- Creative arts therapists work in health care settings.paint image by Darren Nickerson from Fotolia.com
Creative arts therapist, or recreational therapist, jobs are estimated to grow by about 15% between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Creative arts therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing care settings, community-based health facilities and other medical establishments using the visual and performing (i.e., dance, movement and music) arts to promote mental and physical health. - Visual arts therapists work with paint, clay, drawing tools, craft supplies and other materials to encourage positive physical and mental health in patients from young to old. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy (with a concentration in the visual arts) has been a recognized profession since the 1940s. Jobs in visual art therapy typically involve making art in a health care setting to promote healing, ease stress and anxiety, relieve depression, increase cognitive abilities, address powerful emotions, and other similar physical/mental health needs. While many art therapists are also working artists themselves, all must have a high degree of artistic skill and training. These specialized professionals must hold a minimum of a master's degree from an accredited university and be registered and/or certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Registration and certification requires the completion of core courses in art therapy and studio arts, with additional credit hours of art therapy internship and practicum.
- Dance therapy includes professionals who utilize movement techniques to promote healing and positive emotional/physical well-being in individuals within a medical or mental health setting. Dance/movement therapists work in hospitals, mental health care facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other medical environments. As a profession, dance and movement therapy began to emerge in the mid-1960s and has since become much more routinely practiced and accepted in the mental health/medical field. Individuals interested in obtaining employment as a dance or movement therapist must hold at least a master's degree in dance therapy or a related field with course work in dance/movement techniques and psychological counseling practice. Additionally, dance therapists must earn either registration or certification through the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board. Registration can be granted after the completion of 700 clinical internships hours, with certification requiring an additional 3,640 clinical hours.
- Music therapists have worked since the 1940s to help people overcome mental and physical illnesses through the use of vocal and instrumental techniques. These creative arts therapists utilize performance, musical imagery, improvisational musical performance and discussion to promote well-being in therapeutic environments such as mental health centers, hospitals, nursing homes and similar facilities. A music therapist must be a trained and knowledgeable performer, able to read sheet music, interpret songs and play at least one instrument. Additional requirements to become a music therapist include the completion of a college-level music therapy program with an internship and certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or registration with the National Music Therapy Registry.
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