Case studies: Art therapist: Patricia

Patricia has a Masters degree in art therapy and works as a child support worker for Shelter. The role includes providing support through art therapy.

I originally considered going into social work when I finished art school but then discovered that I could become an art therapist. This seemed like the perfect way to build on my first degree and integrate my career interests with my background and experience of working with children and young people. When my current job at Shelter came up it seemed ideal as they were looking for a project worker with art therapy training.

I work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support children and families affected by homelessness to obtain and sustain a permanent tenancy that meets their needs. This involves supporting children and young people with the emotional trauma caused by homelessness through art therapy. I also provide practical support by helping families to register with health services in their new community or setting up school transport to help them remain at their current school. Social inclusion is also part of my role. This is done through linking children and young people in with groups and activities in their new communities and advocating on their behalf at meetings.

I gained great hands-on experience of working with children and families during my placements on the art therapy course. Being on placement helped to develop my skills around working with clients, team working, note writing and other tasks I would be expected to carry out in the workplace.
On placement I was mainly working with children and families so I began to read around relevant theories that underpinned the ethos of the placement. This helped me to make sense of the ongoing theoretical lectures at university. Studying theories, policy and legislation relevant to children and being able to integrate that knowledge into practice was relevant to my current post.

My role has developed to include regular participation in groups to consult with children and young people on issues that affect them. This has been a great experience and it is part of the role that I want to continue to develop.

I love that every day is different. My job allows me to be creative and to interact with a diverse and interesting group of people. Working with children and young people is also great fun.

There can be a lot of paperwork attached to the job, which although it is necessary can at times seem to reduce the amount of contact spent with clients. I also have to do a lot of driving for the outreach aspect of the work, which again is necessary but can be tiring.

I am currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Science and would like to finish this and then progress onto a managerial role that involves contact with clients. It would be nice to also get involved in setting up new projects and services.

My advice to students and graduates interested in an art therapy career is to get as much and as varied experience as possible as you never know where new opportunities will take you.