PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
A professional Therapist
does not work in isolation and is required to practice legally and
ethically in accordance with the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Art
Therapists, and the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
Regular Clinical Supervision for the Therapist is essential for
safe practice and must always be considered during any negotiations
within a school setting; this will be
sourced and commissioned by the therapist outside of school if working
freelance.
Art therapists, along with
music and drama therapists are state regulated with the Health and Care
Professions Council (HCPC) (www.hcpc-uk.org). In order to practise in
the UK as an art therapist or art psychotherapist (both titles are protected by law),
practitioners are legally bound to be registered with the HCPC.
Registration with the HCPC demands high standards of education and
clinical practice and ensures public protection.
The British Association of
Art Therapists (BAAT) is the professional organisation for art
therapists in the United Kingdom and has its own Code of Ethics of
Professional Practice. Comprising regional groups and a European and
International section, it maintains a comprehensive directory of
qualified art therapists and works to promote art therapy in the UK.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is
another regulating body that ensures that safe and professional
practice is observed and undertaken within the counselling and
psychotherapy professions.
