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Welcome!...to the

Wisconsin Art Therapy Association!

 

The Organization

The Wisconsin Art Therapy Association is an affiliate chapter of The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) Http://www.arttherapy.org is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1969, is a national association which represents a membership of approximately 4,750 professionals and students.  It is governed and directed by a nine member Board, elected by the membership.  AATA has established standards for art therapy education, ethics, and practice:  AATA committees actively work on governmental affairs, clinical issues, and professional development.  AATA's dedication to continuing education and research is demonstrated through annual national conferences and regional symposia, publications, videos, and awards.

Art Therapy:

Definition Of The Profession

Art therapy is a human service profession that utilizes art media, images, the creative art process, and patient/client responses to the created the full spectrum of models of assessment and treatment including educational, psychodynamic, cognitive, transpersonal, and other therapeutic means of reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self awareness, developing social skills, managing behavior, solving problems, reducing anxiety, aiding reality orientation, and increasing self esteem.

Art therapy is an effective treatment for the developmentally, medically, educationally, socially, or psychologically impaired; and is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic institutions.  Populations of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds are served by art therapists in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats.

 

Educational, professional, and ethical standards for art therapists are regulated by the American Art Therapy Association.  The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc (ATCB), an independent organization, grants postgraduate Registration (ATR) after reviewing documentation of completion of graduate education and postgraduate supervised experience.  The Registered Art Therapist who successfully completes the written examination administered by the ATCB is qualified as Board Certified (ATR-BC), a credential requiring maintenance through continuing education credits.

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