The 2004-2005 National Survey of Members of the National and Provincial Art Therapy Associations in Canada
by Helene Burt, DA, RCAT, ATR
http://www.tati.on.ca/pdf/arttherapistsurvey.pdf

About Art Therapy

Art Therapy involves helping children and adults become self-aware and deal with emotional and psychological issues through a collaborative process utilizing simple art materials such as tempera paint, oil pastels, chalk pastels, markers, and clay. In this process, the art therapist facilitates the client's non-verbal and verbal expression and understanding of the thematic patterns emerging through the art.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM ART THERAPY? - Anyone!

Pre-school and school age children can use art therapy to help them with difficulties in adjusting to the loss of a family member, the separation and/or divorce of their parents, a new sibling, a move, special needs as a result of a learning disability, physical handicaps, school adjustment, hyperactivity, or their need for greater independent functioning.

Adolescents and young adults can resolve identity crises, unresolved conflicts in familial relationships, blocks in their development toward greater autonomy and maturity, and the underlying issues relevant to substance abuse and eating disorders.

It is helpful for adults who suffer from mental health issues such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD and schizophrenia. Those experiencing relational difficulties, disability, separation or divorce, parenting issues, substance use, and unresolved feelings about losses, incest, sexual abuse, and trauma can also benefit from this modality of treatment.

Senior citizens can express their feelings about aging, life-threatening illnesses, losses, and changes in their self-image and life style.