About NorCATA:
The Northern California Art Therapy Association (NorCATA) is a California Art Therapy organization dedicated to representing Art Therapists from an educational, professional development, training, and political action standpoint. In addition, NorCATA will pursue the highest professional and ethical standards to protect the public that it serves.
Art Therapy offers an opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials through verbal and non-verbal expression and to develop physical, emotional and/or learning skills through therapeutic art experiences. Although visual forms of expression have been basic to societies throughout recorded history, Art Therapy emerged as a profession in the 1930's.
The use of art as therapy is the recognition of art forms, content, processes and associations as reflections of an individual's personality, interests, fears and developmental abilities. Art Therapy implies that the creative process can be a means of fostering self-awareness and personal growth, as well as reconciling emotional conflicts. It can be used as treatment as well as an evaluation of groups and individuals of any age.
Copyright 2009 NorCATA: Northern California Art Therapy Association. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome
Ethics:
There is a growing interest in utilizing visual art in therapy and we would like to address the issue of adequate and specific training in the realm of symbolic expression. This letter is in the service of assisting educational facilities and other agencies with information regarding the field of Art Therapy. Art Therapy is predicated on the belief that as a creative and therapeutic discipline, it is unique and demands rigorous academic and practical training.
Through the observation and analysis of behavior, art products and client communications, the Art Therapist formulates diagnostic assessments and treatment plans as an inclusive and unique service. Art Therapists integrate training and experience in art and therapy with theories of human behavior, a knowledge of visual symbol production, an understanding of normal and abnormal behavior and development and training in interventions and methods, applying a holistic approach to treatment.
In order to become an "ATR" (Registered Art Therapist), Art Therapy students must complete a master's degree or a post masters certificate level training program. Competency begins after graduation when interns are required to acquire at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact using Art Therapy. These hours must be supervised by a credential therapist with a minimum of 500 hours supervised by an ATR. Art Therapists can then apply for the national board certification examination. The successful examinee may then use the credential designation of ATR-BC.
In order to sufficiently provide both the theoretical foundation and the practical application of Art Therapy, qualified instructors must meet the field's professional and educational requirements.
We represent the Northern California Art Therapy Association (NorCATA). NorCATA is an official affiliate and local chapter of the National organization, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). AATA is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that the creative process of making art is inherently healing and life enhancing.
As representatives of the local chapter of AATA, we welcome the opportunity to assist you in obtaining qualified, experienced Art Therapy instructors. Our referrals will provide you with Art Therapists who maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards.
NorCATA
Northern California Art Therapy Association
Our Mission:
The Northern California Art Therapy Association (NorCATA) is an affiliate chapter of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). It is a non-profit organization that:
- Promotes the therapeutic use of art throughout Northern California
- Promotes professional development through lectures, workshops, and conferences
- Promotes public awareness of Art Therapy through instructional presentations to community agencies
- Fosters networking and the development of support groups for Art Therapists through regional meetings
- Publishes a quarterly newsletter
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Contact us at info@norcata.org
To ALL new and returning members of NorCATA:
The login and password text fields to the right are new. This change is part of our effort to move the Northern California Art Therapy Association into GREENER pastures and practices! It will also help us serve you in a more timely and efficient manner.
In order to renew your NorCATA membership or to become a new NorCATA member, you will need to visit our Membership page or select:
"Not a member of NorCATA yet?
Click here to register." (at the right)
Either of these links will take you to our Membership page where you will select your level of membership. Then you will have the opportunity to pay your annual membership dues using PayPal via your PayPal account, or by credit/debit card.
You do not need to have, nor will you be required to set up, a PayPal account to use this feature successfully. You will have the option to complete your transaction using your credit/debit card.
Once you have completed your transaction you will receive your new username and password and we will instantly have a record of your successful payment! Your membership will be active for 12 months.
Honorary Members will also begin at the Membership page. Please follow the simple instructions to obtain your new username and password from the Director of Membership.
Things to Come:
Later this month you will have the opportunity to create your personal NorCATA Account. Input and manage your contact and directory information and much more. Also, be on the lookout for our Members Only section on the web site. Your username and password will provide access to important information and special features.
