Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing. Through creating art and talking about art and the process of art making with an art therapist, one can increase awareness of self, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive abilities, and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of artistic creativity. Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy and hold a masters degree in art therapy or a related field. Art therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults and provide services to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. They often work as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; art studios; and independent practices. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, clay, and other mediums) for treatment and assessment and conduct research as well as provide consultations to allied professionals.http://www.arttherapy.org/

VATA's Mission Statement: As an Affiliate Chapter of the American Art Therapy Association, we are committed to upholding the mission, standards and goals set forth by AATA. Our regional mission is to support and promote the field of art therapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia. To this end, our goals include facilitation of networking opportunities for art therapists, organization of workshops/symposiums for education purposes, establishment of alliances with other mental health providers, and promotion of public awareness of the field.