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Career Spotlight: Art Therapy
Gretchen Miller MA, ATR-BC, ACTP
Registered Board Certified Art Therapist | Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner

Art Therapy is…
The deliberate therapeutic
use of art to meet
psychological needs,
provided by an art
therapist.
An alternative means of
communication that uses
art media, art-making, the
creative process, and
client responses as a
reflection of an individual
and their experiences.

“Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, by
people who experience illness, trauma, or
challenges in living, and by people who seek
personal development. Through creating art and
reflecting on the art products and processes,
people can increase awareness of self and
others, cope with symptoms, stress, and
traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive
abilities; and enjoy the life affirming pleasures of
making art.”
~American Art Therapy Association | arttherapy.org

Art Therapists are:
Master level mental health
professionals trained in the
use of art and media, as well
as psychological and
counseling approaches.
Art therapists work with a
range of populations
including: children,
adolescents, adults, older
adults, couples, and families.

Becoming an Art Therapist
 Requires Undergraduate Studio Art and
Psychology Coursework
 Entry Level Education into the Profession is a
Master’s Degree in Art Therapy
 Post Graduate School: Art Therapists can obtain
National Credentialing as a Registered Art
Therapist (ATR) and become Board Certified (BC)
 Some States in the US have Art Therapy Licensure
and Regulate the Practice at the State-Level

Art therapists work in mental
health agencies, school
districts, community programs,
residential treatment
programs, shelters, hospitals,
correctional facilities, hospices,
wellness centers, in private
practice, and more.
Source: The American Art Therapy Association | arttherapy.org
Where Art Therapists Work:

My Motivation For This Career Path

In My Art Therapy Career…
Youth Residential Treatment | Grieving Children & Families
Survivors of Domestic Violence | Homelessness
Children, Adolescents, & Women | Trauma & Loss
Group Orientated, Trauma Informed, & Social Action
Teaching, Supervision, Consultation
Independent Art Therapy Contractor

Job Responsibilities
 Understanding client needs & objectives related to
treatment planning and reason for services
 Planning and prepping appropriate therapeutic art
interventions, media, & directives
 Art supply and creative space management
 Documentation, Referral Follow Up, Advocacy
 Team Meetings, Reviews, and Consultations
 Facilitating Art Therapy Sessions to improve physical,
cognitive, or emotional well-being
 Art Therapy Education and Program Development

Art Therapy & Trauma Intervention
 Sensory based
 A visual voice for
unspeakable experiences
 Empower emotional
expression and well-being
 Create & Re-establish
Safety
 Support & Strengthen
Coping, Normalize &
Manage Traumatic Stress

Peacemaking through Art:

Resources
Ohio’s Buckeye Art Therapy Association
buckeyearttherapy.org
Ursuline College Counseling & Art Therapy Program
ursuline.edu
American Art Therapy Association
arttherapy.org
Art Therapy Credentials Board
atcb.org
© 2017 Gretchen Miller MA, ATR-BC, ACTP
gretchen-miller.com