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Art therapists

Art therapists help people use creativity to understand and work through their feelings. They work with people of all ages in hospitals, schools and community centres, and help them feel better emotionally through painting, drawing, sculpture and other art forms.

Art therapists

10

Subjects Allied to Medicine

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY10
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST54%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (10), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As an art therapist, you help people use art to express feelings and thoughts they find hard to put into words. You work in hospitals, schools, community centres and private practice, with people who are struggling emotionally or have been through difficult times. Making art doesn't have to produce something perfect – it's about the process and what it reveals.

In each session you create a safe space where people feel comfortable. You might suggest they paint, draw, sculpt or make a collage, and you talk with them about what they've made and what they're feeling. You keep notes on their progress, work alongside doctors and counsellors, and help people develop new ways of understanding themselves. It can be emotionally demanding when you're hearing about people's pain, but you learn how to stay steady and supportive.

Daily responsibilities

  • Conduct individual and group therapy sessions using various art mediums.
  • Assess clients' emotional and psychological needs to tailor therapeutic approaches.
  • Document and analyze clients' progress and the effectiveness of art interventions.
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans.
  • Facilitate workshops and community outreach programs to promote mental health awareness.
  • Maintain a safe and supportive environment for creative expression.
  • Stay updated on the latest art therapy techniques and psychological research.
  • Engage in continuous professional development and supervision.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in horticulture, psychology, or a related field provides a solid foundation for aspiring horticultural therapists. UK institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and practical training, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this unique therapeutic field.