Art Therapist

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• 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

On a day-to-day basis, you may work with clients who have:

• learning disabilities
• emotional, behaviour or mental health problems
• speech and language difficulties
• an injury or illness or are recovering from an addiction

You'll help clients to:

• 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

You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You'll need paid or voluntary experience in community arts projects or youth work, or experience of working with people with disabilities or mental health issues.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice. Do It also has more information on voluntary opportunities.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career tips

You could try an introductory or foundation course in art therapy to give you an idea of what the work is like.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the British Association of Art Therapists for access to professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more details about this career, courses and training through the British Association of Art Therapists and Health Careers.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults