Have a passion for art and a desire to heal? A career as an art therapist combines the disciplines of art and science to achieve scientifically based health outcomes through creative outlets such as sculpting or painting. The role of an art therapist is to facilitate a patient’s healing through creative methods. The physical process of making art is as big of a component in healing as the final product, and it is often this process in which patients grow and heal the most. Art therapy can be used in a variety of situations with varying efficacy. Individuals who may benefit most from this type of therapy are those who have experienced a traumatic event, have a terminal or chronic health condition, or have autism, dementia, or similar disorders. Art therapy is also useful for resolving conflicts, alleviating stress, and gaining personal insight.
Image Source: Dean Mitchell
One application of art therapy can be seen in the featured National Geographic article “How Art Heals the Wounds of War“. Soldiers returning from the traumatic experiences of war are in need of a way to express their pain without having to directly talk about it. The director of the program, Melissa Walker, explains that this therapeutic approach is particularly useful in this situation because after a traumatic experience, the part of the brain that allows for verbalization of the experience shuts down, and that person is unable to communicate his or her experience. This is where art comes in. This particular specialized art therapy program provides veterans with a blank mask for them to decorate according to how they are feeling and reveal their inner suffering and emotions.
Art therapy requires working knowledge of the creative process and various forms of art, as well as a thorough understanding of human development, psychology, and counseling techniques. A master’s degree from an accredited university is required for this career, and those in the field must comply with the professional and ethical standards set forth by the American Art Therapy Association. Individuals with a master’s degree can then go on to receive board certification through the Art Therapy Credentials Board. After obtaining the necessary degrees and certifications, the typical salary for an art therapist ranges from $30,000-$80,000 per year.
