What Is An Art Therapist?

An art therapist is a person who delivers art therapy to a wide variety of clients in school, hospital and day care centre settings. The aim of the art therapist is to encourage clients to express their thoughts and feeling using a variety of art materials and methods in an attempt to either improve their educational or emotional well being or to help aid heath recovery.

The art therapist may also be present in special schools to assist with children with special needs that have language and communication difficulties, providing an outlet for unexpressed emotions and tension build up. Most art therapists are employed by the local authority though private practices are becoming more popular and easily accessible.

Art therapists should be trained and part of a professional body (such as the British Association of Art Therapists in the UK) that recognises their certificate of expertise and helps to monitor and maintain good practice. Art therapy principles can be used in hospitals and classroom teaching to aid learning and recovery.