Art Therapists

Develop and lead art therapy programs and/or sessions with the goal of enhancing the mental, behavioral, and/or emotional health of clients.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT ART THERAPIST CAREERS

When words alone are ineffective in helping a client deal with challenging emotions and memories, art therapists employ the creative process to help them break through. To express and process inner concerns, art therapy integrates psychotherapy with the visual and bodily experience of creating art. Art therapists organise and deliver art therapy sessions or programmes to clients in order to improve their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. They create projects to meet the demands of each client, such as drawing or making a collage about an experience or constructing a clay sculpture portraying a wish for the future. Art therapists encourage their clients to reflect on their work and investigate its meaning. Art therapists conduct assessments, document clients' progress, and collaborate with others on client cases. They are most commonly found in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practise. Art therapists who work for themselves typically have responsibilities such as billing clients and marketing their firm. To enter the field, you must have a master's degree in art therapy and be licenced. Some states only licence art therapists, whereas others licence counsellors and therapists who may also perform art therapy. Art therapists bring the tools and materials that can assist people give voice to their inner experience... even if they don't have the words to express it.

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Wages


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Characteristics

Exposure to job hazards
Communication with others
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Critical decision making
Level of responsibilities
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Dealing and handling conflicts
Physical demands
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Competition for this position
Leadership

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Know More
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Know More
Thinking Creatively Know More

Areas of Study

Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Fine Arts Know More
Philosophy and Theology Know More
Psychology Know More
Sociology and Anthropology Know More
Therapy and Counseling Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More
Writing Know More