Introduction

Abstract

This introduction presents a brief description of the creative arts therapies: drama therapy, music therapy, art therapy, dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, and poetry/bibliotherapy. Creative arts therapies have been used as therapeutic interventions for millennia. Despite this long history, the general public is not aware that they are available as options for psychotherapy or as potential career options. The book consists of interviews with and essays written by creative arts therapists about their experiences during different stages of their careers. Chapter 1: Getting Started first introduces readers to careers in the arts beyond that of being a professional artist. Then four creative arts therapists (CATs) share what motivated them to go into their respective fields. The chapter ends with an essay encouraging students of diverse backgrounds to consider careers in CATs. Chapter 2: Sticking it Out reveals what studying one of the creative arts therapies would involve. In Chapter 3: Finding Success, five CATs share what their experiences were like as they started their careers. Chapter 4: Getting Ahead offers descriptions of opportunities that often present themselves as CATs enter their mid-careers. Chapter 5: Starting Over shows options that CATs might take beyond their regular career.