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29-1129.01 · Task explorer

Art Therapists: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 25 tasks, including 22 marked Core and 3 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

25 tasks shown

Core · Task 19143 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Conduct art therapy sessions, providing guided self-expression experiences to help clients recover from, or cope with, cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.

Core · Task 19153 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Talk with clients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.

Core · Task 19154 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Write treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.

Core · Task 19141 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Assess client needs or disorders, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes.

Core · Task 19146 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet client's goals or objectives.

Core · Task 19151 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.

Core · Task 19147 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate studio art therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy techniques.

Core · Task 19148 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Establish goals or objectives for art therapy sessions in consultation with clients or site administrators.

Core · Task 19161 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Select or prepare artistic media or related equipment or devices to accomplish therapy session objectives.

Core · Task 19142 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Communicate client assessment findings and recommendations in oral, written, audio, video, or other forms.

Core · Task 19145 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Customize art therapy programs for specific client populations, such as those in schools, nursing homes, wellness centers, prisons, shelters, or hospitals.

Core · Task 19144 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Confer with other professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.

Core · Task 19159 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Recommend or purchase needed art supplies or equipment.

Core · Task 19150 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Interpret the artistic creations of clients to assess their functioning, needs, or progress.

Core · Task 19158 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Gather client information from sources such as case documentation, client observation, or interviews of client or family members.

Core · Task 19160 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Review research or literature in art therapy, psychology, or related disciplines.

Core · Task 19140 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Analyze or synthesize client data to draw conclusions or make recommendations for art therapy.

Core · Task 19139 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of treatments or therapy approaches.

Core · Task 19149 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Instruct individuals or groups in the use of art media, such as paint, clay, or yarn.

Core · Task 19162 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Supervise staff, volunteers, practicum students, or interns.

Core · Task 19155 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Conduct information sharing sessions, such as in-service workshops for other professionals, potential client groups, or the general community.

Core · Task 19152 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Photograph or videotape client artwork for inclusion in client records or for promotional purposes.

Supplemental · Task 19163 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Teach art therapy techniques or processes to artists, interns, volunteers, or others.

Supplemental · Task 19156 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate art showcases to display artwork produced by clients.

Supplemental · Task 19157 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate field trips for client groups to museums or other public displays of art.

Make the shortlist useful

  1. Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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