This subject was a hot topic for many of my professors at Drexel, where I completed my MA. They encouraged us (the students) to educate others about the difference between “therapeutic art” or an art class/group versus what a trained art therapist is doing during their sessions. As I’m sure you know, art therapists go beyond just encouraging sublimation and self expression. Untrained people in artx also tend to think that they can apply artx directives in a formulaic manner, like the directives are recreational activities rather than deliberately suggested for a purpose. I’m concerned about the use of books that have titles like “101 art therapy activities”, for that very reason.

On the other hand, there are licensed professionals who have taken continuing education courses, workshops, attend conferences, etc…who seem competent enough in artx theory that I dont feel uncomfortable with them using the term “art therapy” in their practice. In other words, the Social Worker from the VA who has 100 hrs of artx training and is a licensed mental health professional who uses artx in her practice doesn’t bother me as much as the artist who happens to work with the mentally ill in an art as therapy style group, who has little or no training in ethics, psychopathology, developmental theories, etc…

That being said, I don’t know what AATA’s stance is on licensed professionals who use artx within their practices beyond the fact that these professionals cannot call themselves “art therapists”.

As always, thank you for your comments!