A Day in the Life of an Art Therapist
When I wake up each morning, my heart sings. Why? Because I don't just go to work—I step into a sacred space of witnessing and transformation. As a creative arts therapist, my job is to help others connect to the deepest, most authentic parts of themselves using the universal language of creativity, guiding them to growth not only through the act of creating but through the profound awareness sparked by their own imagery and creative expression.
My name is Jane, and I’m a proud graduate of Rob Gray’s College for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy (CECAT). My training didn't just give me skills; it gave me a mission: to unlock the healing power that resides in every stroke of the brush and every fold of the paper. Here is a day in my life.
6:30 am: Stillness
Before the day’s energy takes hold, I seek stillness. My morning ritual is one of expansive, playful movement. Instead of a small journal, I spread large sheets of paper across my studio floor, taking up a broad brush to let black paint flow freely, spontaneously capturing the raw energy of the moment.
This intuitive movement is my way of setting an intention for profound presence, ensuring I can show up for my clients as a clear, compassionate vessel, ready to share the therapeutic space.
8:00 am: Planning and Preparation
My first clients aren't until 9:30 AM, but the quiet hours before that are crucial for preparation. Today, I'm reviewing client notes for Sarah, a teenager struggling with anxiety, and Michael, an older gentleman navigating grief after losing his wife. I consider what art materials might be most beneficial for each session. For Sarah, I might lean towards pastels or watercolours—something fluid and less structured. For Michael, perhaps clay or collage to help externalise complex emotions. I also make sure all my materials are stocked and organised in my mobile kit, ready for transport across Sydney. Today, I only have a few clients scheduled since they are all in different locations, which helps me feel in control and be fully present with them.
9:30 am – 10:30 am: High School Visit – Sarah’s Journey
My first stop is a local high school in eastern Sydney, where I work with adolescents. Sarah meets me in a private support room—a quiet space the school has kindly allocated for our sessions. She’s initially withdrawn, a common presentation for anxiety. Instead of directly asking "How are you feeling?", I suggest we create a "worry monster." I offer her a range of colourful papers, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and glue.
It starts slowly, but soon she’s absorbed, constructing a small, purple creature with many arms. As she works, we talk about what each arm represents—"This one is about my exams," she mumbles, attaching a pipe cleaner. "This one is about fitting in." By the end, she’s not just created a monster, but she’s externalised her anxieties, giving them a tangible form she can examine and talk about. We discuss strategies for "feeding" or "shrinking" her worry monster in the coming week.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Group Session at a Neighbourhood Centre
Next, I head to a local neighbourhood centre in the Sutherland Shire where I facilitate a group for adults experiencing chronic stress and mild depression. Today’s theme is "resilience." I introduce a collective art piece: a large canvas where everyone contributes to building a "tree of strength." I provide paints, magazines for collage, and various textures.
Each leaf or branch they add represents a personal strength or a moment of resilience. The conversation flows as they work, sharing stories, offering support, and seeing their individual contributions form part of a larger, beautiful whole. It’s powerful to witness the connections forming and the shared sense of achievement. Healing is not always done in isolation; it can be woven together.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch and Reflection
I grab a quick bite from a local café in the Shire—a fresh salad roll—and then head back to my home office. This is a vital part of my day. I use this time for a brief reflection on my morning sessions. I reflect on what worked, what I might do differently, how my energy is right now, and what I need to recharge. A key part of my CECAT training was focusing on self-awareness and avoiding projection, which I carry with me in all aspects of my work. This time helps me stay grounded and professional.
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Home Visit – Michael’s Journey with Grief
My afternoon takes me to Michael’s home in a leafy suburb of Sydney. He’s in his late 70s, and since his wife passed away, he’s found solace in very little. Traditional talk therapy wasn’t resonating with him, so his GP, who knows Rob very well, suggested art therapy. Today, I’ve brought some air-dry clay. I suggest he create something that represents a memory he cherishes with his wife, or perhaps something that symbolises how he feels right now.
He hesitates at first, looking at the clay sceptically. "Don't know what I'd make, Jane," he sighs. I reassure him there's no right or wrong, just to let his hands explore. Slowly, he begins to roll and shape the clay. He starts to form what resembles a small, gnarled tree trunk. As he works, he starts sharing stories about their backyard, the jacaranda tree they planted together, and the shade it provided on hot summer days.
The tactile process of working with the clay seems to unlock these memories, providing a gentle, non-verbal way to process his loss. We talk about the strength of the tree, its roots, and how memories can be like those roots, providing stability even when branches fall. The art becomes a memorial, a testament to enduring love, allowing his grief to be honoured and held in a beautiful, solid form. This is the profound privilege of art therapy: transforming sorrow into soulful memory.
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Documentation and Case Notes
Back in my home office, I dedicate some time to writing up my session notes. This involves observations, interventions used, client responses, and any shifts in their emotional or psychological state. Good documentation is important for tracking progress and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as GPs or psychologists, which is common in the Australian healthcare system. I also ensure all records comply with Australian privacy laws and my ethical obligations as a CECAT-trained therapist.
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Professional Development
The field of art therapy is continually evolving, so professional development remains essential. Sometimes this involves reading the latest research articles or CECAT’s blog posts, but today, I'm taking the opportunity to watch Rob’s most recent YouTube videos.
As the sun sets over the Sydney skyline, I feel a deep sense of purpose. My day wasn't spent in a sterile office or a quiet studio. I spent it in a bustling high school, a vibrant neighbourhood centre, and a quiet suburban home. It was spent connecting with people, not just with words, but also with a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and forms.
To be a creative arts therapist is to guide the soul. It is a wonderfully rewarding life.
