Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Art Therapy?
A. Art Therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings may be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.
Q. Who can benefit from Art Therapy?
A. Art Therapy is effective for people of any age. An art therapist works with individuals, couples, families, or groups in settings such as counselling agencies, schools, treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, correctional institutes, and elder care locations.
Q. Where can I find an Art Therapist?
A. On this website you can view the Membership. You can also obtain information from the three provincial associations, the British Columbia Art Therapy Association, the Ontario Art Therapy Association, and the Association des art-thérapeutes du Québec.
Q. What training/education does an Art Therapist have?
A. In Canada a Bachelor of Arts (art and psychology courses are recommended) is required before entering one of the Art Therapy programs. These programs include post-graduate diplomas, graduate diplomas, and Master's degree programs. Please refer to the "Training" page on this website.
Q. What is a Typical Salary for an Art Therapist?
A. Salaries range depending on whether an art therapist is in private practice or works for an agency or hospital. Salaries are comparable to those of Social Workers or other counselors with graduate degrees.