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Where should I look and who should I talk to about art therapy internships ?
I am a sophomore psychology major attending Howard University and I am having a hard time finding people to talk to about a career in art therapy. I’m trying to find undergraduate internships or somebody to work under so I can really see if I have a love for this career path. I am heavily into art and I enjoy working with paint as my main medium. I’ve also been doing a lot of research about color theory and how different colors directly relate to moods and feelings.
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Priscilla’s Answer
Wow, Michelle really gave you much important ideas and strategies. I am a retired middle scool art teacher and I was always amazed at how many of our activites elicited emotional responses. For example, doing oil pastel self portraots(8th), students needed to write what feelings they wanted to express and how the pose, colors, etc. conveyed their feelings. Before we brainstormed words describing feelings, which colors communicated different feelings as well as the pose (where eyes were looking, head on arm, etc.). As an art educator, you should incorpoate lessons where students can express themselves in a non judgemental way. Know this may not be exactly to your question, but they are my expessiences.
Thank you for sharing this with me! I appreciate any comments or answers to the question. I wish I had an art project like that when I was in middle school. You don’t realize how much of a release it is until after you’ve completed your art work and see how it makes you feel.
Madison
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Madison !
As a Psychology major, it is so wonderful that you want to incorporate your love and interest of art in your work. Art Therapy is in the realm of physical medical care mainly Physical Therapy requiring a Masters Degree in Art Therapy, but I know that there may be something that you can find to fit what you are looking for now.
First, Howard University doesn't have an Art Therapy department, but I would advise visiting the Dean or a professor in your psychology department to see more about particular courses you can take as a psychology major that use art as therapy for patients you would have. If by some chance they do not offer this, you can read about and take classes for this on line at the Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. I have left the link for it below.
I would also advise visiting the Art department to find out if they offer a mental health based art class. Using art with psychology is a skill, not a complete actual job or internship, so what will be good is to read up on why and how art is used for psychology. There may even be a chapter in one of your psychology courses that touches upon this. Psychology Today has a wonderful article that touches upon how art is used to help people with their emotions and a wide range of psychological issues. I have left the link for you below. The American Scientist website has good information about how using art is a tool, how it heals people of their mental health concerns. I have provided the link to it below.
So it's basically something that you can incorporate into your work as a psychologist, not actually get a job doing or an internship. It will be one of many techniques you will learn how to do as you progress. You can also go to You Tube and search for videos about why and how to incorporate painting into your sessions with clients. I have left a link to one video but you can find many more there. Also keep in mind that the facility you end up having your career at will tell you if art therapy will be one of the duties that you will need to do, so art therapy is not done every time in every facility, just wanted to mention that this would be something to keep in mind.
Last but not least, keep aware of all of the Psychology events happening on campus and every opportunity to participate in workshops, events and presentations. The type of art that your patients would be doing would be therapeutic and not so much on a talent or art gallery level. I also advise that since you enjoy painting, never give it up. Continue to create and develop your painting skills. Think about if your goal is to be a Psychologist or an Art Therapist as they are two different careers needing specific education paths.
I hope that this has been of help and I wish you all the best going forward !
TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICES AND EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY ON LINE CLASSES https://www.trauma-informedpractice.com/online-live-courses/
ALL ABOUT ART IN PSYCHOLOGY https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-art-therapy-2795755
PSYCHOLOGY TODAY ARTICLE https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/art-therapy
AMERICAN SCIENTISTS ARTICLE https://www.americanscientist.org/article/how-art-can-heal
(VIDEO) HOW ART WORKS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES https://youtu.be/cDi3CVof5RA?si=Cpr8-G55ZRHaDutS
As a Psychology major, it is so wonderful that you want to incorporate your love and interest of art in your work. Art Therapy is in the realm of physical medical care mainly Physical Therapy requiring a Masters Degree in Art Therapy, but I know that there may be something that you can find to fit what you are looking for now.
First, Howard University doesn't have an Art Therapy department, but I would advise visiting the Dean or a professor in your psychology department to see more about particular courses you can take as a psychology major that use art as therapy for patients you would have. If by some chance they do not offer this, you can read about and take classes for this on line at the Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. I have left the link for it below.
I would also advise visiting the Art department to find out if they offer a mental health based art class. Using art with psychology is a skill, not a complete actual job or internship, so what will be good is to read up on why and how art is used for psychology. There may even be a chapter in one of your psychology courses that touches upon this. Psychology Today has a wonderful article that touches upon how art is used to help people with their emotions and a wide range of psychological issues. I have left the link for you below. The American Scientist website has good information about how using art is a tool, how it heals people of their mental health concerns. I have provided the link to it below.
So it's basically something that you can incorporate into your work as a psychologist, not actually get a job doing or an internship. It will be one of many techniques you will learn how to do as you progress. You can also go to You Tube and search for videos about why and how to incorporate painting into your sessions with clients. I have left a link to one video but you can find many more there. Also keep in mind that the facility you end up having your career at will tell you if art therapy will be one of the duties that you will need to do, so art therapy is not done every time in every facility, just wanted to mention that this would be something to keep in mind.
Last but not least, keep aware of all of the Psychology events happening on campus and every opportunity to participate in workshops, events and presentations. The type of art that your patients would be doing would be therapeutic and not so much on a talent or art gallery level. I also advise that since you enjoy painting, never give it up. Continue to create and develop your painting skills. Think about if your goal is to be a Psychologist or an Art Therapist as they are two different careers needing specific education paths.
I hope that this has been of help and I wish you all the best going forward !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much Michelle! I am definitely going to read up on the articles you gave me as well as do more research on campus and online. I appreciate your insightful and kind words this was extremely helpful.
Madison
You are very welcome, Madison !
Michelle M.
Updated
Azilee’s Answer
You have an exciting interest. You can learn a lot about the art world by joining your local artist guild. Serving as an intern at a museum is another great avenue to explore. It would not hurt to add a few courses in computer graphics and design as when time permits. You are a definite jewel to your community. Art is a big world with many opportunities. Have fun learning about what coordinates with your dreams. Stay bold and bring the beauty!
Updated
Azilee’s Answer
You have an exciting interest. You can learn a lot about the art world by joining your local artist guild. Serving as an intern at a museum is another great avenue to explore. It would not hurt to add a few courses in computer graphics and design when time permits. You are a definite jewel to your community. Art is a big world with many opportunities. Have fun learning about what coordinates with your dreams. Stay bold and bring the beauty!