Art Therapy Course teaches how art helps people express feelings, reduce stress, and improve mental wellbeing using simple creative techniques.
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1 Year Access 
Level 4 
1066 Students 
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Art therapy combines creative expression with psychological support. This QLS Endorsed Level 4 course provides a structured introduction to art therapy theory, techniques, and practical applications, helping you build knowledge from core principles to specialist areas of practice.
The course explores the foundations of art therapy, including psychology, neuroscience, mindful creativity, and creative therapeutic techniques. Learners will develop skills in drawing, colour work, reflective writing, and therapeutic imagery, while examining approaches for children, adults, and families. The curriculum also covers art in healthcare settings, professional practice, and key ethical considerations.
This knowledge-based Level 4 course provides a solid understanding of art therapy, making it suitable for those from care, education, counselling, or creative backgrounds. Endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme, it offers an accredited qualification to support professional development and further learning.
This Art Therapy training follows two assessment pathways depending on the certificate you are working towards.
CPD Certificate
After completing the Art Therapy Course assessment, you will qualify for a CPD certified certificate from One Education to showcase your achievement.
The certificate is available in two formats: a PDF version for £9 or a printed hard copy delivered by post for £15.
You will also be able to order a Quality Licence Scheme endorsed certificate as proof of your new achievement. The QLS Endorsed certificates can be ordered and get delivered to your home by post for only £89. There is an additional £10 postage charge for international students.
This course is endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme (QLS) at Level 4. The QLS is a recognised endorsement body that assesses the quality and content of non-regulated qualifications. A QLS Endorsed certificate at Level 4 indicates a substantial and credible level of study, and is widely recognised in continuing professional development contexts across the UK.
Please note: this qualification is endorsed, not regulated. It is not equivalent to an Ofqual-regulated qualification and does not confer HCPC registration or the legal right to use the protected titles of art therapist or art psychotherapist.
This course has approximately 6 hours of structured video content across 14 modules, plus a mock exam and final exam. Learners can work through all components including assessment and workbook resources within their access period.
This course is open to anyone with an interest in art therapy, creative health, or therapeutic practice.
What qualifications do I need to be an art therapist?
To use the protected title of art therapist in the UK, you must hold an HCPC-approved postgraduate qualification — typically a master’s degree — and register with the Health and Care Professions Council. A first degree in a relevant subject and experience in health, education, or social care are usually required. This course does not confer HCPC registration.
What is art therapy and how does it work?
Art therapy uses the creative process — drawing, painting, or making — to help people explore emotions and experiences that are difficult to put into words. A trained therapist facilitates this in a safe, non-judgemental space. It is used across NHS trusts, schools, hospices, and private practice to support people of all ages with mental health and emotional difficulties.
What are the four types of art therapy?
There is no single fixed list, but common approaches include psychodynamic art therapy, person-centred art therapy, cognitive behavioural approaches using art, and group art therapy. Mindfulness-based methods are also widely used, as covered in this course. Different approaches suit different client groups, settings, and therapeutic goals.
What is art therapy on the NHS?
Art therapy is an HCPC-regulated Allied Health Profession practised within NHS trusts, CAMHS, forensic services, palliative care, and mental health teams. NHS art therapists are employed under Agenda for Change pay scales, starting at Band 6, working alongside psychologists, nurses, and occupational therapists as part of multidisciplinary teams.
What mental illness does art therapy help?
Art therapy is used in clinical settings to support depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychosis, personality disorders, dementia, addiction, and eating disorders. It is also applied in trauma recovery, bereavement, learning disabilities, and palliative care. Its non-verbal nature makes it particularly effective where talking therapies alone are insufficient or inaccessible.
What is the 80/20 rule in art?
The 80/20 rule suggests that most creative or therapeutic value comes from a small number of core techniques rather than volume of output. In art therapy practice, this reflects the importance of focusing on the most impactful interventions. This course covers the key techniques that form the foundation of effective art therapy work.
Maria
📍 GB
I have studied and just finished Art Therapy with them. Brilliant course and brilliant service Definitely recommended
| Module 01: Introduction to Art Therapy | |||
| Introduction to Art Therapy | 00:17:00 | ||
| Module 02: Art Therapy: Psychology and Neuroscience | |||
| Art Therapy: Psychology and Neuroscience | 00:18:00 | ||
| Module 03: Art Therapy in Practice | |||
| Art Therapy in Practice | 00:18:00 | ||
| Module 04: Creative Therapy | |||
| Creative Therapy | 00:14:00 | ||
| Module 05: Mindful Creativity: Colour and Creation | |||
| Mindful Creativity: Colour and Creation | 00:17:00 | ||
| Module 06: Art Therapy Techniques and Applications | |||
| Art Therapy Techniques and Applications | 00:34:00 | ||
| Module 07: Using Mindfulness in Art Therapy | |||
| Using Mindfulness in Art Therapy | 00:26:00 | ||
| Module 08: Drawings | |||
| Drawings | 00:35:00 | ||
| Module 09: Reflective Writing | |||
| Reflective Writing | 00:22:00 | ||
| Module 10: Art Therapy for Children | |||
| Art Therapy for Children | 00:21:00 | ||
| Module 11: Art Therapy for Adults | |||
| Art Therapy for Adults | 00:18:00 | ||
| Module 12: Art Therapy for Family | |||
| Art Therapy for Family | 00:33:00 | ||
| Module 13: Illness and Art | |||
| Illness and Art | 00:15:00 | ||
| Module 14: The Art Therapist | |||
| The Art Therapist | 00:20:00 | ||
| Mock Exam | |||
| Mock Exam – Art Therapy | 00:20:00 | ||
| Final Exam | |||
| Final Exam – Art Therapy | 00:20:00 | ||
| Assignment | |||
| Assignment – Art Therapy | 4 days, 7 hours | ||
| Recommended Materials | |||
| Workbook – Art Therapy | 6 days, 9 hours | ||
| Certificate and Transcript | |||
| We Appreciate Your Feedback | 00:00:00 | ||
| Collect your Certificate and Transcript | 00:00:00 | ||
| Apply for your QLS Endorsed Certificate | 00:00:00 | ||
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