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.

=================================================================

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

=================================================================

Guest Information:

Sarah Balascio

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

=================================================================

Time We Discuss Links:

Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
YouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTube
Spotify: Time We Discuss on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple Podcasts
More Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other Platforms
Twitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/X
Bluesky: Time We Discuss on Bluesky
Instagram: Time We Discuss on Instagram
Threads: Time We Discuss on Threads


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
Podcast Episodes
How to Get Started as a Caricature Artist in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:50
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a caricature artist or silhouette artist?In this episode of Time We Discuss, we hear from Emily Byrne, a talented live event artist who brings smiles to weddings, corporate events, and…
5 Weirdest Paranormal Jobs You Can Get! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:50
Step into the strange side of work this Halloween! 🎃Get ready to explore some truly unique job opportunities related to the paranormal investigation field. From investigating haunted locations to documenting paranormal a…
Secrets Every New Author Needs to Know! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:38
Bestselling science fiction author, Author Aaron Ryan returns to talk about the best ways to market your new book as a self-published author.Aaron opens up about his creative process, how he transitioned from voiceover a…
Starting a Nonprofit Is Easier Than You Think! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
You would think that starting a nonprofit is hard, but it's actually easier than you think.Join us as we discuss the importance of compassion and community, exploring how to start a nonprofit to address unmet needs. Lear…
A Day in My Life as an Event Planner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:57
What's a day like for an event planner or for someone involved in event management? In this episode of the Time We Discuss podcast, host Dan sits down with Tara Thistlethwaite, an experienced event planner and wedding pl…
Become a Tattoo Artist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:50
Tattoo artist day in the life, this is it! Everything that you need to know to get started as a career tattoo artist.In this tattoo artist podcast episode, we meet Holly Danesi of Black Vulture Gallery. From getting star…
Secrets From 20 Years of Podcasting with Jim Harold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
Welcome Jim Harold, one of the most well-known professional podcasters with over 80 million downloads and two decades of experience. Jim is the host of the popular podcasts "Jim Harold's Campfire" and "The Paranormal Rep…
Intuitive Energy / Tarot Card Reader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
How can you start in a tarot or oracle card reading business and be ready for 2026? In this episode of the Time We Discuss podcast, host Dan sits down with intuitive energy reader India Leigh to explore what it's really…
Become a Sommelier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:40
If you want to become a wine taster (sommelier), I'm pouring this episode just for you! I sits down with wine professional Nathan Bihm to explore what it really takes to become a sommelier now and leading into 2026.Natha…
Patent Attorney Day in the Life: What Patent Lawyers REALLY Do! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:04
In this episode, Laura Schneider discusses what it's like being a patent lawyer and the steps involved in securing patent rights. Learn about the intersection of law and business, and how product development plays a role…