What Is Art Therapy?
The New Jersey Art Therapy Association defines Art Therapy (NJATA) as a “mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.” The client does not need to have any artistic talent or experience with art materials. Art Therapy facilitates verbal and non verbal communication.
NJATA states “A goal in art therapy is to improve or restore a client’s functioning and [a]sense of personal well-being. Art therapy practice requires [that the Art Therapist have] knowledge of visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms) and the creative process, as well as of human development, psychological, and counseling theories and techniques…Research supports that individuals gain therapeutic benefits through artistic self- expression and reflection facilitated by an art therapist. Art therapy provides a unique opportunity to express feelings without reliance on words.”
Where is art therapy practiced? Wellness centers, corporate workshops, employee wellness programs, schools, crisis centers, senior communities, hospitals, psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities, forensic institutions, private practice, and other clinical and community settings.
Counseling Art Therapy Community Treatment Center partners with local organizations to provide art therapy services to their clients.
If you, your organization, or someone you know would benefit, contact the Counseling Art Therapy Community Treatment Center Director, Cindy Concannon Here:
Cindy Concannon MA, LPC ATR-BC, NCC
Clinical Director
Counseling Art Therapy (CAT) Services
cconcannon@caldwell.edu
973-618-3668