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Is being an art therapist a good fit for you?

Uses art-making in therapy sessions to help people feel better in body and mind.

What the work involves

  • Runs art therapy sessions with guided self-expression to help clients recover from or cope with thinking, emotional or physical difficulties.
  • Talks with clients during art sessions to build trust, recognise their progress and reflect on their reactions.
  • Writes treatment plans, case summaries and progress reports for individual clients or groups.
  • Assesses clients' needs or conditions using drawing, painting, sculpting or other art.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be helping and creative. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onLow. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousSome. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeStrong. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingStrong. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingLow. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingLow. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Belonging. People who look out for each other, and a manager who has your back.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if an art therapist is one of yours.

Free. About 15 minutes. No account.

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