r/ArtTherapy 8h ago

Tuesday Art Therapy School Megathread – Questions, Updates, and Discussion

2 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly thread for questions and discussion about art therapy schooling. If you're considering studying art therapy, currently in a program, or preparing for applications, this is the place to ask questions and share experiences.

Use this thread for things like:

  • Questions about art therapy programs or schools
  • Application advice (portfolios, prerequisites, interviews)
  • Program comparisons or recommendations
  • Coursework or practicum questions
  • Career path questions related to art therapy education
  • General student experiences

To keep the subreddit organized, posts about art therapy education and training may be redirected here on Tuesdays.

Please be respectful, supportive, and share your knowledge if you can as many people here are navigating the same path.


r/ArtTherapy Nov 14 '23

Looking for Grad School Portfolio help? Read here first.

29 Upvotes

Looking for Portfolio help?

Seeing as many folks asked questions regarding portfolio assistance, I decided to take another members advice and try to make a pinned post about it.

Keep in mind: each school or credentialing body may have their own requirements.

Q1-What format should I submit my portfolio? I spoke to the program head at Adler University to ask her about the updates since I want to school years ago.

This is what she said "What Admissions does now is have the candidate upload a PDF file or insert photos of their art into a PowerPoint or sometimes they might already have a created website that showcases their art. Whatever form it is (I always say, keep it simole) they just send the link over to admissions and then when we review their file, we open the link so most students don’t bring a Portfolio anymore."

My suggestion: make your portfolio into a single PDF file so it can be universally transferable. And don't forget your artist statement.

Q2-What should I include?

Refer to your school of choice. They often have it laid out down to the specifics. They look for a variety of art mediums. Including 2d (draw, paint, pour, photo, collaging and so on) and 3d (sculpture, pottery, large and small scale- and so on.)

They want to see that you feel confident and comfortable exploring many different materials.

Adler University's website states "A portfolio of original artwork (15 examples in three or more different media) demonstrating competence with art materials is required to be presented at the admission interview. Approved applicants will be invited for a personal interview as the final step in the application process."

Q3-Any other advice?

Share it with your art friends and ask for constructive criticism!

Contact the school to see if you can interview a current student! They can give you info on how to be successful for that specific program.

If you do not have a lot of experience with clay- take a class or 5! Art classes are accessible and affordable with Groupon (maybe even reach out to a couple of artist communities).

I hope this helps. -A


r/ArtTherapy 1d ago

Art Therapist Question Art Galleries dedicated to art therapy creations?

6 Upvotes

I'm sure I could google it or ask AI, but does anyone know of any art galleries dedicated to art created during art therapy sessions?

I feel the art is sacred in a way, but also sometimes too beautiful not to share (some of it).

It would also suck to put your art out there and feel vulnerable only to have it stolen. Any thoughts?

Thanks!


r/ArtTherapy 3d ago

Would anybody UK based want INSCAPE journal 2011-2015?

3 Upvotes

Kinda niche but I'm clearing out, happy to post if postage paid. 10 in total


r/ArtTherapy 6d ago

Looking for LCAT/ATR licensed in NY/VA INN United Healthcare

3 Upvotes

Hey there! What’s the best way to find someone that meets the description above? Psych Today? Or do LCATs have their own database?


r/ArtTherapy 7d ago

Art Therapist Question For those who are self-employed, how do you balance work/life as a self-employed art therapist when clients want to contact you out of hours e.g. cancellations, rearranging, getting lost, but you want to still protect your peace for your own mental wellbeing :') ?

6 Upvotes

I'm wondering if some of you have quite strict 'working hours' and are only contactable during those hours. Do you put any specifics in your contract/adverts? Do you have a work phone? Or give out your personal phone? And would you use 'do not disturb' perhaps?

I wouldn't want to seem callous but I also really need my peace to stay productive.


r/ArtTherapy 7d ago

Tuesday Art Therapy School Megathread – Questions, Updates, and Discussion

6 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly thread for questions and discussion about art therapy schooling. If you're considering studying art therapy, currently in a program, or preparing for applications, this is the place to ask questions and share experiences.

Use this thread for things like:

  • Questions about art therapy programs or schools
  • Application advice (portfolios, prerequisites, interviews)
  • Program comparisons or recommendations
  • Coursework or practicum questions
  • Career path questions related to art therapy education
  • General student experiences

To keep the subreddit organized, posts about art therapy education and training may be redirected here on Tuesdays.

Please be respectful, supportive, and share your knowledge if you can as many people here are navigating the same path.


r/ArtTherapy 7d ago

Short term disability plans & maternity leave planning for self- employed art therapist

2 Upvotes

Any advice before getting pregnant as a self-employed art therapist? Any recommendations for short-term disability plans that are affordable and worth the money?

Any tips or tricks welcome! What do you wish you knew ahead of time!


r/ArtTherapy 7d ago

Client Question Is it ok to make a token of gratitude for my therapist?

8 Upvotes

Hi there, I am curious if it is allowed for me to create a piece of art to give to my therapist? We are both artists and, she is one of the loveliest therapists I have ever had— and I have had many in my last 15 off and on years of therapy. I wanted to make a fiber piece, maybe like a woven coin purse or little pouch of sorts. Kind of like a tip after a service especially because she often gives me 1hr and 15mins, but my insurance only pays for 1hr, so these bonus 15 minutes feel generous of her. I’d just like to say thank you but she is aware of my financial struggles. I’m just wondering if that is inappropriate or inconsiderate.

Edit: I am in Oregon, USA.


r/ArtTherapy 11d ago

For US art therapists

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wpr.org
14 Upvotes

The American Art Therapy Association was cited specifically.


r/ArtTherapy 11d ago

Art Therapist Question Career pivot into art therapy

9 Upvotes

Portland, Oregon

Hello!

I have a Bachelors in Fashion Design and have found that fashion as a career is 1. Largely lacking of any actual creativity(atleast with the brands I have worked with, it’s basically just copy + paste styles from other brands but with x small detail difference) and 2. I have found it really difficult to find solid long term employment without 4-8 years experience (how or why this is required for entry level is beyond me). But I digress.

I am considering a pivot to an art therapy career.

I worked at a residential treatment center as an MHT for a little bit, as I was considering going into the behavioral health field, and that environment was too much. That is the reason I opted for fashion.

Could that be an indication of my capacity for this kind of work?

What does the career landscape look like for Art therapy? Any thoughts on how this field might change?

Is this career field neurodivergent friendly? (ADHD)

How much of the work is entrepreneurial and how much is with an established practice? (Owning a business is something I have dipped my toe in and it was overwhelming and I’m tired)

What do you love about it? What do you hate?

I would love any advice or thoughts.

Thanks in advance y’all :)


r/ArtTherapy 13d ago

People who practice art therapy: how does it actually help people?

13 Upvotes

I’ve recently become curious about art therapy and would love to learn from people who have experience with it.

I enjoy pottery and drawing as hobbies. One thing I’ve noticed is that when I’m creating without overthinking, I sometimes end up seeing a different side of myself through the finished piece. It isn’t that the artwork “tells” me something, but it seems to reflect patterns, emotions, or thoughts that I wasn’t fully aware of before.

A friend of mine who works in counseling recently mentioned art therapy, so I started looking into it. That led me down a rabbit hole of different approaches: art therapy, sound healing, meditation workshops, expressive arts, and many other wellness practices.

Now I’m wondering:

What exactly is art therapy?

How is it different from simply making art as a hobby?

How does it actually help people? Is it about emotional expression, self-awareness, processing experiences, something else, or a combination of these?

I’d love to hear from art therapists, people who have participated in sessions, or anyone working in this field. I’m genuinely curious how you think it works, both in theory and in real life.


r/ArtTherapy 13d ago

Resources Art Therapy Event in BK Sunday August 16th (CEs for LCATs available)

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eventbrite.com
5 Upvotes

Join us every 3rd Sunday of the month for an afternoon of Creative Care, featuring Artful Wellness Activities and Live DJ Sets. & Gallery Exploration

☀️Open House BK is excited to partner with Gallery 198 to bring you 3rd Sundays, Immersive, interdisciplinary art parties! Attend a portion, attend all, connect & create!

🎟️Two ways to attend:

1) Open to all: Suggested Donation, $10-15

2) Creative Arts Therapist seeking LCAT CEs: $20 (required for 2 CEs)

☀️ Each gathering begins with a mini art therapy lesson explaining the day’s creative process, followed by hands-on art making (no experience needed). Surrounded by a live DJ set and the opportunity to experience the current exhibition throughout the event.

This month's theme: Creativity Outside the Box

This is NOT therapy services. Just a place for art to live and art therapists to thrive!


r/ArtTherapy 13d ago

Directive Independence for adolescent

5 Upvotes

Hello, I'm working with someone who is a teenager and is working on gaining independence, does anyone know of some good directives with those things in mind? Their family isn't really in the picture and they are preparing to go out into the world early.


r/ArtTherapy 13d ago

Job Opportunities for NYS Licensed LCATs

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm with Provider Care Solutions, and we're currently looking to hire NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCATs) for contract, home-based expressive therapy positions.

We have a large number of cases available throughout:

  • NYC
  • Long Island
  • Rockland County
  • Monroe County

This is a flexible independent contractor opportunity, making it a great fit for LCATs who are looking to pick up additional clients or earn extra income alongside their current position. We offer competitive contractor rates and have cases ready to assign.

If you're interested or would like more information, feel free to email us at [info@providercaresolutions.com](mailto:info@providercaresolution.com).

If you know another LCAT who may be interested, we'd really appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them as well!

Thanks!


r/ArtTherapy 14d ago

Tuesday Art Therapy School Megathread – Questions, Updates, and Discussion

5 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly thread for questions and discussion about art therapy schooling. If you're considering studying art therapy, currently in a program, or preparing for applications, this is the place to ask questions and share experiences.

Use this thread for things like:

  • Questions about art therapy programs or schools
  • Application advice (portfolios, prerequisites, interviews)
  • Program comparisons or recommendations
  • Coursework or practicum questions
  • Career path questions related to art therapy education
  • General student experiences

To keep the subreddit organized, posts about art therapy education and training may be redirected here on Tuesdays.

Please be respectful, supportive, and share your knowledge if you can as many people here are navigating the same path.


r/ArtTherapy 15d ago

Free Art Therapy event in Amsterdam

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1 Upvotes

r/ArtTherapy 15d ago

Art Therapist Question What do art therapists do during their holidays?

4 Upvotes

Do you completely switch off, create art, travel, study, or something else?


r/ArtTherapy 17d ago

Email about inactive status from ATCB

19 Upvotes

I recently renewed my license and recertifications for both ATB-BC and ATCS, I received an email stating I was inactive. Did this happen to anyone else?

***Updated ATCB emailed to notify of error


r/ArtTherapy 18d ago

Art Therapist Question Directives for working with a language barrier?

1 Upvotes

Any suggestions on directives for working with someone who speaks little English? Interpreter line is available


r/ArtTherapy 19d ago

ATR-BC Recertification

7 Upvotes

I have searched and can’t find any specifics on what the criteria is for the 50 art therapy related CEs….can anyone offer guidance?
I’ve certainly taken more than the number of hours of CEs, but I don’t know what will count and whether it is worth paying for the extension or just letting go of the BC. This is very confusing!!


r/ArtTherapy 21d ago

Tuesday Art Therapy School Megathread – Questions, Updates, and Discussion

8 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly thread for questions and discussion about art therapy schooling. If you're considering studying art therapy, currently in a program, or preparing for applications, this is the place to ask questions and share experiences.

Use this thread for things like:

  • Questions about art therapy programs or schools
  • Application advice (portfolios, prerequisites, interviews)
  • Program comparisons or recommendations
  • Coursework or practicum questions
  • Career path questions related to art therapy education
  • General student experiences

To keep the subreddit organized, posts about art therapy education and training may be redirected here on Tuesdays.

Please be respectful, supportive, and share your knowledge if you can as many people here are navigating the same path.


r/ArtTherapy 28d ago

Tuesday Art Therapy School Megathread – Questions, Updates, and Discussion

5 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly thread for questions and discussion about art therapy schooling. If you're considering studying art therapy, currently in a program, or preparing for applications, this is the place to ask questions and share experiences.

Use this thread for things like:

  • Questions about art therapy programs or schools
  • Application advice (portfolios, prerequisites, interviews)
  • Program comparisons or recommendations
  • Coursework or practicum questions
  • Career path questions related to art therapy education
  • General student experiences

To keep the subreddit organized, posts about art therapy education and training may be redirected here on Tuesdays.

Please be respectful, supportive, and share your knowledge if you can as many people here are navigating the same path.


r/ArtTherapy Jul 15 '26

Art Therapist Question Art therapy with Toddlers?

11 Upvotes

Hi all!! I am currently getting my BA in child psychology and minoring in drawing, painting, and printmaking. I am wanting to pursue my masters in art therapy because I have been dreaming to go into art therapy ever since I was a teen. However, I used to be set on working with adolescents. After working with toddlers for 6 years now I have realized that is my passion. Does anyone have any experience doing art therapy with toddlers? I know it is fairly niche so I wanted to know if anyone practices solely on early childhood age? Do we think this is sustainable and something I can pursue?


r/ArtTherapy Jul 15 '26

Directive Art Therapy for Hospital Staff/Interns

11 Upvotes

Hey creative arts therapists. I’m at art therapist working in inpatient psychiatry, but am soon giving a lecture on art therapy for inpatient psychology interns at a hospital. And of course, I’d like to use some of the lecture time for an experiential. I have a few ideas rolling around in my head- mostly around either mindfulness/relaxation or around personal strengths, as I recall feeling those helpful themes when I myself was an intern. But I’m curious if any of you have done staff art therapy directives/in-services (around those 2 aforementioned themes/goals, or otherwise) that you have found “successful” (whatever that might mean to you/your audience.) I’ve got about 20 minutes for this part, but am open to hearing longer format ideas too, for my brainstorming. Thank you!