Art Therapist
An art therapist is a specialized recreational therapist who integrates artistic activities with psychotherapy to address various psychological, physical, and emotional challenges. These professionals often have backgrounds in art and a passion for helping individuals through creative expression. Art therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and shelters, where they facilitate both individual and group therapy sessions. While artistic skill is beneficial, the focus is more on the therapeutic process and the ability to encourage clients to express themselves rather than on the final artistic product.
Key qualities for art therapists include empathy, patience, and strong communication skills, as they need to connect with clients who may be dealing with trauma, mental health issues, or special needs. Their responsibilities involve assessing client needs, designing treatment programs, and evaluating progress through art-making activities. Educationally, becoming an art therapist typically requires a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, followed by a master's degree in art therapy for certification. This role not only supports emotional healing but also fosters personal growth through the creative process.
Art Therapist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Art, creative thinking, encouraging others to express themselves
Earnings (Yearly Median): $51,330 per year $24.68 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work.An art therapist is a recreational therapist who specializes in the use of art in conjunction with psychotherapy to help treat a variety of psychological, physical, and emotional issues. Most art therapists have a background in art or are art enthusiasts who take satisfaction in helping people. Some are trained caregivers. They believe in the value of painting, drawing, sculpture, and other artistic activities to alleviate pain and stress, aid in recovery from a mental illness or trauma, or otherwise help people lead more fulfilling lives.
Work Environment. Art therapists work in offices or treatment/therapy rooms in various medical and mental health institutions. They also work in counseling centers at schools, recreational rooms in prisons, senior citizen centers, domestic violence shelters, and other locations where therapeutic services are rendered or required. They interact mostly with patients or clients and may also collaborate regularly with other healthcare professionals, social workers and teachers. Most therapists work during regular daytime hours, although evenings and weekends may be part of their schedules based on client needs.
Occupation Interest. Art therapists must be passionate about helping people and comfortable around those with special needs. They need to be creative and imaginative thinkers to apply their knowledge and skills to specific cases. While a high level of artistic ability is valued, it is not necessary. More importantly, the therapist needs to be able to encourage others to be expressive and believe deeply in the importance of art in healing and personal growth. Other necessary qualities include patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Art therapists work with individuals by appointment or with groups of patients in regularly scheduled workshops or sessions. A mental health organization might offer an art class every day or once a week that is attended by a select group of patients. An art therapist may also arrange to meet with patients individually in his or her office or studio. They may specialize in the needs of a targeted population, such as children, the elderly, or the terminally ill, or those with emotional or mental health concerns.
Art therapists are not art teachers, although in some situations they do work on developing artistic skills and techniques; rather, they are more concerned with the process of creativity and their patients’ ability to express themselves. Some of their projects may require little artistic prowess beyond the ability to scribble or cut and paste.
The art therapist’s first task is to assess the needs of the patient and devise a treatment program. In many cases, an art therapist receives patients by referral and is provided with a relevant diagnosis and set of goals to use as a springboard. He or she then selects activities that work towards fulfilling those treatment goals. For example, to treat depression, an art therapist might have a patient draw or paint about events that are deeply seated in the unconscious. Similarly, an art therapist might arrange for children who have been traumatized by war to make paper dolls to help lessen their fear or guide a group of teenagers with low self-esteem as they collaborate on a quilt or mural.
As the treatment unfolds, the art therapist observes behavior, analyzes the work, evaluates progress, and prepares reports to share with other therapists or doctors. The therapist also maintains supplies and tools and makes purchases when necessary. Some therapists also do their own billing and other paperwork.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Art therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, prisons, senior citizen centers, and schools. Art therapists mostly use nontoxic materials that do not pose a health hazard, although they may work occasionally with a ventilation system. They also select tools and equipment with the safety of patients in mind.
Human Environment. Art therapy requires strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. A therapist must be able to work one-on-one and with a group of patients. If on a team of professionals, which is often the case, the therapist communicates regularly with doctors, psychologists, teachers, recreation leaders, or other staff. Most report directly to a supervisor and may be responsible for assistants or part-time employees.
Technological Environment. Art therapists use computer technology for many different applications, including projects with their patients. Art tools and media are dependent on projects, but could include a sewing machine, pottery wheel, woodworking tools, or a dry mounting press and printer for photography. Standard office equipment is also used.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A college preparatory program supplemented with art courses and psychology will provide the best foundation for post-secondary studies. Other courses that develop the imagination, such as music, theatre, or creative writing, can also be useful. Also important are extracurricular activities and volunteer work in the arts or with people with special needs.
Postsecondary. A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation is the minimum requirement for state licensing. Coursework may include the arts, psychology, research methods, human development, theories of therapy, assessment and evaluation, therapeutic techniques, and ethics. An undergraduate internship or practicum provides the necessary clinical experience for licensure.
Graduate degrees in art therapy can be helpful for career development. A master’s degree in art therapy or a similar program is required for certification as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). Most professional positions require this certification. In most cases, a doctorate or several years of experience is necessary for advancement. Often, advancement can result in more creative freedom and teaching opportunities, or the ability to move into a supervisory position or private practice.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Recreational Therapists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/recreational-therapists.htm. Accessed 11 Sept. 2023.