Art Therapist
Quick Facts
What They Do
An Art Therapist directs and coordinates recreational activities for people with disabilities or illness to help them improve their emotional and physical well-being, improve motor skills and increase confidence. Leads activities involving art, crafts, and similar activities. Assists patients with disabilities to learn to use public resources such as parks and public transportation, and integrate in the community. Works with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities, or in parks and recreation departments.
Core Tasks:
- Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.
- Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet client's goals or objectives.
- Conduct art therapy sessions, providing guided self-expression experiences to help clients recover from, or cope with, cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
- Assess client needs or disorders, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes.
- Confer with other professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
- Talk with clients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.
- Develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate studio art therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy techniques.
- Write treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.
- Select or prepare artistic media or related equipment or devices to accomplish therapy session objectives.
- Analyze or synthesize client data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for art therapy.
- Interpret the artistic creations of clients to assess their functioning, needs, or progress.
- Communicate client assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.
- Customize art therapy programs for specific client populations, such as those in schools, nursing homes, wellness centers, prisons, shelters, or hospitals.
- Establish goals or objectives for art therapy sessions in consultation with clients or site administrators.
- Recommend or purchase needed art supplies or equipment.
- Supervise staff, volunteers, practicum students, or interns.
- Gather client information from sources such as case documentation, client observation, or interviews of client or family members.
- Instruct individuals or groups in the use of art media, such as paint, clay, or yarn.
- Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of treatments or therapy approaches.
- Review research or literature in art therapy, psychology, or related disciplines.
- Conduct information sharing sessions, such as in-service workshops for other professionals, potential client groups, or the general community.
- Teach art therapy techniques or processes to artists, interns, volunteers, or others.
What to expect as an Art Therapist
59% of people achieve this level of education.
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670 openings for Art Therapists
Career Progression
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