Art Careers / Art Therapist
What Does an Art Therapist Do? An Art Career for Kids
Curious about this job? Here is what the work looks like, a typical day, the tools, where people do it and how to get started, plus a small activity so you can try it yourself.
What an art therapist does
An art therapist uses art-making to help people feel better and work through hard feelings or challenges. They are trained in both art and psychology, the study of how people think and feel.
Real-world examples: Edith Kramer, a pioneer of art therapy with children.
A day on the job
- Plan art activities for a person or group
- Guide people as they make art
- Talk with clients about their art and feelings
- Write notes and plans to track progress
Tools of the job
- Paint, clay, collage and drawing supplies
- Sketchbooks and journals
- A calm, organized art space
- Notes and treatment plans
- Video calls for online sessions
Where they work
- Schools
- Hospitals and clinics
- Private practice
- Community centers
The path in 4 steps
Start now
- Notice how drawing or coloring makes you feel
- Try a feelings journal with pictures
- Practice being a good listener with friends
In your teens
- Take psychology (if offered), art and health classes
- Volunteer with kids, seniors or a community program
- Keep making art in many materials
Training
A master's degree in art therapy is needed to start. That usually comes after a bachelor's degree, often in art or psychology, and includes supervised internship hours. Credentials and licensing depend on the state.
Build a portfolio
Graduate programs usually ask for a portfolio of the applicant's own art.
Skills that help
- Listening
- Kindness and patience
- Knowing many art materials
- Psychology knowledge
- Writing reports
Try this job
A small taste of the real work, using things you already have.
Fold a paper in half. On one side, use only colors and lines (no pictures) to show how you feel on a stressful morning. On the other side, show how you feel on a calm, happy day. Look at both. What changed? Art therapists know that colors and lines can say things that are hard to put into words. Note: this is a self-awareness activity, not therapy.
Ms Artastic lessons
Lessons that practise skills this career uses.
Watch with Ms Artastic
Videos from my YouTube channel that practise skills from this job.
Related art careers
Learn more
For more about this career, read the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook article.
Which art career fits you?
Answer a few quick questions and see which art jobs match what you love to do.
Take the Which Art Career Fits You quizQuestions teachers and parents ask
What does an art therapist do?
An art therapist uses art-making to help people feel better and work through hard feelings or challenges. They are trained in both art and psychology, the study of how people think and feel.
How do you become an art therapist?
A master's degree in art therapy is needed to start. That usually comes after a bachelor's degree, often in art or psychology, and includes supervised internship hours. Credentials and licensing depend on the state.
What skills does an art therapist need?
Listening, Kindness and patience, Knowing many art materials, Psychology knowledge and Writing reports.
The Artastic Collective art curriculum
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