I Regret Getting My Degree in Art Therapy

No one was going to stop me from being an art therapist but I have felt bullied and frustrated with people in the field, including about other times I've talked about the subject of not wanting my art therapy degree. I am working on an advanced degree in counseling currently so I can be a counselor and occasionally/rarely use my skills in therapeutic art during sessions.

[passionanjel]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's been hard to find real and honest answers on what life is like for Art Therapists and the struggles of the career. Appreciate you!

[JB-syem]

thank you for sharing your experience, i am about to graduate from undergrad with an art therapy degree and your experience is helping me shift the way i want to contribute with art therapy to the world

[maegankelly]

Thank you so much for your honesty and courage in sharing your experience. Your feedback is very much appreciated 🙏

[antennafabricationstudio]

I really appreciate your honesty .
And it’s really helpful to have different perspectives to consider .

[isabellarickle]

I just found this video! Thanks for sharing so much. I’m looking into this education and I really value your input.

[rs]

if you could go back and choose a new direction, what would you decide to be instead of an art therapist?

[hamsa]

Highly appreciate your video, and your voice in giving us the information on the after graduation practice and work environment which sounds quite not fairly good to the efforts and education and courses requirements to become one interested in the major?!

[pcdihealth]

Thank you for sharing your story. No matter what people may say, your journey is NOT their journey. I would rather hear about the struggles within the field from someone who is honest and straight forward, then from someone who wants to protect my feelings and paint a beautiful picture that is a lie. IMHO you did the world a justice. My best advice is to see how long it will take to upgrade your license to an LPC/MFT or respecialize so you can apply to get on the insurance panels. (Added) You may want to visit activities director at a nursing facility. It does not take long to qualify and you can upgrade the license from activity director to activity consultant which is the highest license you can get in that field. It pay s the bills until you get more clientele.

[lanamarscharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience. As clinicians and advocates, we should all be compassionate about each others experiences. I mean, that's what we do!

[stephvalencia]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE !

[saltandlightEvie]

So true. I am in Australia did my diploma in Art therapy and counselling the same time about 9 years ago. I do counseling privately and use art in my sessions but we were told it will never be like in class where we went deep. Also have to work for myself as no one hires us unless we have masters degree but even then it is hard. I do enjoy the processes and by now I makeup my own on the spot for the client takes us deep into the process.

[christinacox]

Thanks so much. This was very helpful for me. I am currently doing my Masters in MFT and considering art therapy but not sure if it is worth the hassle. I might wind up doing Play Therapy.

[Crayolapup]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I never watched the video.

[graceartsgifts]

Great honesty! 😊 I appreciate it! 🙏 ❤️

[bayanbishara]

I graduated BA in psychology and art therapy is such a dream....but due to the hardships I just can't imagine finding myself with no job, I've been considering shifting to social work, altho similar salary wages, but it's more recognized and has more job opportunities. Can anyone here relate to that and did this shift?

[lucybell]

do you want a job or career? you have to be independent in your learning and proactive in your choices to have a career. if you want a job, sure it is limited.

[pattyfriedmann]

Can you please mention the name of the academic institution you had that experience with/at? Thanks!

[alijanebollahi]

I'm psychologist in Iran I have worked out in animation since 4 years I wanna immigrate to Canada but i have to getting degree of art psychology because i don't like psychology then I will continue animation why world is like this you have to say lie to other for one reason for having best life

[makeupisamber]

Would you say becoming a LMHC and then getting extra art therapy credentials would be a way to have private practice but be on multiple insurances?

[miabrown]

The program I’m looking at now would allow me to become a licensed LPC and Art Therapist at the same time. Would this be a better alternative? Thank you