ATR-BC case studies
ATR-BC · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC®) is the board certification offered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB℠), and ATCB describes it as representing the highest professional distinction in art therapy. It is awarded to Registered Art Therapists who successfully pass the national board certification examination, demonstrating advanced competency, comprehensive knowledge, and commitment to ongoing professional standards. Because board certification builds on the ATR℠ credential, candidates should hold an active ATR℠ first; ATCB notes that an ATR-BC® depends on an active ATR℠, so the certification is not current while the underlying ATR℠ is inactive. The ATR-BC case studies are 5 cases and about 2,248 words.
1The Mural That Wasn't Consented To
You are an art therapist at a community mental health center. During an open-studio group, a 16-year-old client, "R," paints a large mural on a shared hallway wall without asking permission.
488 words, about 2 min2Testing a Client Who Cannot Read
You are asked to evaluate a 58-year-old client, "M," who recently immigrated and speaks limited English. M has a history of stroke affecting the right hemisphere and reports difficulty with visual-spatial tasks.
441 words, about 2 min3The Client Who Wants to Take the Art Home
In an outpatient art therapy group for adults with chronic pain, a 41-year-old client, "D," creates a series of six charcoal drawings over eight weeks depicting a body in fragments. D asks to take all six home "to destroy them-they're ugly and they're me." D has been in treatment for four months, reports improved coping, and has no history of self-harm.
440 words, about 2 min4The Supervisee's Disclosure in Session
You supervise a second-year art therapy intern, "J," at a school-based program. J reports that during a session, a 9-year-old client asked whether J had ever been in foster care.
453 words, about 2 min5The Group Member Who Won't Make Art
You run a 10-week closed art therapy group for veterans with PTSD at a VA clinic. In week four, a member, "T," has produced nothing.
426 words, about 2 min