Art Therapist

Art Therapists use art as a way for people to express themselves whilst they are receiving therapy. Art Therapy aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by encouraging insight, self-compassion, control and self-worth.

You will help people to express themselves, and speak about complex thoughts and feelings through making art. This form of therapy may be used after someone has experienced a difficult or traumatic event and will help them reduce stress and improve social, emotional, and mental health. Art therapy can help people of all ages and at all stages of life, including those whose life has been affected by difficult personal or cultural experiences, illness and/or disability.

Art Therapist is also known as Creative Therapist.

Role Characteristics

Encourage people to express themselves through art
Support people though their therapy by listening and providing guidance
Plan and facilitate activities for individual or group therapy sessions
Encourage people to reflect on their artwork and the process they used to create it
Constructively challenge the behaviour and attitude of the people you are caring for
Work with other health and care professionals

Skills

Creative thinking
Active listening
Communication
Observation
Advice giving
Empathy

Day in the life

Find out more about careers in Art Therapy.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

T-Level

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Postgraduate degree

How to become

There are many routes into becoming an Art Therapist; these include university and experience.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent and will need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning.

You will normally need an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Art or Art Psychotherapy. Volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

Once you have completed your training, you will need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

It is good practice to be registered with the British Association of Art Therapists.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience you could become a Senior Art Therapist, manage a team of Therapists, manage an arts therapy unit or move into Teaching.

Location

Hospitals
Community Settings
At Home

Working hours

Weekdays
Full Time
Part Time
Casual Hours
Flexible Hours
Overtime

Leeds Opportunities

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Leeds City College Creative courses

Find out more about Creative Arts courses at the Leeds City College.

Organisation: Leeds City College

View opportunity

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Leeds City College Creative Arts courses

Find out more about the Creative Arts courses available at the Leeds City College.

Organisation: Leeds City College

View opportunity

Volunteering

Volunteering in Health and Care

Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care

Organisation: Volunteering Oppertunities

View opportunity