Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients. This is also being increasingly used as a form of preventative mental health treatment in individuals who have exhibited signs of psychological distress, including substance abuse.

What Does an Art Therapist Do?

Art therapists use different forms of art to aid psychological counseling. They are trained professionals to use art to help victims of trauma, anger, depression, and other psychological disorders. They also work with children and the elderly, assisting them in expressing their thoughts and feelings through creativity.

How do you become an art therapist?

Art therapy uses art-making as a therapeutic tool and has become a popular option for people with a wide range of mental health conditions. People in rehab for addiction recover in communities, such as treatment programs or halfway houses, where art therapy is often offered. In treatment, art therapy is used as a way to increase self-awareness, build self-esteem, and express emotions. A person with an art and psychology background could be eligible to work as an art therapist.

How many years does it take to become an art therapist?

Art therapy is growing in popularity, and counseling students who choose to become art therapists can anticipate a blossoming career. To become an art therapist, prospective counselors must first complete a bachelor’s degree in counseling, human services, or a related field. Aspiring therapists can then go on to graduate school and earn a master’s degree in counseling, art therapy, or a related field. During graduate study, students take courses in art, human development, counseling methods, and psychology.

The coursework at this level focuses on the application and clinical skills, so students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with clients. To earn their master’s degree, students must pass comprehensive exams that test their mastery of program material. After graduation, art therapists must pass both state and national licensure exams.

Is it hard to become an art therapist?

Many art therapy professionals use art materials they have on hand, but the materials are often chosen based on the needs of the client. Some art therapists have formal training in art, music, drama, dance, or other expressive arts.

Art Therapy Degree – What Degree Do You Need to Become an Art Therapist?

Art therapy is defined as a type of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance emotional, mental, and physical health. As an Art Therapist, you will work with different clients, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. To work professionally, you may require a psychology master’s degree with a specialization in art therapy.

Duration of Art Therapy

Art therapists typically create sessions guided by the client’s individual needs, wants, and preferences. Clients are encouraged to use art supplies such as crayons, pencils, paints, and clay. Art therapy principles can be used by individuals or groups in sessions that last anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours.

Do You Need A Specialty Certification to Become an Art Therapist?

Art therapists are trained professionals who help patients work through mental health issues using art. Because art can reflect a patient’s emotional state, art therapy can be a great way to help a patient express what they’re feeling or show their emotions to others. If you think art therapy might be a good fit for you, you might be wondering whether or not you’ll need to receive a specific certification to become a therapist. The answer differs based on your choice of education. You can choose certification, graduate, or master’s course.

Art Therapist Salary and Careers

Becoming a professional art therapist is a challenging but rewarding and rewarding career. The job requires a graduate degree from an APA-accredited program, as well as art therapy licensure. The average annual pay for an art therapist is $66,000, and 90% of practicing art therapists work either full-time or part-time. Art therapists are employed in hospitals, schools, prisons, psychology clinics, and private practice.

Art therapists focus not on the content of a person’s problems but on the subjective experience of those problems. They make art, and talk, and listen to music, and talk, and play games, and talk, and cry, and talk, and laugh. They put in long hours and aren’t always paid well, given job security, or given good insurance. They go in cold on the first date and go through a lot of rejection, but they always come back for more. Art therapists pair the best psychotherapy with visual arts activities, and that combination can be a powerful force in improving the lives of their clients.