Art Therapy Intern

Essential Functions

The Art Therapy Intern reports to the Creative Therapies Supervisor and plays an integral role in planning, organizing, and facilitating art therapy interventions as part of holistic mental and physical healthcare for youth ages 6–21. These interventions are designed to influence behavioral and psychological changes that promote emotional healing, restoration, and growth.

Interns are expected to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, along with a strong foundational understanding of trauma and its impact on youth. This includes familiarity with the 5 S’s of trauma-informed care: Safety, Self-regulation/Soothing, Supportive relationships, Strengths, and Self-care, as well as the ability to recognize signs of traumatic stress.

Candidates must be effective in using both verbal and physical intervention techniques when appropriate. Physical requirements include the ability to kneel and return to standing independently. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet the evolving needs of the program.

Intern Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual (1:1) and group art therapy sessions under supervision
• Lead or assist with open art studio sessions
• Plan and implement trauma-informed, strengths-based art directives
• Observe and document client participation, process, and clinical progress
• Engage in reflective supervision and participate in weekly case discussions
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes therapists, caseworkers, educators, and fellow creative arts therapy interns
• Attend and participate in required training sessions

Internship Structure

• Orientation Period: Interns will observe various therapeutic groups (including art therapy, music therapy, adventure therapy, and therapeutic recreation) to build familiarity with therapeutic approaches and client needs while establishing rapport.
• Building a Caseload: Interns will gradually begin seeing individual clients and may co-lead or independently lead art therapy groups based on readiness and comfort level.
• Group Format: Group sessions typically involve 6–8 clients with a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio. Interns are consistently supported by supervisors and staff to ensure a collaborative and safe space for therapeutic work.

What Interns Will Gain from This Experience

This internship offers a hands-on, immersive experience in a trauma-informed, youth-centered therapeutic environment. Interns will:

• Gain direct clinical experience working with youth exposed to trauma and adversity
• Develop practical skills in facilitating both individual and group art therapy sessions
• Enhance understanding of trauma-informed care, strengths-based interventions, and youth development
• Build confidence in treatment planning, clinical documentation, and therapeutic communication
• Strengthen their ability to work within an interdisciplinary team
• Receive personalized supervision and mentorship to support professional growth
• Experience the dynamics of working in a residential or community-based care setting

By the end of the internship, interns will be better prepared for post-graduate roles in clinical art therapy settings and will have deepened their capacity for compassionate, ethical, and creative therapeutic practice

Mandatory Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a master’s program in Art Therapy or Art Therapy & Counseling from an accredited university (graduate-level internship)
• Experience working with children or adolescents in community, clinical, or school-based settings
• Understanding of youth development, adolescent needs, and strength-based approaches
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
• Submission of a current resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Submission of personal art portfolio
  • preferred candidates will demonstrate varied experience engaging with art materials, through either personal art practice or leading art workshops

Preferred Skills (Optional)

• Prior experience working with youth and families exposed to trauma or traumatic stress
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and practices
• Basic crisis management skills or a willingness to be trained
• Cultural sensitivity and openness to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Basic documentation and clinical note-taking skills
• Awareness of ethical standards in clinical and therapeutic settings