One of those most common questions I get asked is how did I become an art therapist? Well, I am going to lay out my experience for you here. I live in Canada and so my experience is from a Canadian perspective. If you are from the USA at the bottom of this post I will let you know where you can learn more about becoming an art therapist. In 2017 I moved to the other side of the country to attend the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute. An institute that provide education to those looking to become an art therapist. This is a specialized program that focuses on art therapy and certifies you with all the rights and responsibilities to work as a professional art therapist. The Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (or KATI) is in a small British Columbia town by the name of Nelson. It is a two year program that includes course work, supervision and practicums. For two years as an art therapy intern I worked with a wide range of clients and placements from assisted living, adult mental health and youth, and more.
What Were The Requirements? So, how did I get accepted to get into KATI? Art therapy programs in Canada are post-graduate programs, meaning you need to have a university undergraduate degree, like a Bachelors. I obtained my Bachelors in psychology before applying to KATI. When I arrived at KATI, I met people with all sorts of different educational backgrounds. Many had psychology and fine arts as a background (art therapy program generally accept fine arts majors!), there was also education backgrounds, sociology, child and youth work and more. After I Was Accepted As mentioned above, I moved to the other side of the country to complete my placement and my coursework. It took me 2 years with an additional couple months to complete my thesis. Even during the program, the students are required to participate in their own art therapy process in a group format. If you want to know more about the placement and supervision hours needed while in your program check out the Canadian Art Therapy Association to learn more.
After Graduation
After I graduated, I wasn't allowed to practice as art therapist just yet! I need to do three very important things:
1. Register with Canadian Art Therapy Association
2. Obtain practice insurance
3. Register with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Being an Ontario resident, I needed to register with the CRPO which regulated the act of psychotherapy in Ontario and in Ontario art therapy falls under this category. This wasn't a straightforward process. It includes a long application process, an exam, and many records of my hours put in to train as an art therapist.
Now what?
Well, as I write this, it is 2025. I have been in the art therapy world since 2017 (how has it been 8 years?!). I have been in private practice since 2021 and enjoying the ride. I am grateful for the process, even though it of course has it's ups and downs! It really is an incredible thing to be able to support people through some of the most difficult times in their life and show them how creativity can be a means of further support for them.
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