The Vancouver Art Therapy Institute Association (Business Registration Number: 119281145RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the professional training and development of art therapy practitioners. Founded in 1982, the institute operates as a society and charitable organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a mission to educate and empower art therapists who actively contribute to both the art therapy community and the broader public sphere.

History and Background

Established in 1982, the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute Association has been a foundational institution in the field of art therapy education in Canada. It has focused on producing graduates who not only possess professional competencies but also serve as ambassadors representing the art therapy discipline to the larger community. The institute has maintained its credibility and standing by securing accreditation through the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) since 1998.

Programs and Training

The institute offers comprehensive professional training programs primarily in art therapy and expressive arts therapy. Its curriculum is designed to serve a range of learners, including those seeking foundational education as well as advanced practitioners aiming to deepen their expertise.

• Art Therapy Programs: These are structured as diploma programs requiring applicants to hold a bachelor's degree. The standard art therapy program spans approximately 18 months and is available part-time, incorporating both distance learning and face-to-face components.
• Expressive Arts Therapy Programs: These programs complement the core art therapy education by including broader expressive arts modalities, helping trainees develop versatile therapeutic skills.

The programs emphasize experiential learning and are delivered by a diverse and accomplished faculty, ensuring a rich educational environment.

Organizational Structure

As a nonprofit society, the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute Association is governed by a board of directors. Leadership includes figures such as Tatjana Jansen, who serves as director and a member of the board. The organization focuses on educational support services and continuing professional development for art therapists.

Contribution and Community Role

The Vancouver Art Therapy Institute Association plays a significant role in advancing the art therapy profession in Canada by:

• Providing accredited and high-quality educational programs.
• Preparing art therapists to be active and engaged members within both local and global art therapy communities.
• Supporting the professional integration of art therapists into various clinical and community settings.

Through its educational offerings and community engagement, the institute contributes to the mental health and well-being sectors by promoting the therapeutic use of art as a medium for healing and self-expression.

Note: Contact details and direct communication information have been excluded in accordance with content guidelines.

[1] https://www.vati.bc.ca [2] https://granvilleisland.com/directory/vancouver-art-therapy-institute-vati [3] https://bcarttherapy.com/resources/ [4] https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.vancouver_art_therapy_institute_association_the.caf1a49cea36afe977960cfdbb8fb21c.html [5] https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/post-secondary-programs/art-therapy/vancouver-art-therapy-institute/2d0a87a4-1e90-4904-b009-a15501002301/