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art therapist
Art therapists encourage self-expression through the non-verbal communication of art. Art therapists can work with children, young people, adults and older people. Their clients can include:
- people recovering from head and stroke injuries
- those trying to come to terms with a traumatic event
- individuals experiencing mental or physical illness
- people living with learning difficulties
- children or adults with autism spectrum disorder.
They encourage their clients to discuss and work through emotional difficulties, using various art materials. Much of the work will take place on a one-to-one basis, however, art therapists will also run group discussions and creative activities.
Art therapists work alongside psychologists and psychotherapists, nurses and social workers. Liaising with these professionals as well as the client’s family is an important aspect of this job.
Hours and Environment
Art therapists will usually work 9am to 5pm.
As a therapist you may be based in a general or specialised hospital, day care or community centre. You may need to travel between centres, so a driving licence will be useful.
Skills and Interests
As an art therapist you need:
- experience in working within the arts
- a strong interest or background in psychology
- a mature outlook, and the ability to handle sensitive and difficult issues
- the ability to gain clients’ trust and confidence
- strong communication skills for working with people on an individual basis or in a group.
Entry
To work as an art therapist you need to complete a postgraduate diploma (or Masters) approved by the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). When you have qualified, you need to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC). Both the BAAT and HPC hold details of approved courses; check Further Information for details.
The entry requirements for an approved postgraduate course will usually include a degree in art and design. Graduates in other subjects, for example, teaching, psychology or social work may also be considered.
To get onto a degree course you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three H grades. For art and design courses you will also be expected to have a portfolio of artwork, which can be achieved by completing an art foundation course.
Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
When you are applying to get on a course, and when you are looking for work in this field, relevant paid or voluntary experience perhaps with a local community-based arts project, in the health service, or within education will be useful if not essential. Experience of working specifically with clients who have mental health issues, physical disabilities or related problems would be a particularly good preparation for this work.
Training
The BAAT and HPC approved postgraduate diploma (or Masters) in Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy is offered by several universities throughout the UK. Courses will usually take you around two years if you study full-time, and three years part-time.
During training you will cover subjects such as psychology, child development and family dynamics, psychiatry, philosophy and the history and development of art therapy. You will take part in practical training and clinical placements, and you will undergo personal therapy yourself.
As a registered art therapist you are required to maintain your skills. The BAAT provide short courses which can help you with continuing professional development. Throughout your career you will have regular supervision sessions with another therapist who is a registered supervisor.
Within this area you can go on to carry out research at PhD level.
Opportunities
As an art therapist you will find most work opportunities in the NHS and with local authority social services departments. There are possibilities for work in the private health care sector, voluntary sector, with drug and alcohol services, and the prison service.
With experience you may be able to progress to senior grades within the NHS for example, or train as a registered art therapist supervisor.
As an art therapist you can work on a freelance basis.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
A newly qualified art therapist in the NHS can earn between £23,000 and £31,000 a year.
With experience this salary can rise to around £36,000.
Depending on the organisation, senior or principal therapists can earn up to around £43,000 a year.
Further information
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866
London
N1 9PD
Tel: 020 7686 4216
Back To Arts Crafts and Design Careers
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice