What Are The Challenges Of Being An Art Therapist?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Abuse and domestic violence

.

Social/emotional difficulties related to disability or illness

.

Personal trauma

, post-traumatic stress disorder and loss. Physical, cognitive and neurological problems.

What does it take to be an art therapist?

To become an art therapist you usually have to

study art, counselling, psychology, nursing, social science or a related field at university

, followed by a postgraduate qualification in art therapy and 750 hours of supervised field experience on a clinical placement.

What are the limitations of art therapy?

Limitations and Concerns of Art Therapy. One of the major concerns of art therapy is the effectiveness of the approach. Though many support its efficacy, others are skeptical.

Adults in particular may not be inclined to cooperate fully and openly with the treatment process or may refuse this type of treatment entirely

.

What are the pros of art therapist?

  • Helped reduce pain, decrease symptoms of stress and improve quality of life in adult cancer patients.
  • Improved ability to deal with pain and other frightening symptoms in children with cancer.
  • Reduced stress and anxiety in children with asthma.

What does an art therapist actually do?

In art therapy, individuals use

creative expression to produce various types of media

, which helps them explore their innermost emotions and thoughts, reconcile conflicts, manage stress and anxiety, develop self-awareness, manage addiction and self-deprecating behaviors, and increase their sense of self-esteem.

What do art therapists make?

Find out what the average Art Therapist salary is

Entry-level positions start

at $68,796 per year

, while most experienced workers make up to $105,057 per year.

What are the disadvantages of art?

Disadvantages of Art


Many talented artists do not get appropriate praise from the audience

and their work does not carry much value in the market. Sometimes the work also puts lots of mental pressure on the artist and they can depart from reality.

Can I be an art therapist without a degree?

There are several ways you can get the experience (training) & knowledge when you are in a state without an art therapy license:

certificate programs

(there are different kinds, other than the minimum 1-2 year nationwide certificate “ATR-BC”) … self-study (literature) + experience (if you're in a country w/o art therapy)

Is art therapy a growing field?

Poor job outlook

But so far from what I have been able to find, the

job growth for art was negative since 2004 until 2011

. Though it was guessed based on other counselor/recreation therapist jobs, there was expectation that there would be some job increase by 2018.

Do you need a Masters to become an art therapist?


A master's degree is necessary for entry-level practice in Art Therapy

. … Students must also complete, at minimum, 100 hours of supervised practicum, and 600 hours of supervised art therapy clinical internship. In addition, preparatory training in studio art (drawing, painting, clay, etc.)

What is a day in the life of an art therapist?

Art therapists also spend their

workdays observing, communicating and managing paperwork and written records

that include treatment plans and progress notes.

How does art heal?

Q: How does art contribute to healing? A:

Art is healing because it forces you to forge a connection between your mind and your body

. Unlike exercise, which works your body, or meditation, which clears your mind, art-making accesses both mind and body to promote healing.

Does art therapy really work?

Art therapy is

used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions

, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change (American Art Therapy Association, 2018).

What skills does an art therapist need?

If you're considering this career, keep in mind that an art therapist needs certain personal qualities – such as

sensitivity, empathy, emotional stability, patience, interpersonal skills

, insight into human behavior and an understanding of artistic media.

How does art therapy affect the brain?

There is increasing evidence in rehabilitation medicine and the field of neuroscience that art enhances brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system.

Art can also raise serotonin levels

. These benefits don't just come from making art, they also occur by experiencing art.

Why do I want to be an art therapist?


Art therapy teaches coping skills

.

The skills and techniques people learn in my office can all be used at home. Once you see how you can center and ground yourself by drawing mandalas, creating a string painting, or collaging in an art journal, you can find ways to weave the healing power of art into your life.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.