Faber-Castell USA and the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) are collaborating in an effort to expand access to mental health treatment that uses the healing power of art as a core tenet. AATA members are clinicians with Masters-level or higher degrees trained in art and therapy. These credentialed mental health care professionals work to advance their patient’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
As part of the collaboration, AATA members will use Faber-Castell art products and materials as part of its treatment program. Art therapists are trained in “what materials work best in treating specific diagnoses and challenges, and which materials and directives are most appropriate to achieve treatment goals.”
“We believe in creativity for life, from childhood through adulthood, and share in the American Art Therapy Association’s commitment to expand access to mental health through art-making,” says Jamie Gallagher, CEO of Faber-Castell USA. “Together, we strongly believe that art is for everyone — and the creative process, with the guidance of a professional art therapist, can help support and improve people’s lives, whether they are struggling to overcome illness, violence or trauma, or just managing everyday challenges.”
The range of individuals receiving art therapy is vast, with art therapists assisting victims of violence and trauma, including military service members, student survivors of mass shootings,displaced communities, people struggling with mental illness or substance abuse, older adults with dementia or experiencing isolation, children living with social or behavioral challenges such as autism, providers and caregivers facing burnout, and anyone coping with life’s challenges.
Faber-Castell will celebrate the beginning of its collaboration by attending the AATA’s annual conference, which takes place this week in Kansas City in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary.
