How to Become an Art Therapist?
Revealing the Path to Becoming an Art Therapist: Courses, Career Paths, and More
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Art Therapist
"Art therapy is a journey of self-discovery and healing through color and form."
Art therapists use artwork to foster personal growth, enhance coping skills, and boost cognitive function. Unlike traditional therapies reliant on verbal communication, art therapy taps into unspoken emotions and symbolism that words often can't convey. This approach helps clients discover the benefits of art therapy, leading to meaningful changes in their lives. Participants don't need artistic skills; instead, therapists interpret artwork to facilitate psychological growth, self-awareness, and coping strategies.
Steps to Become an Art Therapist:
Step-1
Earn a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Art Therapy, or a related field.
Step-2
Complete supervised clinical internships or volunteer work in healthcare settings.
Step-3
Fulfill state-specific requirements for licensure as an Art Therapist, which typically includes passing an exam.
Step-4
Pursue a Master's degree in Art Therapy to enhance clinical skills and career opportunities.
Step-5
Apply art techniques to foster emotional healing and expression.
Step-6
Join art therapy associations, attend workshops, and collaborate with healthcare professionals.
Step-7
Apply for Art Therapist positions in hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, or private practice settings.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, counseling, or fine arts. |
| Educational Background | Background in psychology, counseling, fine arts, or a related discipline. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, fine arts, or a related field. |
| Postgraduate Degree | Master's degree in art therapy or related field is typically required for professional practice. |
| Entrance Exams | Some universities may require entrance exams for postgraduate art therapy programs. Requirements vary by institution. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc. However, the cut-off margin varies with the selection process of different colleges.
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, counseling, or fine arts.
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, fine arts, or a related field. Background in these disciplines is essential
- A Master’s degree in art therapy or a related field is highly beneficial and often required. Some universities may require Entrance exams after 12th for these programs.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as an Art Therapist:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Art therapists need a diverse skill set to succeed in their roles. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of psychological theories and principles | Knowledge of various art mediums and techniques |
| Familiarity with therapeutic practices and methodologies | Awareness of developmental psychology |
| Insight into different cultural and social contexts | Comprehension of mental health disorders |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Active listening Skills | Critical thinking and problem-solving skills |
| Patience and adaptability | Strong observational skills |
| Organizational skills | Teamwork |
| Strong communication skills | Stress management and self-care skills |
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Your career may not align with your interests. Identify them and match with careers requiring those skills for faster growth and success!
Job roles offered for an Art Therapist:
Once you acquire the necessary qualifications to become an art therapist, numerous career paths are available to you. Here are a few options:
Use music to treat mental illness, support disabilities, and foster well-being and creativity, especially for those who struggle with verbal communication.
Help individuals overcome impairments from illness, aging, or accidents to perform daily tasks, working in various settings.
Manage and coordinate leisure programs in community centers, parks, and organizations, ensuring a variety of sports, entertainment, and cultural activities.
Guide students in educational progress and program completion, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.
Improve workplace efficiency by studying employment interactions and organizational structures, using analytics for development.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for an Art Therapist:
Art Therapist can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Global Artist | EducoHire | Pramiti |
| Mission Walk | Healthcare | Hyatt Regency Jaipur |
| Rainbow Children's Hospital | Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences | Isha Foundation |
| EducoHire |
Colleges offering courses in Art Therapists :
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| AIIMS Delhi - All India Institute of Medical Sciences New | IGNOU Delhi - Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| JMI New Delhi - Jamia Millia Islamia | MSU Baroda - Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |
| LPU Jalandhar - Lovely Professional University | Christ University, Bangalore |
| BHU Varanasi - Banaras Hindu University | GGSIPU Delhi - Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University |
| UNIPUNE (Pune University) - Savitribai Phule Pune University | Chandigarh University, Chandigarh |
End Note
Ready to launch a fulfilling career in art therapy? Connect with our experts at SetMyCareer to explore courses, universities, and career paths tailored to your aspirations. Your journey to becoming an art therapist starts here! We offer Career counselling for students to help them navigate their educational and professional choices, ensuring they're well-prepared for this rewarding field.
In this Career Outline
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