Art therapist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

Full time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part time courses take 3 years.

You should have a degree in art or creative therapies to do a postgraduate course.

You may be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, for example psychology, nursing or social work.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an arts therapist degree apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a qualification or experience in art, drama or music to apply.

Entry requirements:

• entry requirements vary

Volunteering

To get a job as an art therapist, you'll need paid or volunteering experience with:

• community arts projects
• youth work
• people with disabilities or mental health issues

You can find volunteering opportunities through:

• the NHS
• The National Council for Voluntary Organisations
• Do IT

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of the fine arts
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• a desire to help people
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Art therapists help people express difficult thoughts and feelings through creative activities.

You might work with clients who have:

• learning disabilities
• emotional, behaviour or mental health problems
• speech and language difficulties
• an injury or illness or are recovering from an addiction

You'll help clients:

• gain greater awareness of their feelings
• express themselves
• work through their emotions
• come to terms with difficult times in their lives
• move on in a positive way

Location : You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

With experience, you could become self employed and create your own business.

You could also:

• become a senior art therapist
• manage a team of therapists
• manage an arts therapy unit
• move into teaching