A career in art therapy is a rewarding and challenging one. If you want to start up in this field, you must look for online courses for art therapy to make your path towards your career aim an easier way there. But before you take the plunge, it is ideal that you do your research first. Learn the ropes of the job and see if you are actually suited for it.
Art Therapy 101
Art therapy is basically an intervention developed for the management of mental disorders. It was in the works since the 1940s and has been used widely in Europe and America. In other parts of the world, however, like in Australia, art therapy is still in its introductory stage.
An art therapist is someone who encourages emotional growth and self-discovery. He/she works with the client to access their own abilities in creating their own visual images by using their personal experience that may either be nurturing or distressing. This mode of mental therapy was based in the assumptions that visual symbols are the most accessible form of communication to the human experience. Through the representations that were made, the client is encouraged to develop an insight so as to make a change.
Getting Educated
Art therapy courses are widely available. The advantage of enrolling in an online course rather than fulfill the requirements of the course via a traditional campus is that you get more freedom developing your on study schedule. You would not have to commit to specific times for regular classroom sessions. You can study at your own pace and at your own time. You can even study while you are committed to other obligations such as a job or home chores.
It is important that when you enroll in online courses, you choose a school that is accredited as well as a program that fits your academic needs right.
Aside from the certification, it is important that you finish a course in art therapy to ensure that you have the right knowledge and the right training to practice it. This is a life-changing career that could make a difference even in your own. There is an established talent that a prospective art therapist must possess. But the rest of the characteristics you must possess to be good at this job must be learned in school, including your intuition and your expertise.
Art therapy can have a strong impact in the therapeutic process. If it is making a difference in people’s lives that you want to get into, taking the course would be your best chance.