Art Therapy FAQs
What sort of equipment and materials should I be getting for starters?
If you already dabble in art, then you probably already have started collecting equipment and materials. I often shop at the discount stores in their craft and stationary sections, and sometimes that inspires creative therapy ideas for specific clients. At times I go online and shop through Amazon for more specific things such as, a grinder for shaping mosaic tiles. I stock a wide variety of equipment such as, coloured pencils, texters, sharpies, paint pens, charcoal pencils, crayons, pastels, paint (acrylic, watercolour, gauche, paint pours), modelling clay, mosaicking equipment, glitter, glue, buttons, ribbons, different things to collage, stamps, card making material, etc.
DO NOT feel you need to go out and buy all of the above-mentioned materials. Just start gradually and keep your receipts for tax time. Another item I find handy are foldable baskets so you can pack and then unpack away whatever you have needed for a session.
Should something be signed by a client and what should be in an agreement?
Yes, I would suggest always having a service agreement in place. A service agreement defines the rights and responsibilities as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant, and our rights and responsibilities as their service provider. A service agreement also describes how your participant wants their services and supports to be arranged and delivered by you, and it protects both the participant and you the provider. I have done all the hard work and have a template that you can download on my website.
How long does an Art Therapy session normally take?
That really depends on your participant and their needs and goals. I have had sessions from half an hour (for a 4yr old), 45 minutes (primary school) to adult clients that I see weekly for 2 to 3 hours. I recommend booking at least 1-hour sessions and nothing less. Adult clients, especially, can take that first half hour just to warm up and get their creative juices flowing. You also need to take the participants disability into consideration. Do they need more or less time, will they need to take a break, etc.
Can anyone in Australia call themselves an art therapist or a creative arts therapist?
Art therapists are mental health professionals who are trained to use creative methods in their work. Under the NDIS, art therapy is classed as an Allied Health Provider. This is very different to an art teacher. In Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong, creative arts therapy is a self-regulating profession so there is no title protection. This means there is no restriction on who can call themselves an art therapist or a creative arts therapist (source). However, I would highly suggest you undertake an Art Therapy Course if you haven’t already done so. A counselling course would also be highly beneficial if you haven’t had any counselling experience.
How is Art Therapy Funded?
Art therapy is usually funded from the Improved Daily Living budget. However, some participants are eligible for Disability Related Health Supports which can be taken from the Core budget and can support a very wide range of goals, such as:
· health and wellbeing
· self-care
· community participation
· social skills
· confidence building
· improved relationships
It can also support more specific goals, such as employment, education, or improved living arrangements. It does this by assisting the participant to explore barriers to achieving their goals and/or generate new strategies for working towards them.
Do you need to provide protection for a client’s clothing and surface areas where you’re working?
I provide aprons, drop sheets, and table protectors for my clients. I went to Bunnings and got 3 metres of sturdy clear plastic cut which comes on big rolls in a variety of thicknesses. I ended cutting mine into 1 metre lengths, so they were easier to fold up. I just hose them off or pop them in the washing machine when they need a clean. No one seems to care about the paint stains. These can be used for the floor and/or tabletop. You can get aprons at discount stores or if you want fancy ones you can shop for them online. You can also get disposable aprons from catering stores. I utilise both options.
Can you use music when doing art therapy?
Absolutely yes! If your client doesn’t have any sensory issues, I would highly recommend playing music. My clients and I often sing along together (well I try to). There is plenty of published research out there on the benefits of listening to music and mental health.
Stay Humble,
Jo