Is Art Therapy the BEST Job for You?

Is Art Therapy the BEST Job for You?

Author: Time We Discuss May 24, 2026 Duration: 26:47

What is it really like working as an art therapist? In this episode of Time We Discuss, Sarah Balascio shares an inside look at the world of art therapy, creative arts therapy, mental health counseling, and helping people heal through creative expression.

Sarah explains how art therapists work with clients of all ages in hospitals, schools, treatment centers, senior centers, nonprofits, and private practice settings. We also discuss how to become an art therapist, education requirements, salary expectations, career flexibility, and what actually happens during an art therapy session.

If you are interested in psychology careers, mental health jobs, counseling careers, creative careers, or helping professions, this episode gives a realistic look into the field of art therapy and what it takes to succeed.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What an art therapist actually does
  • How art therapy helps with mental health
  • Art therapy exercises and interventions
  • Working in hospitals, schools, and private practice
  • Education and certification requirements
  • Salary expectations and career opportunities
  • Working with children, adults, and seniors
  • The emotional rewards and challenges of the job
  • Creative arts therapy careers
  • Why Sarah loves being an art therapist

Sarah also talks about her book, “Art Therapy Directives: An Intervention Toolbox,” designed for art therapists, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in therapeutic creative expression.

Whether you are exploring career options, considering graduate school, or curious about how creativity can support mental health, this episode offers valuable insight into the growing field of art therapy.

Subscribe for more career interviews and behind the scenes conversations about what jobs are really like.

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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Defining the Creative Arts Therapies
1:22 - Where you can work as an art therapist
5:02 - Is art therapy used for physical ailments?
5:48 - What age groups receive art therapy?
8:34 - Art Therapy Exercises and Art Therapy Activities
11:07 - Job opportunities for art therapists
17:49 - Why an art therapist is the best job
23:26 - Talent has the floor
24:46 - Thank you
25:03 - Recap
26:39 - Outro

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Guest Information:

Sarah Balascio

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

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Time We Discuss Links:

Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Figuring out what you want to do for a living is one of life's biggest puzzles, and Time We Discuss tackles it by bringing real voices into the conversation. Instead of abstract advice, each episode sits down with people who are actually doing the jobs you might be curious about. You'll hear the unvarnished details of their daily routines, the challenges they didn't see coming, and the moments that make their work worthwhile. This podcast moves beyond glossy job descriptions to explore the practical realities of different paths, from traditional professions to less conventional roles. Whether you're a student weighing college against direct entry into the workforce, someone considering a complete pivot, or simply fascinated by how other people spend their working hours, these discussions offer grounded insights. The focus is on career discovery through honest storytelling, providing a resource that feels more like a series of candid conversations than a formal guide. By listening, you gather the nuanced, firsthand information needed to make more informed decisions about your own professional journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Time We Discuss | Career Exploration Podcast with Real Professionals and Real Stories
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