What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a modality that assists clients in gaining more control over their mind, body and spirit. Art therapists enable their patients to express themselves through the medium of art by providing them with a variety of options for materials and allowing them to create pieces that represent their concepts, emotions and experiences. In art therapy, clients improve their communication, self-expression and self-awareness. In the long run, these all contribute to the clients' personal growth. This therapy is used to assist people who are experiencing the following emotional and mental health issues:
- Grief
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- High blood pressure
- Dementia
- Stress
- Muscle tension
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Fears and phobias
- Family or relationship problems
- Depression
Art therapists on the Gold Coast may join one or more of the following professional organisations in the field of art therapy and counselling:
- Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
- Professional Association for Arts Therapy in Australia and New Zealand (ANZATA)
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Australian Community Counselling Association (ACCA)
- Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
- Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Should you study art therapy?
Do you want to work in a sector where the use of art may be used to improve people's lives and help them discover meaning in their life?
If this is what you want to do with your life, becoming an art therapist may be the perfect profession for you! Contrary to popular belief, having an artistic ability isn't required to be an art therapist. Instead, employers are seeking the following skills and qualities in art therapists:
- Excellent listening skills: it is critical to have good emotional intelligence throughout the session if you want to correctly evaluate a client's tactile, emotional, or physical condition.
- Strong analytical skills: this entails interpreting and assessing information and visual clues from the client's work.
- Organisational and time management skills: to handle a wide range of responsibilities with various levels of importance while providing excellent service for all of your clients.
- High levels of confidentiality: since the client will need to reveal highly sensitive personal and medical information.
If you match the criteria above with your interpersonal skills and career goals, continue reading to learn more about the art therapy program and job possibilities on offer in Gold Coast.
What are the course and study options for art therapists in Gold Coast?
To work as an art therapist, you'll need both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The first step is to enrol in an undergraduate degree program that specialises in counselling, psychology, nursing, social science or another relevant discipline. After that, you'll need to finish a master's degree in art therapy. There are several different art therapy program providers in Gold Coast who provide a variety of delivery methods based on your learning rate and schedule such as on-campus, online or blended learning systems.
You'll study art therapy experts with years of expertise in both teaching and practising in this field. The following are some examples of themes that you will explore in your art therapy degree:
- Theory
- History
- Mental health
- Art therapy techniques
- Counselling
- Creative exploration in art
- Communicating with clients
Obtaining your Master's degree will also require you to complete 750 clinical hours, by participating in art therapy sessions with a professionally qualified art therapist.
Do you want to work as an art therapist in Gold Coast, but aren't sure where to begin?
At the top of this page, you'll find further information about different art therapy courses on offer, which will assist you in achieving your goal of becoming an art therapist in Gold Coast. If you're still undecided after comparing all of your alternatives, contact them directly if you have any more questions regarding their program, such as:
- Entry requirements
- Delivery structure
- Curriculum
- Tuition fees
- Graduate opportunities
- Professional support programs
What happens after you complete your art therapy course in Gold Coast?
Before you may enter the job market as an art therapy graduate in Gold Coast, you'll need to join the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA). To practice as an art therapist in Gold Coast, you must first complete the required educational training and examinations through the Continuing Professional Education. This is critical for maintaining your professional credentials during your career. Art therapists are in demand in a variety of workplaces, including:
- Mental health agencies
- Psychiatric wards
- Assisted living facilities
- Clinical research facilities
- Schools
- Aged care facilities
- Domestic violence shelters
- Crisis centres
If you want more control in how you do your art therapy sessions in the future, consider starting your own business that specialises in art therapy. This is a wonderful alternative down the road when you begin to feel more comfortable with your ability to conduct an art therapy consultation. Natural Therapy Page will be there for you every step of the way as you start your own private practice as an art therapy practitioner. All you have to do is list either your in-person art therapy consultations or online sessions on the website. This is an excellent approach to get more people aware of your services and subsequently build your client list.
