#AskAnArtTherapist

As an art therapy charity we talk a LOT about art therapy and how brilliant it is. But, we know that not everyone has heard of art therapy or knows a lot about it and so might have lots of questions. We asked our Young Voices and wider social media community and I sat down with Teapot Trust art therapist Macie and she answered them for us.  

Do you have to be good at art to do art therapy? (watch Macie here)

The short answer is no! Art therapy is for everyone, regardless of artistic ability. Macie shares that art therapy is about the process and interacting with the materials, a space for playing and exploring, and so it is for everyone.  

Do you only use paint in art therapy? (watch Macie here)

Again, the short answer is no! You can use lots of different art materials in art therapy – pens, clay, pencils, glitter, pipe cleaners, lolly pop sticks, the sky is the limit! Macie also shared that can also have art therapy sessions where you don’t use any art materials at all, where you spend the session talking or exploring things differently.  

Who is an Art Therapist and how do you become one? (watch Macie here)

Well, being an art therapist is a protected title, meaning that not just anyone can call themselves an art therapist, you need to have followed a specific training. First, folk complete an undergraduate degree in subject relevant to art therapy, such as art or psychology.  Then, you must complete a masters degree in art therapy, where the focus is on gaining knowledge and skills specific to being an art therapist. Once you complete this training then you must register with the governing bodies British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) who make sure that all art therapists are working to a high standard.  

Thanks for answering all our questions, Macie!  

What else do you want to #AskAnArtTherapist? Get in touch and let us know.