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See Available Creative Arts Therapist Schools
Creative Arts Therapy has been one of
the more popular holistic health practices for some
time now, with therapists specializing in art therapy,
dance therapy, drama therapy, and music therapy. These
practices are most often used with children and adults
who have learning, emotional, developmental, or physical
disabilities, though children and those who are living
in nursing homes, prisons, or staying in hospitals can
also benefit from these therapies.
Art therapy involves having a client express
emotion through sculpture, painting, or drawing. A client
may be asked how they feel and then to express that
feeling through art. Or they may ask a question about
something and ask the client not to answer verbally,
but through whatever art form they choose, giving the
therapist insight into their mental and emotional state.
Dance therapy is used to help clients express themselves
through movement, and may help them gain more self-esteem
and confidence. Drama therapy uses methods of acting
to help clients express themselves. They may mime feelings,
do role-play, puppetry, or improvisational games to
release emotions or place them in a different perspective.
A method of drama therapy called psychodrama invites
clients to act out their feelings, thoughts, and emotions
in order to gain a greater grasp on their mental and
emotional state. Music therapy uses music to express
feelings and emotions and also to increase self-confidence
and an outlet for creative expression. This may be achieved
through vocal, rhythmic, instrumental, or listening
activities.
Creative Arts Therapists are most often
employed in medical and psychiatric hospitals, residential
and day-treatment centers, community mental health centers,
rehabilitation facilities, substance abuse programs,
some schools, and correctional facilities. Their duties
include assessing their clients’ needs, developing
programs and activities in which their clients will
participate, teaching their clients any basic skills
necessary to participate, maintaining records on their
sessions and progress, and evaluating the progress through
observation and review. They usually work with each
client individually to achieve better success.
The degree of education required for these
professions varies with the type of therapy studied,
but with most a four-year degree is the absolute minimum
degree of study, with further education recommended
if not required. Creative Arts Therapists can expect
to earn from $25,000 to $40,000 per year on the average.
The outlook for these professions is good, with faster
than average growth, but this must be considered along
with the fact that they were not ranked in the top 30
fastest growing professions. Music and art therapy are
the most established of the four types of creative arts
therapy, so it may be easier to find a job in one of
these areas, but there is a better chance of employment
if a degree in counseling or similar is obtained.
California Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers* (Boise, San Diego) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner,
Massage Therapy, Optical Technician, Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant
Golden
State College - (Bakersfield)* - Holistic Health Practitioner
Maric
College (Vista)*
- Holistic Health Practitioner
National
Holistic Institute (SF
Bay Area) - Massage Therapist and Health Educator
Silicon
Valley College* (Emeryville, Fremont, San
Jose , Walnut
Creek ) - Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy
Idaho Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers (Boise)
- Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Holistic Health
Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
Oregon Schools
Ashmead
College (Tigard)
- Massage Therapy, Spa & Aromatherapy
Washington Schools
Ashmead
College* (Seattle, Fife, Vancouver , Everett)
- Fitness Trainer, Massage Therapy, Spa and Aromatherapy
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