Art therapist

Help people use art and creative activities to express themselves and come to terms with upsetting experiences or problems.

You'll guide people as they do creative activities which will help them become more self-aware and understand their emotions.

You'll also help people to just enjoy the process of making a piece of art which is significant to them.

Your tasks might include:

• assessing people’s needs

• planning and facilitating suitable interventions

• using art techniques and materials such as paper, paint or clay to help people become more aware of their feelings and how they impact daily living

• supporting people to improve their self-confidence, concentration and attention skills

• evaluating and understanding the emotions and behaviours of others

• accepting referrals from other health professionals, such as occupational therapists and psychologists

You'll hold one-to-one or group sessions, using a range of creative materials. Your clients could include children, young people or adults with:

• emotional or mental health problems

• learning or physical disabilities, or both

• life-limiting conditions

• neurological conditions or physical illnesses

• communication difficulties

• addiction issues, in recovery

You'll review the effectiveness of the intervention then write case notes and reports. Sometimes people may find therapy difficult or upsetting and you might have to deal with challenging situations.

Art therapists work in hospitals, schools, pupil referral units, day centres, hospices, care homes, therapy centres, prisons and in people’s own homes.

Many art therapists work in the NHS, education and voluntary sector. You could also be self-employed as a freelance art therapist or in private practice.

You'll be part of a multidisciplinary team alongside other professionals, depending on where you work, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, doctors or social workers.

• British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) – information, professional support and training opportunities

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – regulates people working in health, psychological and social work

• Art therapist job role on the NHS Scotland Careers website

• NHS Scotland 360-degree video on art therapy – see how an art therapy session works, as if you're in the room