How to Become an Art Therapist

Art therapy uses a creative process to treat a wide range of mental health issues that stem from repressed pain or trauma. It allows a person to use a wide variety of tools and techniques, such as watercolour, charcoal and oil pastels, among others, to express their thoughts and feelings and improve their overall wellbeing.

This article takes you through the skills and qualifications that you need in order to become a certified art therapist who can help others identify and overcome their emotional battles.

The Vital Role of Art Therapists

In the dynamic landscape of health care, the role of art therapists has gained recognition and importance. Art therapists bring a unique perspective and therapeutic approach to patient care, offering a valuable contribution to the wellbeing and healing process. Let's explore the vital role of art therapists in healthcare settings.

Art therapy harnesses the power of creative expression, enabling patients to communicate and explore their emotions, thoughts and experiences through various art mediums. This therapeutic modality goes beyond words, providing a nonverbal outlet for self-expression and healing.

One of the primary roles of an art therapist in health care is to address the psychosocial and emotional needs of patients. They work closely with individuals facing physical or mental health challenges, helping them navigate their emotions, reduce stress and enhance their overall quality of life.

In hospitals and medical facilities, art therapists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop holistic treatment plans. They engage with patients dealing with chronic illnesses, undergoing medical procedures or managing the emotional impact of a diagnosis. By utilising art therapy techniques, they create a safe space for patients to process their experiences, express their fears and find strength and resilience.

Art therapists also play a critical role in mental health settings within healthcare. They work with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma or addiction, providing a therapeutic outlet for emotional healing. Through art-making, patients can externalize their inner world, gain insights and develop healthy coping strategies. Art therapy supports their journey toward self-discovery, self-expression and personal growth.

Moreover, art therapists offer support to patients and their families during end-of-life care or palliative care. They create opportunities for expression, reflection and legacy building, helping patients find meaning and dignity during challenging times. Art therapy can provide comfort, support grief work and facilitate emotional connections between patients and their loved ones.

In addition to direct patient care, art therapists contribute to research, program development, and advocacy within healthcare. They conduct studies to evaluate the efficacy of art therapy interventions, demonstrating its positive impact on patient outcomes. They collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop evidence-based practices, integrating art therapy into comprehensive care models.

It is important to note that art therapists adhere to professional ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality to ensure patient safety and trust. They work within a client-centered framework, tailoring interventions to meet individual needs and goals. Art therapists continuously engage in professional development, staying updated on the latest research, techniques and best practices in the field.

Art therapists play a vital role in health care by utilising the transformative power of art to support patients' emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing. Their expertise contributes to the holistic care of individuals facing various health challenges, helping them navigate their journeys toward healing and resilience.

What's Involved in the Job?

A career in art therapy is a rewarding one as it focuses on emotional expression rather than artistic expression, which is the goal of traditional artists. The concentration in art therapy is on motivating a person to communicate what they couldn't verbally by using several types of art media. Being an expressive therapy, it must be conducted by a registered art therapist with excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills in order to assist clients in overcoming their emotional difficulties.

Source: The Art of Autism

A qualified art therapist can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Mental health facilities
• Aged care facilities
• Correctional facilities
• Homeless shelters
• Palliative care
• Private practice

It's important to note that the practitioner's artistic skills are secondary to the personal insights that they can gain from each art therapy session. After carefully assessing their clients' emotional issues, mental health conditions or behavioural problems, mental health professionals who work in the field of art therapy are responsible for developing a healing program tailored to each of their clients' specific needs.

Pursuing an art therapist career means working with diverse groups of clients, ranging from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly, each faced with different emotional and psychological issues.

The Art Therapist's Toolbox: Essential Skills and Qualities

Being an art therapist goes beyond having a passion for art. It requires a unique set of skills and qualities to create a safe and therapeutic environment for clients. Here are six key skills and qualities that art therapists should possess:

1. Creativity: Art therapists need a strong creative foundation and an ability to think outside the box. They use various art materials and techniques to help clients express themselves and explore their emotions.

2. Empathy: Empathy is crucial for establishing a genuine connection with clients. Art therapists should be able to understand and relate to the experiences and emotions expressed through art.

3. Active Listening: Listening attentively and without judgement is a fundamental skill for art therapists. They must be able to hear not only the words but also the nonverbal cues expressed through art.

4. Communication Skills: Art therapists should possess excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills. They need to effectively communicate instructions, ask open-ended questions and facilitate meaningful dialogue with clients.

5. Cultural Sensitivity: Art therapists work with diverse populations, and cultural sensitivity is vital. They must respect and understand the cultural backgrounds, beliefs and values of their clients.

6. Flexibility: Each client is unique, and art therapists must adapt their approach to meet individual needs. Flexibility allows them to tailor therapeutic interventions and techniques based on client preferences and goals.

Developing these skills and qualities takes time and practice. Engaging in self-reflection, seeking feedback from supervisors or mentors and participating in personal therapy can aid in honing these essential traits for a successful career in art therapy.

Navigating the Educational Pathway

Embarking on a career as an art therapist requires a solid educational foundation. While specific requirements may vary by region and institution, there are common educational paths to consider. One popular route is obtaining a master's degree in art therapy or a related field. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of art therapy theory, research and clinical practice.

Additionally, aspiring art therapists may need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours to meet licensing or certification requirements. These clinical hours can be fulfilled through internships, practicum placements or supervised art therapy sessions.

It's essential to research accredited programs that align with your career goals and meet the necessary professional standards. Accredited programs often provide opportunities for specialised coursework in areas such as trauma, expressive arts therapy, or working with specific populations like children or veterans.

Continuing education is also crucial for art therapists to stay updated on the latest research, therapeutic approaches and ethical guidelines. Workshops, conferences and professional development courses can further enhance your skills and knowledge throughout your career.

Remember, the field of art therapy is dynamic and educational requirements may evolve. Stay informed about any changes and seek guidance from professional organisations or licensing boards to ensure you are on the right path toward becoming a competent art therapist.

Clinical Experience and Supervision for Art Therapists

Obtaining clinical experience and engaging in supervision are crucial components of becoming a competent art therapist.

Here's why these aspects are essential:

• Hands-On Experience: Clinical experience provides art therapy students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Internships, practicum placements or supervised art therapy sessions allow students to work directly with clients, observe therapy sessions and gain valuable practical skills.
• Skill Development: Clinical experience helps art therapists refine their therapeutic skills. They learn to navigate different client populations, develop treatment plans and adapt interventions to individual needs. Through practical experience, art therapists learn to manage challenges, build rapport and foster a therapeutic alliance.
• Ethical Practice: Engaging in clinical experience under supervision ensures ethical practice. Supervisors guide and support art therapists, helping them navigate ethical dilemmas, maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical codes of conduct. Supervision promotes accountability, reflective practice and ethical decision-making.
• Professional Growth: Supervision offers a valuable space for personal and professional growth. Art therapists receive constructive feedback, explore countertransference and reflect on their own experiences. Supervisors provide guidance and mentorship, helping art therapists develop their unique therapeutic style.

A 4-Step Guide to Becoming an Art Therapist

If you're all set to cultivate the power of art therapy and use this creative expression to be instrumental in other people's healing, here are four tips to help you out:

1. Develop Empathy and Patience

While an art therapy school can lay the groundwork for your career journey, to succeed as an art therapist, you must be innately empathetic, patient, observant, a good listener, and have excellent interpersonal skills. A pair of artistic hands or a rich imagination is immaterial in an art therapy career because you won't be teaching the aesthetic aspects of art but its healing components. Many of your clients may have communication difficulties, so knowing how to get them out of their shell or break down their barriers will be very helpful.

2. Take the Relevant Course

To gain professional qualification in art therapy, you must complete a diploma or bachelor's degree in art therapy or a related field such as counselling or psychology. After that, you need to pursue a two-year master's degree or graduate diploma in art therapy. Make sure that your qualification meets the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) guidelines and is recognised by professional art therapy associations, specifically the Australia, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA), the peak body representing Australia's qualified art therapists.

3. Study at an Accredited School

Your educational background will matter a great deal to potential employers and clients. They want to work with someone who has obtained their qualification from a college or university that offers nationally recognised art therapy programs. The College of Complementary Medicine is one of the leading providers of art therapy training programs and is listed on Natural Therapy Pages; it offers an advanced diploma course for transpersonal art therapy.

Other schools that offer art therapy courses are:

• College for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy
• Australian School Of Holistic Counselling

As well as learning about the theoretical framework of art therapy, students can dive into the artistic process of healing by completing the mandatory art therapy internship before graduation.

4. Register with a Professional Organisation

Completing your education at an accredited college or university makes you eligible to apply for membership in a professional body like the ANZACATA. Joining the league of health professionals registered with the largest organisation representing art therapists in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region will not only boost your credibility, but also expand your professional network.

Art therapists earn an average salary of $67,442 to $95,298 or more, depending on the industry. According to the employment marketplace Seek, the job outlook for these recreational therapists is expected to grow by 14.8% through 2024. So, there's no better time than now to start working on your qualifications while keeping your eyes on the road to success.

The Contribution of Art Therapists: Insights from Clinical Trials and Studies

Clinical trials and studies have sought to explore the specific contributions of art therapists in improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall wellbeing. These findings from notable research studies highlight the valuable role of art therapists in diverse clinical contexts:

1. Enhancing Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of art therapy facilitated by trained art therapists on mental health and emotional well-being. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among individuals of different age groups and populations. The presence of art therapists in mental health settings has been associated with improved coping skills, increased self-esteem and enhanced emotional expression.

2. Supporting Physical Healing and Pain Management: Art therapists have also demonstrated their contribution to physical healing processes and pain management. Studies have shown that art therapy interventions, guided by trained professionals, can alleviate physical discomfort, promote relaxation and enhance overall patient wellbeing. In some cases, art therapy has been associated with reduced pain intensity and improved pain tolerance, complementing traditional medical treatments.

3. Facilitating Communication and Expressive Outlets: Art therapists have been instrumental in providing alternative means of communication and expression for individuals with communication challenges or limited verbal abilities. Studies focusing on art therapy in paediatric settings, neurorehabilitation and individuals on the autism spectrum have reported improved communication skills, enhanced emotional regulation and increased social interaction facilitated by art therapists. This highlights their pivotal role in helping individuals find alternative avenues for self-expression and connection.

4. Empowering Cancer Patients and Palliative Care: Clinical trials have investigated the role of art therapists in cancer care and palliative settings. Art therapy interventions have shown potential in reducing distress, improving quality of life, and promoting psychosocial well-being among cancer patients. Additionally, art therapists have been vital in providing support and therapeutic outlets for patients receiving end-of-life care, assisting them in processing emotions, facilitating legacy projects and promoting a sense of dignity and meaning.