Unnur Óttarsdóttir graduated as an art therapist in 1991 from the Pratt Institute in New York. She had previously graduated from the Iceland University of Education in 1986. Unnur has taught children in the state school system as well as having worked as a special needs teacher in elementary schools.

Unnur Óttarsdóttir opened her own art therapy practice in 1991. She has seen clients there ever since, in addition to working for various institutions, such as the Kópavogur Higher Secondary Grammar School, the Tindar treatment centre, Stígamót – the Reykjavík Counselling and Information Center for Survivors of Sexual Violence, held workshops for professionals at the Reykjavík Sports and Youth Council, and taught at the Icelandic College for Pre-School Teachers.

Children and adults have sought therapy at Unnur’s art therapy practice for a variety of difficulties. The Reykjavík Social Service Institute has referred children who are clients into art therapy, as have psychologists, sociologists, special needs teachers and child psychiatrists.

Unnur has a PhD degree from the University of Hertfordshire in England. Her study revolved around research conducted at the Árbær Elementary School in Reykjavík, on the effects of art therapy on children with specific learning difficulties.