Explore the different ways to get into this role.
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
Full time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part time courses take 3 years.
You should have a degree in art or creative therapies to do a postgraduate course.
You may be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, for example psychology, nursing or social work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
* a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
You may be able to do an arts therapist degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need a qualification or experience in art, drama or music to apply.
To get a job as an art therapist, you'll need paid or volunteering experience with:
* community arts projects
* youth work
* people with disabilities or mental health issues
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
* counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
* knowledge of psychology
* 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
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You might work with clients who have:
* emotional, behaviour or mental health problems
* speech and language difficulties
* an injury or illness or are recovering from an addiction
You'll help clients:
* 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
Working environment
You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become self employed and create your own business.
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