Art therapists help people express difficult thoughts and feelings through creative activities.
£37,000 - £53,000
37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)
You'll need:
You'll need to:
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
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.
You'll usually need:
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 do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
To get a job as an art therapist, you'll need paid or volunteering experience with:
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
You could try an introduction or foundation course in art therapy to give you an idea of what the work is like.
You can join the British Association of Art Therapists for access to professional development and networking opportunities.
You'll find more details about this career, courses and training through the British Association of Art Therapists and Health Careers.
You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.
You might work with clients who have:
You'll help clients:
You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a school.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Barbers cut, trim and style customers’ hair, beards and moustaches.
Nutritional therapists help people by giving advice on diet, nutrition and lifestyle.
Massage therapists manipulate clients' muscles and soft tissues, treat sports injuries and give help to people with health issues.
Health play specialists use therapeutic play activities to help children and young people cope with illness, treatment and recovery.
Pilates teachers help clients change and improve their body strength and posture through breathing, stretching and conditioning exercises.
Aromatherapists use essential oils to help improve their clients' emotional wellbeing and relieve everyday stresses.
