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- Tasks: Help clients express emotions and work through challenges using art therapy.
- Company: Join a supportive environment focused on mental health and creative therapies.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours and opportunities for self-employment in the future.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while exploring your creative side.
- Qualifications: Degree in art, psychology, or related fields; experience in community arts or youth work preferred.
- Other info: Work in diverse settings like schools, hospitals, or even prisons.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Explore the different ways to get into this role.
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
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
You\’ll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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.
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
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You\’ll need:
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- knowledge of psychology
- 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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you\’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
You might work with clients who have:
- 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
Working environment
You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become self employed and create your own business.
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Art Therapist employer: National Careers Service
Contact Detail:
National Careers Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Art Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of art therapy. Attend workshops, seminars, or local events where you can meet current art therapists and learn about their experiences. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships. Look for opportunities in community arts projects, mental health organisations, or schools. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider joining professional associations related to art therapy. Being a member can provide access to job boards, resources, and networking opportunities that are specifically tailored to the field, increasing your chances of finding job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and research in art therapy. Follow relevant journals, blogs, and social media accounts. This knowledge can help you during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
We think you need these skills to ace Art Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant qualifications, such as your degree in art or creative therapies, and any experience you have in community arts projects or working with individuals facing mental health challenges.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for art therapy and how your skills align with the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your counselling skills and ability to work under pressure.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail any volunteering or paid experience you have in related fields, such as youth work or supporting individuals with disabilities. This will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
Highlight Your Skills: Emphasise key skills required for the position, such as active listening, patience, and flexibility. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past roles or experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Careers Service
✨Showcase Your Relevant Experience
Make sure to highlight any paid or volunteering experience you have in community arts projects, youth work, or with individuals facing mental health challenges. This will demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your counselling skills, particularly active listening and maintaining a non-judgemental approach. Share examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences to help clients.
✨Prepare for Emotional Scenarios
Since the working environment can be emotionally demanding, think about how you would handle stressful situations. Be ready to discuss how you remain calm and patient when faced with challenging client interactions.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the specific organisation you are interviewing with. Understand their values, the populations they serve, and any unique approaches they take in art therapy. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.