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- Tasks: Help clients express emotions and work through challenges using art therapy techniques.
- Company: Join a supportive environment focused on mental health and emotional well-being.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible working hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower others while exploring your creativity in a meaningful way.
- Qualifications: Degree in art or related field; experience in community arts or mental health preferred.
- Other info: Work settings may include schools, hospitals, or community centres.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ 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
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.
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
Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.
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.
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become self employed and create your own business.
Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.
We can\’t find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an art therapist right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
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Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you\’d like to let us know how we can improve the service.
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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
Gain relevant experience by volunteering in community arts projects or working with individuals facing mental health challenges. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of art therapy. Attend workshops, seminars, or local events to connect with current art therapists who can provide insights and possibly refer you to job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider joining relevant online forums or social media groups focused on art therapy. Engaging in discussions can help you learn about job opportunities and gain advice from those already in the profession.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and research in art therapy. Being knowledgeable about current practices can give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Art therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in art, psychology, or any related fields. Include any volunteering or paid work with community arts projects, youth work, or mental health services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for art therapy and how your background aligns with the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your counselling skills and understanding of psychological principles.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your counselling skills, patience, and ability to remain calm under pressure in your application. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles or experiences.
Highlight Continuous Learning: Mention any ongoing education or training related to art therapy, psychology, or creative therapies. This shows your commitment to professional development and staying updated in the field.
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 understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your counselling skills, particularly active listening and maintaining a non-judgemental approach. These are crucial for an art therapist, so provide examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences.
✨Understand the Emotional Demands
Art therapy can be emotionally demanding, so it's important to convey your ability to remain calm under pressure. Share instances where you've successfully managed stress or difficult emotions in a professional setting.
✨Be Open to Feedback
During the interview, show that you are receptive to criticism and willing to adapt. Discuss how you’ve handled feedback in the past and how it has helped you grow as a professional.
