Career
Information about utilizing art therapy as a career. We hope to add more information about how to become an art therapist, and more about the career choice of becoming an art therapist.
Find a Job as an Art Therapist
Are you interested in a career as an art therapist? If so, you’ve found the right place. If you’re ready to see what’s currently available you can search for jobs below or you can click here.
Navigating a potential career as an art therapist is not easy right now. There are lots of questions and confusion both inside and outside of the industry. There are also many varying opinions on whether art therapy will stand on its own, much like music and speech therapy, or whether it will continue down the path of being considered a part of the counseling arena. Depending on what you believe, there are advantages and disadvantages to all sides and its good to research this and form your own opinion.
We have a variety of art therapy career articles including: Career Outlook, How to Become an Art Therapist, Certification (U.S. and International), Salary Trends and an example of art therapy in practice.
Art Therapy Certification for Careers in the United States and Abroad
Art therapy is an expanding field that is gaining more acceptance as a form of psychotherapy. With roots in both psychology and art, it is now governed by its own national and international associations. Professional art therapists are master’s level practitioners who don’t necessarily need certification to practice in the field. However, new art therapists may be required to obtain a state license. To become a Board Certified art therapist in the United States, one must be certified through the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Many other countries have their own certification processes as well. Certification has its advantages and can allow for more career opportunities, as well as providing a clear structure of principles and ethics to guide the practice. Read some of our articles about art therapy education (such as requirements and career advice) for more info. Continue reading »
Art Therapy a Good Career? An Outlook on Art Therapy
We’ve written about the definition of art therapy and who it can help before. These are good places to start to see if this is of interest to you. If you already know you’re interested in utilizing art and creativity to heal others, then keep reading about whether it’s a good career move. You can also start looking for schools with art therapy programs and learn how to become an art therapist. Continue reading »
How To Become An Art Therapist
Thinking about becoming an art therapist? First, make sure you understand what art therapy is. We use the term “art therapy” more loosely on this site than some other sites, but we also have a different mission and like the play on words. If you’re familiar with art therapy as a career and are seriously considering becoming an art therapist, then here are some good general guidelines to becoming one. Continue reading »
Art Therapist Salary Survey
**Did you have a job as an art therapist in 2011? Or were you working in a related art therapy job field in 2011? Please take a minute to fill out a quick and anonymous survey (also found below) and we will share the aggregated results for you and others to view. We currently have about 100+ responses, and have updated the art therapist salary data and chart. Continue reading »
Art Therapist Salary – Trends, Averages
**Are you an Art Therapist or working in the field of art therapy? Please take a minute to fill out a quick and anonymous survey and we will share the aggregated results for you and others to view.
According to the American Medical Association, the following art therapist salary information applied to 2009:
Starting salary: $39,000
Overall Average: $30,000 – $50,000
Upper Ranges: $80,000 – $149,000
As you can see, the figures are a bit erratic. We’ve created our own survey and have added our information below to contribute to your research and information gathering.
Continue reading »
Art Therapy in Practice
The following is a guest post by one of our Featured Guest Authors, Sheree Sams. She’s written a great introduction to art therapy and, in this article, covers the basics of using creativity and art in the practice of therapy.
Art and Expressive Therapy in Practice
by: Sheree Sams
School Counsellor, Art & Expressive Therapist.
MA Art Therapy, PG Expressive Therapy, BA Psychology, Dip Welfare.
About Art Therapy
Art therapy, therapy that uses art to explore feelings, ideas and thoughts, is in essence the interplay of communication where we as counsellors embrace and behold, assert and listen, learn and grow, contain and imagine. The power of creativity; of art, music, dance, drama and play, provides insight and direction for navigating the human soul, wherein lies human potential. Continue reading »
