Frequently Asked Questions
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession where clients, guided by a licensed/ registered and board certified art therapist, use various art forms and the creative process to express their emotions, address emotional conflicts, increase self-awareness, manage behaviors, develop social skills, promote reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and boost self-esteem. The primary goal of art therapy is to help clients improve their functioning and overall sense of well-being.
How is therapeutic arts different than art therapy?
Therapeutic arts is a form of coaching that is great for daily stress management and to explore art on an emotional level. Therapeutic arts can be for anybody and everybody. Art therapy incorporates psychotherapy and theoretical models with art media to address mental health. Diagnoses may be provided and treated at this level of care dependent on state regulations.
Who can benefit from art therapy?
Art therapy is applied in a wide range of settings, including mental health, rehabilitation, healthcare, education, forensic environments, wellness centers, private practices, and community programs. It is effective for individuals across different age groups and backgrounds, addressing issues related to developmental, medical, educational, and psychological challenges. Art therapy can be helpful for people who have experienced trauma—such as from combat, abuse, or natural disasters—as well as those managing physical health conditions like cancer, brain injuries, or other disabilities. It also supports individuals with conditions such as autism, dementia, depression, and a variety of psychological disorders. The therapeutic process helps clients resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal relationships, manage behaviors, alleviate stress, and gain personal insight. In addition to its therapeutic benefits, art therapy provides a creative outlet for self-expression and emotional release.
For more information, visit the American Art Therapy Association at www.arttherapy.org.
What is an ATR-BC?
An ATR (Registered Art Therapist) and an ATR-BC (Board Certified Art Therapist) are credentials given to qualified mental health professionals in the field of art therapy. To become an art therapist, one must hold a master’s degree in art therapy. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) ensures that art therapists meet the necessary educational and professional standards, which are crucial in any human services profession. The ATR credential indicates that an art therapist has completed the required graduate-level education and gained supervised clinical experience. The ATR-BC credential represents the highest level of certification in art therapy. To earn this distinction, an art therapist must pass a national examination that demonstrates a thorough understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of art therapy.
For more information, visit the Art Therapy Credentials Board at https://www.atcb.org.
What is a LPAT?
NJ LPAT - The designation of New Jersey Licensed Professional Art Therapist is a specific license to practice the profession of Art Therapy in the State of New Jersey. Danielle Dumont is a licensee holder to practice mental health therapy and services under the Uniform Code of NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE TITLE 13 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPTER 45C.
For more information on my license to practice Art Therapy visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Creative Arts and Activities Therapies https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/art
Do I need to be an artist or have art experience to benefit?
No experience is necessary for any healing arts service! A client's process is always welcomed and supported, never judged. You do not need to have artistic ability or special talent to participate. It's encouraged to be open to the experience with a willingness to explore and engage with the creative process.
What age range do you work with?
I work with all ages and meet a wide variety of needs.
Will you teach me art techniques?
When engaging in art therapy, I will not be teaching you how to draw or paint in a technical sense. Instead, I will introduce different art prompts / materials which will help inspire your creativity!
I will hold a space free of judgement for you to create freely. We’ll focus on how you feel during the process of art making, not the final product or what the art looks like once you’re finished.
What supplies do I need?
In person sessions: I will provide basic art materials. If you are interested in working with other materials, feel free to bring them to the session!
Virtual Sessions:
You will provide the materials you would like to work with. I would be happy to recommend supplies.
How frequently should sessions take place?
I meet with clients on a biweekly/ monthly basis. Tune into what your needs are and we can find a schedule that meets your needs!