Career & Education will, over the next several weeks, look at career options that cater to the needs of children and/or adults with special needs. We look this week at the art therapist.

ART therapy. It is a career option with which few Jamaicans are acquainted, but which is growing in importance to the society wherein many people struggle with psychological problems.

For insight into the career we chat this week with art therapist of two years, Lesli-Ann Belnavis, who works par- time with the Abilities Foundation — a skills-based training facility for adults with disabilities.

The 26-year-old also does work for the Music House in Seymour Park, where she helps children on various levels of the autistic spectrum, as well as those diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The young woman, who is registered with the American Art Therapy Association, previously worked with the Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center in Florida, USA, which catered to students dually diagnosed with emotional/behavioural disabilities; and the Dade Juvenile Residential Facility, which houses male juveniles between the ages of 13 and 18 who have been diagnosed with mental health problems.

Before that, she worked with the Shandlis Center in Florida — a private practice for adult clients dealing with issues of sexual and substance abuse and diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder).

The former St Hugh’s High School student holds an associate of arts degree in Studio Art from Broward Community College in Florida, as well as a bachelor of science degree in Studio Art and a master of science degree in Art Therapy, both from Florida State University.

Who is an art therapist?

An art therapist is a trained mental health professional who uses art as a therapeutic outlet to aid individuals in dealing with various issues, especially when they find it difficult to verbalise their problem. Additionally, art therapy is a psychological discipline that utilises the creative process of art to help individuals of all ages address and cope with emotional, physical and mental issues.

What is the value of the work you do?

The key element of this form of therapy is the use of art in a variety of forms. Individuals that are exposed to therapy in general often find it difficult to speak or talk about their feelings. Often clients are faced with difficult situations such as stress and poor coping skills. Art therapy allows them the opportunity to explore these issues by using various materials. For example, watercolour paints can be used as a form of relaxation. Art therapy is used to assess and treat developmental delays, anxiety, depression, mental and emotional problems and disorders, substance abuse and other addictions, family and relationship issues, abuse and domestic violence, social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness, trauma and loss, physical, cognitive and neurological disabilities and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness.

What prompted your entry into the field?

During the final stage of my undergraduate programme in Studio Art, I questioned what career path I wanted to pursue. I found it ironic that several of my friends suggested art therapy. I researched it and found the programme involved two main interests of mine — art and psychology. I have always had a passion for art, and from a young age my friends have always confided in me. After an interview with Dr Marcia Rosal, former director of the Art Therapy Graduate Programme at Florida State University, my decision to pursue art therapy as an occupation was made.

What are the challenges you face on the job?

The lack of awareness of art therapy; the lack of funding and support; and getting some of the clients to see the benefits of art therapy and how they can utilise it to meet their needs.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

The gratification I get from seeing the changes that occur within my clients, whether developmental, emotional or psychological — no matter how small. I enjoy those little moments when a client is able to show some progress though one might view it as minor or insignificant. When a client is able to work through a topic that may have been hard for them to discuss or that they were avoiding, and then seeing their reaction after they have been able to put it in the artwork is always rewarding. I also love the fact that art therapy continues to teach me patience.

What are the academic requirements for entry into the field?

I obtained my master’s degree from Florida State University and the following are the requirements needed to enter the programme:

* a BS, BA, BFA, or BSc degree from an accredited institution;

* 30 semester hours in art, including studio art and art history;

* 12 semester hours in psychology (these hours must include courses in Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Theories of Personality); and

* a 3.00 grade point average on the last 60 hours on a 4.0 scale.

One will also need to submit a letter of application and a statement describing your interest in the field of art therapy and your interest in being trained in this profession.

Previous work experience with various special populations is recommended. In addition, one must submit:

* completed graduate school application;

* a Graduate Record Examination test score (and have a combined score of 1,000 on the verbal and quantitative parts of the test);

* a portfolio of 20 slides that demonstrates a range of media competencies and an area of artistic specialisation;

* three letters of recommendation from individuals who have previous knowledge of the applicant and who can offer character, academic, or professional references.

Trained as an art therapist, what are the employment options open to you?

An art therapist is trained to work in different settings, including various educational institutions, hospitals, hospices, clinics, rehabilitation centres and prisons while conducting individual, group, family and couples therapy.

As an art therapist, how much can you earn on an annual basis?

In America, an art therapist can earn anywhere between US$300,000 to US$$720,000 per year, depending on the type of institution that they are affiliated with. In Jamaica, the annual salary for an art therapist would be determined by the availability of funding, as well as the type of facility. Currently, the field of art therapy is new to Jamaica, therefore it is difficult to establish what one’s income will be annually.

Why would you advise anyone to get into the field?

Increasingly in Jamaica there are many persons who are diagnosed with psychological, emotional and developmental disorders and these issues need to be addressed. Art therapy is one of the avenues that can be used, therefore it is vital that more persons be trained in the field so that we have a broader range of professionals who can address these needs.