Art Therapist

What is an art therapist?

An art therapist is a professional who combines art and therapy to help people express themselves, improve mental and emotional well-being, and explore personal issues through creative processes.

What does an art therapist do?

Usually, an art therapist does the following:

• Works with clients to understand their thoughts and emotions through art-making
• Designs and facilitates art therapy sessions to help individuals or groups explore their feelings and experiences
• Helps clients develop coping skills and improve self-esteem through art interventions
• Observes and analyzes client artwork to gain insight into their emotional state
• Works collaboratively with other mental health professionals to develop treatment plans for clients
• Documents and evaluates the progress and effectiveness of art therapy interventions

What does the day-to-day life of an art therapist look like?

The day-to-day life of an art therapist can vary depending on the setting they work in. They may work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices. Some tasks they might do include:

• Planning and preparing art therapy sessions
• Meeting with clients for individual or group sessions
• Providing guidance and support during art-making processes
• Assessing and interpreting client artwork
• Writing session notes and treatment plans
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as psychologists or social workers, on client cases

Where does an art therapist work?

Art therapists work in various settings, including:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities: They may work with patients undergoing medical treatment or rehabilitation.
• Schools and educational institutions: They may work with children or teenagers facing emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Mental health clinics and counseling centers: They may work with individuals or groups dealing with mental health issues.
• Private practices: Some art therapists establish their own practices and work with clients on a one-on-one basis.

What tools/software/hardware does an art therapist use?

An art therapist primarily uses art materials and supplies, such as paints, clay, markers, and paper. They may also use other therapeutic tools, like sand trays, puppets, or creative visualization exercises. While not necessary, some art therapists may use digital art tools or software for certain interventions.

What do I need to become an art therapist?

To become an art therapist in the UK, you typically need:

• A Master's degree in Art Therapy: This is the most common and recognized qualification for art therapists. It usually involves a combination of coursework, supervised clinical placements, and a research project.
• Registration with a professional body: After completing your degree, you need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Art Therapist. This ensures that you meet the professional standards for practice.
• Continuous professional development: Art therapists are encouraged to engage in ongoing training and development to enhance their skills and knowledge.

What career paths are available?

There are various career paths available to art therapists, including:

• Senior Art Therapist: With experience and further training, art therapists can take on more senior roles, overseeing teams or programs and providing supervision to less experienced therapists.
• Clinical Supervisor or Consultant: Some art therapists may choose to specialize in providing clinical supervision or consultancy services to other professionals or organizations.
• Researcher or Academic: Art therapists can pursue research opportunities or teach in academic settings to contribute to the field's knowledge and understanding.

What jobs are similar to an art therapist?

• Play Therapist: Similar to art therapy, play therapists use play-based interventions to help children express and work through their emotions.
• Music Therapist: Music therapists use music and sound-based techniques to support individuals' emotional well-being and personal growth.
• Dance Movement Therapist: Dance movement therapists use movement and dance to promote self-expression and explore emotional and physical experiences.

What made you want to become an art therapist?

How did you get your first art therapist job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an art therapist?

Are you an art therapist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to art therapy. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.