The purpose of this study is to check domestic research trends regarding the development of art therapists, to promote related research and to strengthen professionalism. To this end, a total of 105 dissertations of the Seok and Ph.D. papers and academic journals, published by 2018, were selected to analyze the literature based on the issue year, research method, research subject, and research target. The year of issue was steadily studied, starting with the first installment in 2003. Also, identified studies included 80 qualitative studies (76.2%), 20 quantitative studies (19.0%), and 5 mixed studies (2.5%). There were 12 sub-research methods, mainly utilized in the order of phenomenology, investigation research, narratives, and existential exploration. Results also identified 62 art therapists factor (59.0%), 34 art therapists education(32.4%), and nine therapeutic relationships (8.6%). In addition, there were only 17 studies (16.2%) that distinguished the differences between over all levels of development in the sample. Most of the study subjects were samples of group units. The samples development level was most in the middle level followed by beginner, and skill levels, and there are deviations according to research methods and subjects. Finally, based on results, the current situation and the limitations were identified and suggestions for further research were made.