What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which art is used to express one's deepest emotions that cannot be expressed verbally. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief or loss, low self-esteem, addiction, eating disorders or body image issues, among other mental health issues. Art therapy can also be used to encourage personal development and wellbeing.
Professional organisations that assist Lismore's art therapists with career advancement and networking opportunities include:
- Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
- Professional Association for Arts Therapy in Australia and New Zealand (ANZATA)
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Australian Community Counselling Association (ACCA)
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
- Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Should you study art therapy?
Taking an art therapy course will help you understand the art therapy process and how it can be used to treat mental health problems. It can also provide you with the skills and knowledge required to become a registered art therapist. You will also learn the soft skills required for success as an art therapy practitioner, such as:
- Knowledgeable of various forms of art and their potential to heal.
- Excellent communication and listening skills that allow you to interact with your clients and get to the bottom of their problems.
- Friendly, warm and compassionate so you can quickly build trust and rapport with clients.
- Empathy enables you to assist your clients in breaking out of their shells and expressing themselves through art. It will allow you to assist your client in opening up in order to heal when combined with patience, which is important because art therapy is a gradual process.
If you see a match between your personal and professional goals, as well as your characteristics and the requirements of being an art therapist, continue reading to learn more about the courses that you can take in Lismore.
What are the course and study options for art therapy in Lismore?
Art therapy offers students a variety of flexible study options and delivery modes. You can choose between on-campus, online and blended learning methods. You can also study full-time or part-time, with evening and weekend classes available.
Before they can work in a professional setting, all art therapists in Lismore must complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You can, however, start with short courses to test the waters first. A certification course will help you gain an understanding of what art therapy is, its origins, and how it can enhance and boost your health and wellbeing in all aspects of your life.
Another option is a two-year diploma program. It will teach you the fundamentals of art therapy as well as how to apply counselling and psychology skills to various mental health issues.
If you want to join the peak bodies for art therapists, you should have a bachelor's degree in art therapy, social science, counselling, social science, psychology, or a related field. After that, you must complete a master's degree in art therapy.
A list of art therapy courses in Lismore is available at the top of the page. After reviewing your options, you can directly contact your preferred institution if you have questions about their instructional methods, curriculum or accreditation.
What happens after you complete your art therapy course?
Art therapy is a growing field with endless possibilities for those who have received training in the discipline. Art therapists work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, retreat centres, rehabilitation centres and government agencies. Many art therapists work in corporate settings too, where they use art to help employees relieve stress and promote creativity. Art therapists can have a rewarding career helping others heal through art if they receive the proper training.
After working as a professional art therapist for a few years, you will be able to open your own private practice and have more control over the management of your business and your clients. Natural Therapy Pages can assist you in gaining new clients and traffic for your business. You can actually achieve this by adding your art therapy services, whether in person or online, to the practitioner listing page.
Along with your professional work, you must meet the membership requirements of your organisation and broaden your art therapy skills by completing the relevant Continuing Professional Education program. Some courses worth considering are as follows:
