An art therapist uses the arts to treat the psychological dysfunctions of patients. The career combines creativity and psychology in one very efficient neurotherapeutic treatment package.
The logic behind this fairly new medical field is that individuals who have experienced some form of trauma or stress and have damaged the way they think and act, can be repaired and rejuvenated through creative expression. In simpler terms, the belief behind this form of therapy is that art can heal all wounds.
If you’re interested in this type of alternative therapy, use these tips to pursue an art therapy education and training. You can take many of the classes required to become an art therapist at an accredited online school. If you’re interested in becoming an art therapist, use these tips to help.
- Assess yourself. Before you start the initial training required to become an art therapist, you will need to deeply examine yourself to see if you have the capability to fulfill the job as an art therapist. Art therapists need to be exceptional listeners with a passion for art. In addition, you will need to have a strong desire to help people through mental and emotional healing processes. If you have these highly desired qualities, then art therapy may be the career path for you.
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. Once you have decided to pursue this creative therapy career path, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), a degree in psychology is required to proceed to the advanced training needed to land an art therapist job. It is important to find a college or university that has a reputable psychology program and complete all of the necessary undergraduate courses. Once you complete the program and earn your bachelor’s degree, continued education is required for this career path.
- Earn your master’s degree in art therapy. For a list of the accredited schools that offer post-graduate programs in art therapy, check out the American Art Therapy Association website. A master’s degree in art therapy is typically required for employment. You’ll need at least 24 units of coursework to be in core art therapy courses. Very few employers allow a bachelor’s degree job candidate to do art therapist work.
- Get certified. Not all states require certification to legally practice art therapy; however it would be beneficial for the student to become certified through the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Getting certified will gives the student an edge on competition when applying for jobs in the field.
- Search for jobs. Searching for art therapy jobs can be done through the Internet on job search boards and posts. Potential candidates may also send their resume and cover letters to psychiatric facilities and alternative medicine institutions. The American Art Therapy Association website offers job listings and additional information about the profession. Registration and membership is required to use the site.
A career in art therapy can be challenging yet highly rewarding. The outlook for art therapy jobs is favorable over the next ten years due to the number of aged and the increasing senior population. There are also a growing number of opportunities within the juvenile justice system and private psychiatric facilities. An increase in jobs of nearly 10% is expected over the next decade. The average art therapist earns $40,000 a year. When you land an art therapy job, make sure to keep learning about the industry and take classes to further your knowledge of the profession.