|
Creative Arts Therapists are human
service professionals that help individuals, families, and groups improve
their overall physical and mental health. They apply the principles and
techniques of each art form in an effort to improve communications, allow
expression of feelings, improve coordination, and increase cognitive and
social function. Creative arts therapists usually specialize in a single
area such as dance and movement therapy, drama therapy, art therapy, music
therapy, or poetry therapy. They begin by interviewing patients and
consulting other health professional to determine the psychotherapeutic
needs of the patient. They then develop and implement a customized
creative arts therapy program. They observe patients and maintain accurate
records so they can consult with the rest of the therapeutic team, which
may include physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, counselors,
and teachers. Creative arts therapists work with a variety of patients
including those with learning disorders, emotional problems, mental
retardation, and physical disabilities. They may also be called upon to
conduct scientific research and teach students and other professionals the
latest therapeutic methods. Individuals interested in this type of therapy
should have exceptional artistic ability, good communication skills, and
enjoy working with people with a wide range of therapeutic needs.
Work Environment:
Creative arts therapists work in a
variety of environments including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics,
rehabilitation facilities, colleges and universities, correctional
institutions, halfway houses, residential treatment centers, behavioral
health centers, and art studios.
High School Preparation:
High school students interested in
becoming a creative arts therapist should take courses in biology,
physics, algebra, English, literature, fine arts (dance, drama, art,
music, etc.), physical education, computer skills, psychology, sociology,
and health occupations/medical professions education.
College Requirements:
Creative arts therapists are required
to have a masters level education to practice. Each specialty has its own
set of professional standards and requisite qualifications. To become a
Registered Art Therapist (ART) an individual must complete 1,000 hours of
supervised postgraduate service. Dance therapists can obtain two levels of
certification, Registered Dance Therapist and Registered Academy of Dance
Therapist.
Students interested in creative arts
therapy should contact schools for information on admission and course of
study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for creative
arts therapists are expected to grow steadily through the end of the
decade. Employment will continue to grow as the benefits of creative arts
therapy becomes increasingly recognized by professionals and clients.
While hospitals and nursing homes are cutting back on their therapy
services due to budget restraints, outpatient settings will see a
tremendous increase in the number of trained personnel needed. Because of
the small size of this profession, employment will not fluctuate due to
individuals retiring or leaving the profession for other reasons.
Individuals with a masters degree or postgraduate experience will have
the best career opportunities in this field.
|
|
Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$36,600
Salary Range
$30,700-$43,200
Professional Organizations:
American Art
Therapy Association
1202 Allanson Road
Mundelein, Illinois 60060-3808
Phone: (888) 290-0878
Fax: (847) 566-4580
www.arttherapy.org
American Dance Therapy Association
2000 Century Plaza, Suite 108
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: (410) 997-4040
Fax: (4l0) 997-4048
www.adta.org
American
Music Therapy
Association, Inc.
8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1000
Silver Springs, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 589-3300
Fax: (301) 589-5175
www.musictherapy.org
National Association for Drama Therapy
15 Post Side Lane
Pittsford, NY 14534
Phone: (585) 381-5618
Fax: (585) 383-1474
www.nadt.org |
