Part-Time Art Therapist (Art Psychotherapist)

Join Words First and help children express themselves, build resilience, and thrive.

Words First is seeking a compassionate and skilled Part-Time Art Therapist (Art Psychotherapist) to join our multidisciplinary team, delivering therapeutic support within a welcoming independent specialist school in Chaldon, Surrey.

This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a child-centred environment where creativity, collaboration, and therapeutic relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

You will provide high-quality art psychotherapy to children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), supporting their emotional wellbeing, communication, self-esteem, and participation in learning.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate closely with teaching staff, families, and other professionals to develop and deliver therapeutic interventions that meet each child's individual needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver individual and group art psychotherapy sessions.
• Undertake clinical assessments and develop individual therapy plans.
• Monitor and evaluate progress, adapting interventions where appropriate.
• Produce clear, evidence-based reports and maintain accurate clinical records.
• Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, families, and other professionals.
• Promote trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practice throughout the school.
• Support the development of whole-school therapeutic approaches that promote emotional wellbeing.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• A postgraduate qualification in Art Psychotherapy (or another HCPC-approved qualification).
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Art Psychotherapist.
• Experience working with children and young people, ideally within specialist education or healthcare settings.
• A strong understanding of child development, attachment, trauma-informed practice, and neurodiversity.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A commitment to evidence-based, child-centred practice.

Why Join Words First?

At Words First, you'll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team committed to improving outcomes for children and young people across education.

We offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Regular clinical supervision.
• Access to specialist CPD and career development opportunities.
• Opportunities to develop specialist clinical interests.
• A collaborative team including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Counsellors, Play Therapists, and other specialists.
• A supportive, values-led culture where innovation, collaboration, and professional growth are encouraged.

Join Us

If you're passionate about helping children and young people express themselves, develop confidence, and overcome barriers to learning through creative therapeutic practice, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Words First and become part of a team dedicated to making a lasting difference in children's lives.