ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the reality of multiple professional identities when considering credentials, representing one’s self, and maintaining professional relationships as art therapists inherently hold multiple identities (e.g., therapist, artist, art educator) concerned with artmaking (the art part) and the practice of psychotherapy (the therapy part). Pursuing credentialing and/or licensure can incur a thought-provoking and tense decision-making process further complicated by holding a dual degree (art therapy and counseling) or an additional mental health graduate degree (e.g., doctorate in psychology). Navigating this choice requires a hard look at continued state residency versus likelihood of relocation, portability of licensure/credentials, expense, and commitment to the field. A supervisee may need to engage several supervisors throughout the process of obtaining credentialing and/or licensure. This chapter explores different perspectives and values regarding achievement of professional goals through licensure and credentials. We provide several methods of tracking supervision hours and other continuing education efforts to assist in this complex task. This chapter includes a clinical supervision vignette by the first author, and practice prompts for supervisors to create their own supervision disclosure statement.
