Art Therapist

Overview

Who is Art Therapist?

"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

What does Art Therapist do?

Art therapy is a well-established mental health profession that uses the creative process of making art to help individuals of all ages better and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is based on the concept that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression can help with conflict resolution, interpersonal skills development, behaviour management, the reduction of stress, the increase of self-esteem and self-awareness, and the attainment of insight.

Physicians, psychologists, nurses, mental health counsellors, marriage and family therapists, rehabilitation counsellors, social workers, and teachers are all part of a health care team that includes art therapists. They work together to set and achieve a client's therapeutic goals and objectives. Other art therapists work independently with children, adolescents, adults, groups, and/or families in their private offices.

• Assess the clients’ need, temperaments, and emotions
• Create a safe, non-judgemental and comfortable space for the clients
• Encourage and enable the clients to explore their artistic output and introspect about the process that led to the same
• Conduct individual or group sessions for art therapy
• Maintain accurate records of the clients
• Ensure that the art therapy space is clean and orderly 
• Ensure the availability of all the materials and equipment required for art therapy
• Consult with or refer to other professionals in the field
• Keep up-to-date with the developments in the field

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Art Therapist?

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.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?