor’s was in art history and studio art, specializing in drawing and painting. I took art classes going back to childhood, and even though I may not have known that I would become an art therapist one day, I always loved making art, talking about art, seeing others' artwork, going to art museums, and being in spaces with other creatives.

After graduating with my B.A., I remember feeling so stuck. I knew my interests but needed to figure out where to go next. I didn’t like the monetary focus on art in galleries and quickly realized how hard it would be to work as a curator in a museum. My post-undergrad years were challenging but eventually led me to discover other interests and skills I had.

I loved talking with people and learning about them on a deeper level. I was fascinated by the connection between the brain and the body. I moved through my trauma and started to feel whole for the first time in a long time. I began to shed parts of myself that held me back. I took time to get to know myself and intuitively listen. I realized I’ve always been introspective and insightful and enjoyed helping others.

Then, one day, it hit me. I was talking to a friend in a graduate social work program. She casually said, “Hey, have you heard of art therapy? I think you would be into it.” I remember immediately feeling so fascinated by the words… art and therapy? Art therapy?!

I spent days researching what it was and what I needed to do and applied to graduate programs. I saw my journey ahead and went forward. Eventually, all the pieces came together.

I am proud to be an art therapist and how it has allowed me to help others and deepen my skills. My career in mental health started with art therapy and expanded into becoming a counselor, an educator, and a clinical supervisor. I also provide professional consultation for therapists. I enjoy helping other therapists find their ground, harness their creativity, and reach their goals.

I share this with you if you, like me, have never known who art therapists are or need guidance in finding your path. If it is your calling, I want to help you figure out how to become an art therapist. If not, I encourage you to reflect on your interests, dreams, ambitions, or desires and take steps forward. Welcome, and be bold along the way!