Standards of Practice
CATA-ACAT’s Standards of Practice is a comprehensive set of guidelines which the members of an organization are obligated to abide by. It provides a framework of principles that describes the knowledge, skills, and values inherent in Canada’s art therapy profession. These standards articulate the goals and aspirations of the collective profession. They convey a vision of professionalism that guides the daily practices of members of the Canadian Art Therapy Association.
CATA-ACAT members are to strive to be current in their professional knowledge and recognize its relationship to practice. They understand and reflect on student development, learning theory, pedagogy, curriculum, ethics, educational research and related policies and legislation to inform professional judgment in practice.
CATA-ACAT members are to apply professional knowledge and experience to promote learning. They use appropriate pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, resources and technology in planning for and responding to the needs of individual clients. All members are to continuously refine their professional practice through ongoing inquiry, dialogue and reflection.
A violation of the Standards of Practice can result in an Ethics complaint mechanism being initiated that can be registered by any member of the public, member, or practitioner. A violation of Standards of Practice can be seen as negligence, result in disciplinary action, and is likely to be a legal issue.
Motions Passed for Revisions - November 2021
The following motions regarding Indigenizing Art Therapy have been passed by membership at our AGM on Saturday, November 20, 2021.
That CATA-ACAT honours and takes immediate action on the TRC Calls to Action and that Indigenous Ethics of Respectful Reciprocal Relationality and prohibition of exploitive relationships be an accepted Standards of Practice and Education.
As outlined in the letter to CATA-ACAT board on June 16th, 2021 from Dr. Fyre Jean Graveline, Jean Tait and Jen Vivian, that CATA-ACAT revisions the Art Therapy Standards of Practice and Education to address the four crucial areas that are identified in the letter: Embracing Cultural Knowledge, Recognizing Collective Trauma, Indigenous Ethics and Restoring Relationality.
That continued learning for practicing art therapists prior to or who are currently working with Indigenous Peoples and Communities be required.