The Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI) is a recognized training facility by the Canadian Art Therapy Association.
At VATI we train art therapists using a meta-theoretical, client centered approach. Although VATI acknowledges the historical foundation of the Institute and of the field of art therapy as being psychology-focused and psychodynamic in approach, we have expanded our foundation to include contemporary theories and approaches from a much broader paradigm.
WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
Art Therapy is a mental health profession that combines the process of creative art expression with models of counselling and psychotherapy to enhance emotional, physical, and mental health. Art Therapy provides the client with an opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials, resolve conflicts, and facilitate self-awareness and understanding, through the use of simple art materials. Art Therapy encourages the expression of emotions through a variety of artistic activities.
ART THERAPY AS A CAREER
While art therapy continues to develop as a profession, and has many more miles to travel, many graduates of VATI have been instrumental in taking their training all over Canada and the world. The recognition of art therapy as a healing modality is increasingly acclaimed and acknowledged as a unique form of treatment.
OUR APPROACH
Our curriculum challenges students to advance their therapeutic values and practical approaches through different lenses. We look to anthropology, sociology, aesthetic theory, social action and critical theory to encourage students to become more aware of themselves, and their clients, in the therapeutic frame. Our students see how social policy and theory affect human beings, and whole communities through their practicum experiences.
STUDIO PRACTICE
Our programs incorporate hands-on studio practice, giving our students an opportunity to experience a supported personal studio practice along with group processes, projects, and collaborations.
CLINIC & SUPERVISON
The Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI) offers a variety of ongoing support clinics and art therapy workshops:
MONTHLY SUPERVISION GROUPS
VATI offers monthly supervision groups for professional art therapists! We welcome you to join us for clinical support and the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the field. Groups are limited to 6 participants and engage both art making and discussion to work with issues related to professional practice.
VATI CLINIC
Free Individual Art Therapy ($10 materials fee). VATI offers an onsite art therapy clinic staffed by students from both of our programs. Students receive weekly supervision by our registered clinical supervisors.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CONTACT
1575 Johnston Street (Granville Island)
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6H 3R9
Phone: 604-681-8284
Fax: 604-331-8262
Email: info@vati.bc.ca