Professional Qualifications
In the United Kingdom, the profession of art therapist is statutory regulated.
Art therapists or art psychotherapists (both titles are legally protected and inter-changeable)
have to complete postgraduate art therapy trainings (2-year full-time or 3-year part-time)
validated by the Health and Care Professions Council in order to be on the HCPC Register
and practise legally.
Art therapy training is a postgraduate level of education. Apart from theoretical study, experiential trainings, and clinical work placements with two clinical supervisions weekly, it is also mandatory for trainees to receive weekly psychodynamic personal therapy during their trainings.
The process of making art during art therapy can trigger strong feelings and unexpressed issues which can be overwhelming. Qualified therapists are trained to work with emotional distress in a safe environment to help you develop inner dialogue through the engagement with art creation. They also have to compile with professional requirements and Code of Ethics to ensure safe practice.
Clinical Supervision
HCPC Registered Art Therapists are required to undertake clinical supervision for the protection and welfare of service users. Contents discussed in supervision is confidential
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
HCPC Registered Art Therapists are also required to keep an ongoing portfolio of continuous professional development in order to keep themselves up to date with clinical practice.
How to know if an art therapist is registered?
Looking for a qualified practitioner for therapy is a way to look after your mental health. Although there is currently no statutory registration system for art therapists in Hong Kong yet, individuals who are looking for qualified and UK registered art therapists can go on to HCPC Register to check registration status before receiving professional service. You may also visit the website of Hong Kong Association of Art Therapists to look for qualified art therapists.
About Art Therapy
Service
>> Art Therapy Counselling Service
>> Art Therapy Emotion Support Group for Children
>> Art Thearpy Social Skills Group for Children
.
>> Adult Art Therapy Group
>> Carers Art Therapy Group
>> Elderly Art Therapy Group
Resource
>> HCPC
>> 英BAAT
>> HKAAT
Blog
>> Blog
What is HCPC?
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is a UK statutory regulator of over 280,000 professionals from 16 health and care professions, such as art psychotherapists/art therapists, drama therapists, music therapists, practitioner psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, radiographers, speech and language therapists, dietitian, etc. The Council reports its main purpose is to protect the public.
HCPC works to approve the uphold high standards of education and training and continuing good practice. The Council is also responsible for investigating public complaints and take necessary actions. It has the legal power to bar dangerous practitioners to protect the public.