Art Therapy Jobs
Art therapists are trained in psychotherapeutic practice and work with clients using the visual arts as a medium for healing and an outlet for their emotions. Art therapists are not art teachers, they do not teach people to produce attractive pieces of work; instead they create a secure environment for patients who can’t necessarily articulate themselves verbally.

Art therapists work in a range of settings including the NHS, the prison service, within social services and the drug and alcohol services. However, all art therapists wanting to work in the NHS must have a masters degree in art therapy; a course that covers the psychology of mark making, non-verbal communication and symbolism.

Potential candidates need to demonstrate that they have a good understanding of the visual arts but also an ability to work with other health care professionals. Therapists plan and facilitate a schedule of activities for their clients, working in a group or one to one setting, and frequently work with families and carers.

Competition for posts within this highly skilled profession is intense and not all positions are advertised; networking is therefore essential. Vacancies within the NHS are usually advertised on the websites of individual NHS trusts.