via Art of Choice Advisory: ONE BUT TWO (Haadzii), 2021, Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects Los Angeles, California; Photo Mario Gallucci — via Art of Choice Advisory: *ONE BUT TWO (Haadzii)*, 2021, Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects Los Angeles, California; Photo Mario Gallucci

Do you find yourself at art shows and museums analyzing what the artist may have been thinking when they made their work? Are you deeply sensitive to the concerns of others? Do you want to help people by using your talents as an artist? If you answered yes to these questions, an art therapy career could be the perfect choice for you.

Art therapists help everyone from children to people with PTSD, using art to guide the therapy process. If this is your first time hearing about art therapy or you’re just not sure exactly what it takes to become an art therapist, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together this handy guide on how to get started in art therapy, which will cover how to become an art therapist, what’s involved in an art therapy career, and how to put together a stellar online portfolio website that will help you get more art therapy clients. Let’s get started!

What Is an Art Therapist and What Do They Do?

Art therapy is a form of therapy that involves using various art forms to help people explore their emotions, improve their social skills, cultivate resilience, reduce anxiety, and develop insight into their mental state.
Art therapists use techniques like drawing, sculpting, painting, collage-making, and coloring to encourage their clients to express themselves artistically. They ask questions about their client’s creative thought process to understand the underlying messages being communicated in their art, and then employ psychotherapeutic counselling practices to help the client understand their own mental challenges and build relevant coping skills.