Creative Arts Therapists

Creative arts therapists must first be proficient in the art—whether it is dance, art, creative writing, or theater they use to help clients. Completing an internship or assistantship in creative arts therapy is also highly recommended.

To succeed as a creative arts therapist, you should have a strong desire to help others seek positive change in their lives. All types of creative arts therapists must be able to work well with other people—both patients and other health professionals—in the development and implementation of therapy programs. You must have the patience and the stamina to teach and practice therapy with patients for whom progress is often very slow because of their various physical and emotional disorders. A therapist must always keep in mind that even a tiny amount of progress might be extremely significant for some patients and their families. A good sense of humor is also a valuable trait.