Art therapist jobs

Art therapists help individuals who have difficulty vocally expressing their feelings to express themselves via the medium of art by using a variety of visual media to do so. These visual media include paints, pastels, ink, and clay. They could deal with children and adults who have problems with their behavior and emotions, learning impairments or poor mental health, persons who fall somewhere on the autistic spectrum or those who have trouble communicating verbally and in writing. Consider going into art therapy if you're looking for a line of work that combines your artistic talents with providing clients with therapeutic support and guidance. This article will give a step-by-step guidance on how to become an art therapist, including a list of the necessary skills and certifications.

A step-by-step instruction manual on the process of entering the field of art therapy

In order to work as an art therapist in the UK, you need to get a postgraduate degree that is recognized by the relevant authorities. The following is a list of the steps that need to be taken if you are just starting out in your professional life and would want to become an art therapist:

1. Pursue an art-related undergraduate degree

Art therapists are required to have a deep understanding of, as well as a strong interest in, the visual arts. A bachelor's degree in an art-related field, such as fine art, visual arts, or art and design, is required for admission to the majority of postgraduate programs in the field of art therapy.

Students enrolled in programs that are related to health, education, or social care may also be eligible to apply to some postgraduate programs, but they must be able to demonstrate that they have a strong dedication to the arts and that they have experience creating art on their own. As a result, you could decide to get your bachelor's degree in a field like one of the following:

Education and/or instruction

Nursing

Rehabilitation via occupation

Psychology

Doing social work

In order to enroll in an undergraduate degree program, candidates often require two or three A-Levels in topics that are relevant to the program.

2. Gain appropriate job experience

A minimum of one year of work experience in an area that is related to art therapy is required for admission into a postgraduate program in the field of art therapy. This experience does not need to be connected to art, but you will need to prove that you have dealt with vulnerable individuals such as children who have difficulty learning or behaving appropriately, adults who are homeless, the elderly, or those who struggle with mental health issues. This may be done in a professional role, but it also can be done in a variety of other contexts, such as education, health, or youth work.

Instead of completing this task in a single full year, it might be done on a part-time basis over the course of many years. While you are still in school working for your undergraduate degree, you may want to start exploring for internships or other possibilities. You may, for instance, look for suitable job placements over the summer break, or you might inquire at nearby hospitals or clinics as to if there are any possibilities to observe art therapists or other healthcare professionals in their daily work.

3. Obtain an advanced degree in art therapy from an accredited institution.

You are required to have a postgraduate degree in art therapy that is recognized by the Health and Care Professions Council in order to practice as an art therapist (HCPC). As you continue your studies, you will acquire knowledge on the advantages and outcomes of art therapy from the neuroscientific, psychological, and evolutionary points of view. You will also get an understanding of the ethical and legal concerns that are linked with the practice of therapy. In most cases, classes will consist of a mix of lectures, seminars, and a supervised work placement where you will have the opportunity to put your newly acquired knowledge into practice.

4. Put in an application to get registered with professional organisations

After earning your credentials as a registered art therapist, you may want to think about becoming a member of one of the many additional professional organizations for art therapists. Being a member of a professional organization enables you to keep up of the latest news and advancements in your industry, such as newly discovered information or newly enacted laws. In addition to this, they provide possibilities for professional growth and networking, both of which may boost your reputation in the eyes of potential employers.

What kinds of talents are necessary for art therapists?

Art therapy is an unusual discipline since it mixes two industries that couldn't be more different from one another: medicine and the visual arts. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an art therapist, you will need to acquire a highly particular set of skills, such as the following:

A profound interest in as well as familiarity with the visual arts.

Excellent communication abilities in order to effectively interact with customers.

For a better knowledge of your customers, you should have strong observational and active listening abilities.

The capacity to develop solid, trustworthy connections with one's customers or clients.

Having compassion and understanding for your customers

The capacity to operate successfully and efficiently in collaboration with other art therapists and medical professionals

A comprehension of, and respect for, the confidentiality of client information, as well as sensitivity when dealing with personally identifiable information

A working strategy that is adaptable, innovative, and resourceful.

Both creative ability and imaginative capacity

Skills in business, administration, and entrepreneurship are highly useful, especially if you want to found your own company.

What are some of the tasks of an art therapist?

Typical responsibilities of an art therapist may include the following:

determining the specific requirements of each one of your customers by paying attention to their stories and asking questions

Participating in artistic endeavors of a creative nature with a number of different groups in a therapeutic environment

Keeping a risk-free atmosphere so that your customers may shop with confidence and not worry about their safety

Clients will be encouraged to explore with a variety of materials such as paper, paints, pastels, inks, and clay.

Utilizing the artwork of your customers to get insight into their sentiments, challenges, and personalities.

Providing assistance to one's clients in communicating their ideas and emotions via the medium of art and encouraging good behavioral and mental shifts on the part of your clients

Constructively questioning your clients' behavior and behaviors in a manner that allows them to feel comfortable and free from judgment

Participating in gatherings such as meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops in order to keep up with the latest happenings in the business and exchange innovative ideas and best practices.

Keeping the art therapy room in good repair while also handling administrative responsibilities

Making a case to other professionals or organizations about why employing an art therapist is a smart move is something that has to be done.

How much money can you earn working as an art therapist?

In the public sector, the average annual salary for an art therapist with less than five years of experience is £31,365. After gaining five years of experience, the median annual salary for an art therapist is £37,890. Art therapists with experience may make an annual salary anywhere from £38,890 to $44,503, whilst senior and principle art therapists earn between $45,753 and $51,668.

When working in the private sector, your employer, industry, area of expertise, and location all have a role in determining your salary level. In addition to their full-time practice, several art therapists also maintain adjunct or freelance careers.

Where exactly does an art therapist put in their time?

Art therapists are employed in a wide range of settings and organizations. Art therapists may be hired by the following organizations:

locations such as hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities

The legal and parole supervision system

Centers for the community

Services geared for children, adolescents, and adults

Centers for the Treatment of Dependency on Drugs and Alcohol

Hospices

Schools

Services of assistance for schools

Social services

Private practices

Depending on the amount of work that is currently available, many art therapists operate in many locations simultaneously. For instance, you may have sessions once a week in a clinic, a school, and an alcohol and drug dependence unit all at the same time.

What time commitment is required to become an art therapist?

Art therapists often adhere to the standard office hours of Monday through Friday. It is possible that you may need to work some weekends or other irregular hours in order to satisfy the requirements of your customers, especially if you have established your own practice. This will depend on your employer.

What kinds of opportunities for professional growth are there for art therapists?

In order to maintain your professional registration, you are required to participate in continuous professional development (CPD) for the duration of your career. This helps to ensure that your abilities and expertise are kept current.

Membership in professional organisations is very beneficial for continuing professional development (CPD) since these groups provide numerous chances for advancement, including seminars on psychotherapy training and other topics associated with the profession. In addition to that, they provide certified training at the Level 6 level in subjects such as art therapy supervision and working with children through art therapy.

What are the job opportunities available for someone who specializes in art therapy?

Art therapists do not follow a predetermined professional path; nevertheless, there are a variety of alternative methods to enhance their careers within the area. After gaining sufficient experience, you may be promoted to a management position where you are responsible for managing art therapists with less experience or heading an art therapy unit. Alongside the work that they do with their clients, some art therapists also conduct ongoing training sessions for groups of art therapists or teach brief courses.

Some art therapists prefer to specialize in a particular area, such as working with children on the autism spectrum or with patients who are receiving palliative care. Other art therapists choose to work in a more general capacity. You might also choose to concentrate on research or to work in higher education as a teacher or professor. These are also viable options. You could even come to the conclusion that it's time to launch your own business as an art therapist.