Art Therapy is a clinical form of psychotherapy. Training requires an undergraduate degree (e.g. BA Psy/Fine Art/Social work degree) with psychology 1, 2 and 3. This is followed by an Honour’s in Art Therapy and a Master’s in Art Therapy which is a 2 year full-time training, including 1000 clinical hours under formal supervision.
How do I become an Art Therapist?
Master’s in Art Therapy is currently only offered at the University of Johannesburg and graduates register with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) to practice. Other forms of arts therapies include Drama, Music and Dance therapy. A formal art therapy training is a legal and ethical requirement and is governed by the HPCSA and SANATA (South African National Arts Therapies Association) to ensure professional competency, ethical practice, and most importantly, client safety. Art Therapists are regulated by the (HPCSA) under the Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics & Prosthetics, and Arts Therapy Board. To legally practice, one must hold a valid Master’s degree, register with the HPCSA and maintain continuing professional development (CPD) credits
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degree | BA (Psychology/Fine Art/Social Work) + Psychology 1 - 3 |
| Honours | One-year Honours in Art Therapy (entry to Master’s) |
| Master's | Two-year full-time program with 1000 supervised clinical hours |
| Institution | University of Johannesburg (currently exclusive SA offering) |
| Registration | Mandatory with HPCSA; ongoing CPD via HPCSA and SANATA |
| Other Therapies | Drama, Music, Dance-Movement Therapies similarly regulated |
| Legality | Informal/unaccredited training is not legally recognized for practice |