Frequently Asked Questions

Below we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions we encourage you to contact us.

1). What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a master’s level mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process and the resulting artwork to improve or restore a client’s functioning and his or her sense of personal well-being. Its unique combination of psychotherapy and art techniques can help clients: explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem. Art therapy is about the process of creating art, not the finished product. You don’t need to be artistic to benefit from art therapy.

2). How is art therapy different from other traditional forms of therapy?

Art therapy is different because it uses the creative process in combination with talk therapy to address emotional, behavioral or situational issues. It offers a unique way to confront and manage challenges, often times more easily than through traditional talk therapy. Traumatic memories are difficult to verbalize, which is why art therapy can be a highly effective treatment for traumatized individuals.
The Art Therapy Project provides a distinctive alternative for people who have experienced trauma:
• Art therapy provides an alternative, non-verbal way for people to express and process traumatic experiences.
• Sessions are free to clients and are conducted in a safe, secure and trusting setting.
• Clients are guided by highly skilled, licensed and board certified clinical art therapists.

3). How does one become an art therapist?

To become an art therapist in New York, one must have a Master’s degree in art therapy and be both licensed by the state (Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, LCAT) and registered nationally by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATR). The Art Therapy Project also requires our art therapists to be Board Certified (ATR-BC) which requires passing an additional exam and engaging in ongoing continuing education.

4). Who does The Art Therapy Project work with?

We work with the following populations:
YOUTH
Affected by Domestic Violence
Alternative Schools
Court Involved
Foster Care
Homeless
Medically Complex
ADULTS
Affected by 9/11
Caregivers
Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence
LGBTQ+
Sexual Assault Survivors
Substance Abuse Recovery
Survivors of Torture
Veterans

5). How has the pandemic changed your programming and art therapy services?

When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, we quickly realized we needed to change the way we provided art therapy services to our clients. We developed our TeleArt Therapy Program in order to continue to provide support at a distance. Please see our COVID-19 page for details. We have also seen an increase in demand for art therapy programming for organizations wishing to support their staff during this difficult time and we are working hard to meet this need. Please send us a message if you are interested in this programming. We hope to pick up in person programming when it is safe to do so.

6). What is TeleArt Therapy?

TeleArt Therapy is the way we have figured out to meet the needs of our clients while we are unable to meet in person. Just like our regular art therapy programming, our TeleArt Therapy programs are run by licensed art therapists for the support of mental health needs. What is different is that now we meet on a healthcare level Zoom platform and continue the wonderful work that was being done in person.

7). What kinds of art do you make in Art Therapy?

Art therapists are trained to use all forms of visual art media and understand the ways in which clients can use them to address their specific needs. Art media used in session can include: fabric, wood, photography, printmaking and other multimedia.

8). Why do you have client art exhibitions and how can the public see client artwork?

We host an annual art exhibit for our clients to support their process of sharing their work within art therapy with the outside world. This can be a validating and empowering experience for them and also provides an opportunity for the public to view and learn more about the process of art therapy. Client artwork is shared with the public only when they have given their consent, as the artwork is considered confidential. Art exhibitions can only be accessed by appointment.

9). How can I volunteer?

There are many ways you can volunteer! While we are unable to provide opportunities to work with clients, you can help The Art Therapy Project raise funds and spread awareness about art therapy through the following committees:
*Please note: while we appreciate your love of making and/or teaching art, we do not allow outside individuals or licensed professionals to work directly with clients.

Special Events Committee

Committee members assists in the production and execution of our organizational events Responsibilities include: planning events, securing sponsorships (in-kind/cash), soliciting auction items, cultivating supporters, recruiting event volunteers and coordinating event marketing as well as outreach.

Marketing Committee

Committee members assist with drafting and implementing our annual marketing plan as well as branding, creating visuals and organizing content for printed and digital materials. In addition, the committee helps with PR outreach which includes recruiting editors, writers and bloggers to attend our events.

The Young Professionals Leadership Group

The Young Professionals Leadership Group is a volunteer-driven group of passionate, clturally engaged and civic minded supporters under the age of 40. They seek to advance The Art herapy Project's mission through spreading awareness and raising funds through events.Committee responsibilities include fundraising, recruiting guests, securing sponsorships, articipating in and volunteering for our organizational events, as well as demonstrating an active committee voice.

If you would like to join any of these committees, please complete this form here and attach your resume.