Overview
"Art therapist" refers to someone who has received specialised training in the use of artistic expression as a therapeutic way to improve mental well-being, such as via painting or drawing. Participants in art therapy sessions engage in a variety of creative activities such as sketching, painting, colouring, and sculpting in order to improve their mental health and well-being by providing them with an outlet to express themselves and learn new things about themselves. Art therapy sessions are held in a variety of settings.
People suffering from a broad variety of physical problems, as well as mental health concerns or disorders, among other things, may seek help from these organisations for aid. In addition to helping their clients develop self-awareness and self-esteem, the artists also assist them in developing emotional resilience, strengthening cognitive and sensorimotor processes, and cultivating emotional resilience. Instead than criticising the artwork created by the client, they explore deeper into the fundamental ideas conveyed by the artwork in question. This is in contrast to how the client feels about the artwork.
Clients benefit from taking part in the creative process of creating artwork because it allows them to have a better understanding of their underlying challenges and receive better therapy for them. When providing complete therapy, they often collaborate with other mental health experts such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, language therapists, and occupational therapists to ensure that the patient`s needs are met. In the course of his or her professional practise, an art therapist may deal with people of various ages, from youngsters to senior citizens. Individual, family, couple, and group therapy sessions may involve art therapy as a component. They also provide services in the area of art therapy.
Typical day at work
Abilities and Aptitude needed
As an art therapist you will need to have a degree in psychology and a diploma in art therapy from a reputed institution. Art therapists usually work with children hence they need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to build rapport and form strong working relationships with their clients. They should have sharp observation skills and good active listening skills in order to understand the client’s art and their experiences.
An art therapist needs to possess sensitivity and a non-judgemental approach towards their clients in order to create a safe space for them to explore their issues. This job also demands the mental stamina needed to support their clients in distress. They should be empathetic, creative, and patient individuals with a strong understanding of visual art and a commitment to work for the wellbeing of others. They should have strong analytical thinking abilities and detective reasoning skills in order to effectively facilitate the client’s self-exploration through art. They should have good problem-solving skills and leadership abilities to guide their clients through the process of art therapy.
Salary
The salaries of an "Art Therapist" can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and employer.
Pathways
Entrance Exam
Courses
Best Colleges
Industries
internship
Take the opportunity to work with experienced Therapist. It will allow you to have a practical learning and will also give you contacts for future reference.
Career outlook
Employment opportunities for art therapists are expected to improve as the practise of art therapy becomes more popular as a psychotherapeutic intervention in response to an increase in the number of people seeking mental health care services. Individuals, couples, families, and organisations may all benefit from their services. They have the option to work full-time or part-time, or even work autonomously, depending on their schedule.
Among the places where they can find work are mental health agencies, hospitals and psychiatric hospitals, orphanages, rehabilitation care units, assisted living facilities, correctional institutions, eldercare facilities and crisis centres. They can also find work at veteran`s clinics and veteran`s hospitals, to name a few. Aside from that, they might work in educational and research institutions all around the nation. Most of the time, it is an office-based employment with normal nine-to-five business hours. The decision to operate independently is made by some of these specialists, who establish their own private practise.