What is Art Therapy?
“Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.” (The American Art Therapy Association, 2017)
Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change. Art Therapists work in primary as well as adjunctive therapy positions.
Art therapy is effective when used with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, groups, and families. It has been shown to be effective when used to assess and treat some of the following issues and concerns:
Anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems
Substance abuse and other addictions
Psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness
Family and relationship issues
Personal trauma and post-traumatic stress
Abuse and domestic violence
Social or interpersonal difficulties
Physical, cognitive, and neurological problems
Psychiatric or medical illness
Grief and loss
Art Therapists in Maryland can be found in the following settings:
Crisis response centers
Residential treatment centers
Military and veteran’s hospitals
Outpatient mental health agencies
Domestic violence and homeless shelters
Medical hospitals
Schools, educational settings, and universities
Community agencies and non-profit settings
Psychiatric hospitals and clinics
Rehabilitation centers
Correctional facilities and forensic institutions
Private mental health practice
…And many more!
For more information regarding art therapy education, practice, or services in Maryland, please explore the links to the right.