What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health modality that guides clients to gain more control over their mind, body and spirit. Art therapists allow their clients to select their own art tools and give them the freedom to produce works that represent their ideas, feelings and experiences. In art therapy, clients can enhance their communication abilities, self-expression, and self-awareness. These all contribute to positive personal development. Art therapists provide a helpful service since they assist those who are going through the following psychological and mental health issues:

  • Anxiety
  • Fears and phobias
  • Muscle tension
  • Grief
  • Substance abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Stress
  • High blood pressure
  • Dementia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Family or relationship problems
  • Depression

However, art therapists from Penshurst may be members of the following professional organisations in the field of art therapy and counselling:

  • Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
  • Professional Association for Arts Therapy in Australia and New Zealand (ANZATA)
  • Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
  • Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP)
  • Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
  • Australian Community Counselling Association (ACCA)
  • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
  • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

Art therapy courses in Penshurst

Should you study art therapy?

Do you want to work in a field where you get to improve people's lives and help them find meaning in their life experiences through the power of art?

If this is what you want to do with your life, a career as an art therapist is perfect for you! Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be artistic or have a talent for art in order to work as an artist. Instead, employers are searching for the following talents and qualities in art therapists:

  • Excellent listening abilities: it's vital to have excellent emotional intelligence throughout the client session in order to accurately assess their sensory, emotional, or physical condition.
  • Critical thinking skills: is required to interpret and assess information and visual cues from the client's work.
  • Excellent organisational skills: to manage a variety of duties with conflicting priorities while still providing good service to all of your clients.
  • High levels of confidentiality: since the client will need to reveal highly sensitive personal and medical information.

Continue reading to learn more about the programs offered in Penshurst, New South Wales if you see an alignment of your professional goals and social skills, with those mentioned above.

What are the course and study options for art therapists in Penshurst?

If you are interested in entering the workforce as an art therapist, will need to complete a postgraduate Master's program. First, you must enrol in an undergraduate degree program where you have to study either counselling, psychology, nursing, social science or another related field. Then, after you've completed a bachelor's degree in art therapy or have relevant work experience, you'll need to earn a master's degree in art therapy. There are several different training providers in Penshurst that provide various delivery methods to help you get the most out of your studies such as on-campus, online or blended learning systems.

You'll study art therapy specialists with years of expertise in both teaching and working in this field throughout your academic studies. The following are some examples of art therapy units you will explore:

  • Theory
  • History
  • Art therapy techniques
  • Creative exploration in art
  • Communicating with clients

Furthermore, while getting your Master's degree, you'll need to complete 750 clinical hours, either observing or working directly with a professionally qualified art therapist.

Do you want to be the next art therapist in Penshurst, but aren't sure where to start?

You'll find more information regarding these course alternatives, which will assist you in achieving your goal of becoming an art therapist in Penshurst, at the top of this page. If you're still unsure about which institution to attend after considering all of your choices, contact them directly if you have any more enquiries regarding their course, such as:

  • Entry requirements
  • Tuition fees
  • Delivery structure
  • Curriculum
  • Professional support programs

What happens after you complete your art therapy course in Penshurst?

As an art therapy graduate in Penshurst, you will need to join the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) before you can enter the workforce. To continue practising as an art therapist in Penshurst, you'll need to meet the yearly educational requirements through the Continuing Professional Education, which is vital in maintaining your professional credentials. There is a variety of workplace settings that hire art therapists, such as:

  • Assisted living facilities
  • Psychiatric wards
  • Crisis centres
  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Mental health agencies
  • Aged care facilities
  • Clinical research facilities
  • Schools

Furthermore, you should consider starting your own private practice that specialises in art therapy if you want greater control over the way you perform your art therapy sessions, down the track when you start to feel more confident in your abilities to conduct an art therapy session. Natural Therapy Page will be there for you every step of the way as you start your journey as an art therapy practitioner. All you have to do is register either your face-to-face art therapy services or online sessions via the practitioner listing page. This is an excellent approach to drive more traffic to your services and expand your client list.