Art therapists

Art therapists enable their clients to communicate, to express their feelings, and to explore their lives and problems through visual arts activities. The relationship between the therapist and the client is of central importance, but art therapy differs from other psychological therapies in that it is a three way process between the client, the therapist and the artistic piece. This offers the client the opportunity to express and communicate and can be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. Therapists work with all age groups and with both individuals and groups in various residential and community based settings, these can include: adult mental health, learning disabilities, child and family centres, palliative care and the prison service.

Dramatherapists

Dramatherapists encourage clients to experience their physicality, to re-examine their existing beliefs, attitudes and feelings, and try out new, alternative ways of acting - or living - in the world. Dramatherapists work in a number of settings, for example mental health, training centres, education, prison, childcare, services for people with learning disabilities and private practice. They use the healing aspects of drama and theatre as a therapeutic process that fosters creativity, imagination, learning, insight and growth.

Music therapists

Music therapists facilitate interaction and development of insight into clients' behaviour and emotional difficulties through music.

Music therapists work with a variety of clients in groups or as individuals. The therapist does not teach the client to sing or play an instrument. Rather, clients are encouraged to use accessible percussion, other instruments and their own voices to explore the world of sound and to create a musical language of their own. By responding musically, the therapist is able to support and encourage this process.

Training and Career Information

Art Therapists

Entry requirements
There is an Art Therapy training course which is a postgraduate diploma to be completed over two years full time or three years part time, this combines theoretical and experiential work. Applicants must have a first degree in art and design (although other graduates are sometimes considered), and some proper experience of working in an area of health, education or social care. Qualified teachers, social workers, psychologists and other committed professionals may be considered. For further, more detailed information on art therapy as a career, get in touch with the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), contact details given below.

British Association of Arts Therapists (BAAT)
The Claremont Project,
24-27 White Lion Street, London N1 9PD
Tel: 020 7745 7262
Website: www.baat.org
Email: info@baat.org

Dramatherapists

Entry requirements
There are currently 5 postgraduate training courses in dramatherapy in the UK that lead to a recognised qualification. There are also various part-time courses (1-4 years) available within the UK that require you to be appropriately employed while training. The qualifications for entry to any of the courses include a degree or other appropriate professional qualification, relevant clinical knowledge and some experience of practical drama work. For further, more detailed information on dramatherapy as a career, get in touch with the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADTH) contact details below.

The British Association of Dramatherapists (BADTH)
41 Broomhouse Lane
London SW6 3DP
Tel/Fax: 020 7731 0160
Website: www.badth.org.uk
Email: info@badth.org.uk

Music Therapists

Entry requirements
Professional music therapy qualifications are at postgraduate level in the UK. Most courses require a high level of musicianship: students are often only accepted if they have had a three year musical training leading to a diploma or graduateship from a college of music or a degree from a university. Very occasionally students who hold qualifications in subjects other than music, e.g. education or psychology, may be accepted if they have achieved a high standard of musical performance. For further, more detailed information on music therapy as a career, get in touch with the Association of Professional Music Therapists (APMT), contact details given below.

Association of Professional Music Therapist (APMT)
61 Church Hill Road
East Barnet
Herts EN4 8SY
Tel/Fax: 020 8440 4153
Website: www.apmt.org
E-mail: APMToffice@aol.com

Further information

NHS careers on 0845 60 60 655
Website: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/careers/ahp/index.html
Email: advice@nhscareers.nhs.uk