Therapy Specialisms

This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in therapy specialisms.

• What are therapy specialisms?
• How do I get into it?
• Finding a job or employer in this sector
• Further information and useful links

What are therapy specialisms?

Therapy specialists work with groups or individuals to bring about positive changes in their lives (personal, emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration) through the use of art, drama, dance, horticulture or sport. Therapy specialists are employed by a range of private, statutory and voluntary sector organisations.

Prospects

Types of jobs - Healthcare
Prospects is a graduate careers website with job profiles, including art therapist, dance movement therapist, drama therapist, horticultural therapist, music therapist, sports therapist.

Sector Guide - Health and social care
Contains information about working in the sector, how to get into it and much more.
 

How do I get into it?

• Mind - Careers in mental health
  This factsheet is targeted towards people interested in working in the field of mental health. It offers some introductory information on a range of work opportunities in this field.
• Postgraduate study in dance movement psychotherapy
  As training is at postgraduate level you should have an undergraduate degree. If you do not have an undergraduate degree then relevant work experience in dance and the caring professions would be necessary.
• Qualifying courses for art therapists in the UK
  To practice art therapy it is essential to have a post-graduate qualification. The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) lists approved courses.
• Social and Therapeutic Horticulture
  Thrive offers a variety of training and education opportunities, ranging from one-day courses to higher education opportunities.
• Society of Sports Therapists
  Includes a list of degree courses currently accredited by the society.

Finding a job or employer in this sector

Vacancies

Therapy Specialists are employed by a range of private, statutory and voluntary sector organisations including: the NHS, Social Services, the prison service, education establishments, community centres and charities.

• Community Care
• Guardian
• Health Service Journal
• Horticulture Week
• Social Work Today
• Thrive Network News

Employers

• Department of Health
• National Health Service (NHS)
• Touch Brighton
  Online Business directory

Further Information and useful links

Art Therapy

• British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)
  Professional organisation for art therapists in the United Kingdom and has its own Code of Ethics of Professional Practice.

Dance therapy

• The Association for Dance Movement Therapy UK
  ADMTUK aims to develop communication amongst dance movement therapists and promote its use throughout the United Kingdom in accordance with the highest professional standards.
• Foundation for Community Dance
  Includes a dance directory.
• Health Professions Council (HPC)
  The HPC is responsible for the regulation of Art, Drama and Dance therapists.
• NHS Careers
• South East National Dance Agency

Horticulture

• American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA)
  Includes occupational information.
• Growing Careers
  Contains some careers and course information.
• Institute of Horticulture (IOH)
  The Institute of Horticulture is the authoritative organisation representing all those professionally engaged in Horticulture in the UK & Ireland.
• Thrive
  National horticultural charity that exists to enable disadvantaged, disabled and older people to participate fully in the social and economic life of the community. Includes many useful links.

Music Therapy

• Association of Professional Music Therapists
  Good overview of the profession
• British Society for Music Therapy (BSMT)
  Promotes the use and development of music therapy, site includes information on how to find a music therapist.

Occupational Therapy

• The British Association and College of Occupational Therapists
  The professional body for occupational therapy staff in the United Kingdom. The site includes a range of career development resources.

Sports Therapy

• Society of Sports Therapists
  Addresses the growing demands from sport and leisure on everyone involved in the management and care of injured participants.