Introduction
Art therapy is a way of using art for therapeutic purposes. It involves the use of visual and tactile media as a means of self-expression. Art therapists and art psychotherapists aim to enable clients both to discover an outlet for often complex and confusing emotions that cannot always be expressed verbally, and to foster within themselves self-awareness and growth. Practitioners have evolved distinct ways of working according to their specialism. They work in a clinical context where aspects of health, ill health, difficulties and impairments are a great part of what the client brings to the art therapy sessions. In this context and as registered health professionals, art therapists and art psychotherapists are expected to exercise clinical judgement as a means of practising safely and effectively.
The British Association of Art Therapists ('the Association') has issued this Code of Ethics and the supporting Principles of Professional Practice and Guidelines with the aim of providing members of the Association ('Members') with the fundamental principles, standards and guidelines for good practice. This is to support them in their work, as well as to inform and protect members of the public using their services.
Art therapy is a regulated profession and, in the United Kingdom, only those persons who are appropriately qualified and registered by the Health Professions Council ('HPC') may legally describe themselves art therapists or art psychotherapists. Membership of the Association is only open to registered art therapists and art psychotherapists.
Download full text of the Code of Ethics document (pdf)
Download the Code of Ethics Guidelines for BAAT Members (pdf)
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