Art therapist

You might work with clients who have:

• learning disabilities
•  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

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• 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

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

With experience, you could become self employed and create your own business.

You could also:

• become a senior art therapist
•  manage a team of therapists
•  manage an arts therapy unit
• move into teaching