Expressive and art therapy
Expressive arts therapy is a creative approach to healing that uses art forms such as painting, music, drama, and dance to help individuals explore and process their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. discover how expressive arts therapy works, the qualifications required to become a therapist, and the various settings where this form of therapy is offered, from schools to mental health clinics.
What is expressive and art therapy?
Expressive art therapy combines psychology and art to encourage personal growth. This is often a therapeutic tool to guide people through processing their thoughts and feelings. Expressive art therapy can involve many different methods of expression. These can include painting, craft, music or dance.
This method of therapy can be useful for any age group to explore their mental health. The art therapist can assess the patient’s behaviour and interpret their art. Through this, they can encourage the patient to process their experiences. This can be used to treat phobias, trauma, stress, addiction and much more.
Become an Art Therapist in Queensland
What qualifications do art therapists need?
To qualify as an art therapist you must first complete a degree. This degree must be in a health field such as psychology, nursing or another related discipline. You must also complete a Master of Art Therapy, a minimum 2-year course.
Once your study is complete, you must gain at least 750 hours of supervised clinical experience. You then need a membership with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).
Once you have met these requirements, you are qualified to practise as an art therapist.
Where do art therapists work?
Art therapy is a practice that can be found in many different settings. Art therapists can work in mental health facilities, hospitals, crisis centres and psychiatric wards. Though these are common settings, many art therapists can also be found in schools, aged care facilities and the disability sector.
Likewise, art therapy positions are available in the research and education field. This is an ideal position for those who do not want to pursue practical care. Many art therapists also work in private practices, allowing them the freedom to choose how they run their businesses.
The daily life of an art therapist in Queensland
Many of the tasks art therapists complete are dictated by where they work. Art therapists who work in a hospital may have different duties than those who work in a school. Despite this, there is a lot of overlap in daily expectations.
Many art therapists take time to prepare and set up sessions they will oversee throughout the day. They will then go over client notes to prepare for their scheduled appointments. This may involve extensive planning depending on the client’s needs and the therapist’s goals.
Expressive art therapists will then conduct group or individual sessions as needed. Depending on their preference, expressive art therapists can conduct sessions involving any of the creative arts. These could include writing, reading, drawing, painting, dancing or even sculpting. Once sessions are completed art therapists clean up their equipment and organise supplies.
The art therapist will then update their notes and documentation on the progress made during the session. By doing so, they can ensure they are providing the right care for the patient’s current needs.
Meet Ash
Registered Music Therapist & Registered Counsellor – Kindred Music Therapy & Counselling
“I originally studied towards becoming a clinical psychologist, completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours. However after a short break I changed my mind and completed a Master of Music Therapy instead. This was the best thing I ever did, as I could now combine my love of psychology and music in a therapeutic setting. ”
Meet Tamarra
Student Wellbeing Officer – Community Health Care Centre
“Creating a safe space for a child to feel understood and valued, delighted in and celebrated, an environment that accepts them and holds unconditional positive regard is where the magic is. This is the definition of my heart work.”
Common questions about art therapists
As of 2024, art therapists make an average of $43 an hour. While entry-level positions often start at $73,000 a year, experienced positions can make up to $100,000 annually.
Art therapy is when an art therapist specialises in one form of art. This may mean they only utilise painting to support patients.
Expressive art therapy is the combination of multiple art forms to treat patients. This means they can use painting, writing, music or any other art form they prefer.
Art therapy is most helpful for people who struggle to verbalise their experiences. This can often mean art therapists work with patients who have developmental or cognitive conditions and children. However, art therapy has been known to help people of any age group and mental capability.
Art therapists do not need to be good at art. It is important for art therapists to understand and sometimes teach artistic techniques. However, they do not have to be accomplished artists to do so. Art therapists only need to analyse their patient’s work and help them through the process.
Art therapists need to have great listening and communication skills. Art therapists must often find ways to communicate with patients who struggle to express themselves. Because of this, they must be flexible in meeting patients where they are.
Likewise, art therapists should be passionate about the creative process. Their creativity helps patients explore their issues.
