Art therapist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work irregular hours and may work part time
- Usually work in community health centres, private clinics, hospitals, prisons and schools and may travel locally
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to be creative, organised and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Plan art therapy activities
- Design and manage art therapy programmes
- Help patients express themselves through art
- Develop non-medical treatment plans
- Work with other medical professionals
- Understand patient medical histories
- Educate people about art therapy
- Measure and record patient progress
- Prepare patient reports
Outlook
Art therapy is a small, developing profession in New Zealand. Interest is supported by wider efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing services, and by international evidence on the value of arts-based approaches. However, funding and the availability of roles can vary between services and regions. Art therapists are also adapting to more culturally responsive practice and, where appropriate, online delivery.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Empathy, active listening and respectful communication
- Cultural safety and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Ability to build trusting professional relationships
- Creativity used thoughtfully to support therapeutic goals
- Strong observation, assessment and record-keeping skills
- Ethical judgement, professional boundaries and ongoing learning
AUT programmes
- Counselling Major - Bachelor of Health Science
- Psychology Major - Bachelor of Health Science
- Psychology Major - Bachelor of Arts
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.