Internships

Graduate Internship Applications for Fall 2026 have closed!

Why Intern at The Artful Life?

Are you looking for a place to complete an undergraduate or graduate-level internship? The Artful Life is a creative, welcoming group practice with clinicians that specialize in expressive arts therapy, dance and movement therapy, play therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, and more! Learn about expressive arts therapies through staff-led art events, weekly supervision with an ALC clinician, and by shadowing client sessions!

Current Internship Opportunities

The Artful Life Counseling Center & Studio is a group mental health practice with a creative twist. Located in Salem and Beverly, MA, we integrate traditional counseling with the healing power of expressive arts—helping people of all ages imagine and create positive change in their lives.

As a small business rooted in both the arts and health care, we offer undergraduate and graduate students the chance to gain real-world, hands-on experience in a supportive, creative, and community-centered environment.

  • We accept social work, mental health counselor, and expressive arts therapy interns!

    During your time at The Artful Life Counseling Center and Studio as a graduate-level intern, you will:

    • Learn how to apply various expressive arts therapies such as music, dance, drama, visual arts, and poetry in counseling sessions. This includes understanding how different art forms can facilitate emotional expression, communication, and healing in clients.

    • Gain clinical experience and shadowing opportunities to interact with clients in a therapeutic setting. This involves developing skills in active listening, empathy, rapport building, and maintaining professional boundaries. Interns will also learn what it entails to conduct intake assessments, formulate treatment plans, and implement therapeutic interventions under supervision.

    • Be exposed to the ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity required in the practice of counseling, particularly when using expressive arts therapies. This includes understanding confidentiality, informed consent, and the importance of respecting cultural backgrounds and beliefs in therapeutic settings.

    Please send your resume and cover letter to our Clinical Director (valerie.blanc@artfullifecenter.org) and Graduate Intern Supervisor Cristina Oliver (cristina.oliver@artfullifecenter.org).

  • Our internship program provides on-the-job training in:

    • Creative Arts

      • Create artwork for therapy, groups, and marketing

      • Organize and maintain art supplies and studio space

      • Help plan and co-facilitate expressive arts groups and workshops

      Counseling*

      • Shadow therapists during intakes and team supervision

      • Assist with intake coordination and waitlist management

      • Contribute to newsletter content on mental health and expressive arts

      • Create expressive art samples for therapeutic use

      • *Counseling opportunities primarily for graduate-level interns

      Social Media

      • Support staff in executing promotional strategies

      • Create original, engaging content

      • Work across platforms including Facebook and Instagram

    Key Skills Required for the Role

    • An interest in the arts, mental health, health and wellness industries

    • An interest in marketing, communications, social media or reputation management

    • An entrepreneurial attitude (self motivated, passionate, ability to work independently)

    • Excellent verbal communications skills

    • An ability to consistently demonstrate our values of insight, hard work, and effectiveness in your personal approach to work

    • Excellent attention to detail and a high motivation to learn

    • An ability to remain calm under pressure and a robust/resilient attitude towards challenges

    • An ability to prioritize work and complete tasks with quick turnaround times and minimal fuss

    • The ability to work collaboratively with a team

    Whether your passion is in therapy, arts education, studio management, or creative communications, The Artful Life provides an inspiring place to learn, grow, and make an impact.

    Please send your resume and cover letter to our Undergraduate Intern Supervisor Venita Figueroa (venita.figueroa@artfullifecenter.org).