This group of professionals are therapists who use techniques in art to aid in the treatment of mental and physical disabilities. They are employed by establishments such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, clinics, recreational centres, nursing homes, educational institutions, prisons and day-care facilities or may work in private practice.
Possible Titles:
art therapist art therapy consultant athletic therapist dance therapist dance-movement therapy researcher movement therapist music therapist music therapy researcher recreational therapist remedial gymnast
Responsibilities:
Art Therapists can perform some or all of the following duties:
Assess patients and review reports from physicians, psychiatrists, counsellors, teachers and others to determine patients' current and potential functioning level
Prepare individualized and group treatment plans either independently or through an interdisciplinary team approach
Implement treatment plan by carrying out specialized therapy sessions employing techniques such as art, athletic, dance, music or recreational therapy or remedial gymnastics
Observe and analyze patients during treatment sessions
Record observations, write progress reports and consult with other health care professionals to evaluate treatment plan
Initiate, design and implement specialized therapy programs for the general patient population or in the community
May conduct research in respective field of specialization
Employment Requirments:
Art therapists require a graduate degree in art therapy.
Supervised practical training is usually required for occupations in this unit group.
Creative or technical ability in the field of specialization is usually required.
Certification or membership with the appropriate national professional association or provincial counterpart may be required.
Courtesy of: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada