Art Therapist

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

Full time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part time courses take 3 years.

You should have a degree in art or creative therapies to do a postgraduate course.

You may be able to apply if you\'ve got a degree in a related subject, for example psychology, nursing or social work.

Entry requirements

You\'ll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You may be able to do an arts therapist degree apprenticeship.

You\'ll usually need a qualification or experience in art, drama or music to apply.

To get a job as an art therapist, you\'ll need paid or volunteering experience with:

  • community arts projects
  • youth work
  • people with disabilities or mental health issues

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You\'ll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you\'ll do

Day-to-day tasks

You might work with clients who have:

  • emotional, behaviour or mental health problems
  • speech and language difficulties
  • an injury or illness or are recovering from an addiction

You\'ll help clients:

  • gain greater awareness of their feelings
  • express themselves
  • work through their emotions
  • come to terms with difficult times in their lives
  • move on in a positive way

Working environment

You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become self employed and create your own business.

#J-18808-Ljbffr Salary: GBP 30000 - 42000 per year Experience: 3 years required
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