Expressive Arts Therapy Courses

This foundational course examines the history and the development of art therapy as a distinct therapeutic practice. This course identifies anthropological precursors, the major events and founding practitioners that have shaped the development of the modality and profession of art therapy.  An overview of the theories of psychotherapy relevant to art therapy and expressive arts therapies, as well as theories of creativity and the creative process are included in this course                                         

The focus of this course involves direct experience of the therapeutic utility and psychological influence of art process and materials. Through engagement in studio art processes students learn art therapy techniques and approaches which contribute to understanding the therapeutic effect of art making in the application of intervention strategies and establishment of therapeutic goals.  This course is usually taken concurrently with the EATSI in the first summer semester of the program.                                                                                                              

This course examines clinical interventions for the treatment of children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in,  in-patient, partial treatment programs and aftercare; essential interviewing and counseling skills for developing the therapeutic relationship; exploration of verbal, behavioral, and artistic communication, assessment, treatment planning approaches, relationship dynamics and role on the treatment team. This course is usually taken concurrently with the EATSI during the second summer semester of the program.

This course examines theoretical and experiential understanding of group art therapy as distinct from other forms of group therapy.  Areas of focus include group counseling methods and skills as applied in art therapy; principles of group dynamics, therapeutic factors, member roles and behaviors, leadership styles and approaches; short and long-term group process.   Special emphasis is placed on understanding the applications of group art therapy processes appropriate for different diagnostic issues, developmental levels and presenting problems in a variety of settings with diverse clients.                                                     

This course examines fundamentals of art therapy assessment, selection of the assessment tools and familiarity with a variety of specific art therapy instruments and procedures used in appraisal and evaluation. Areas of focus include understanding of developmental levels, cultural factors, psychopathology and psychological health manifested in artwork and art making; administration and documentation of art therapy assessment, formulation of treatment goals, objectives and strategies related to assessment and evaluation.                                                                                      

This course examines professional identity, professional ethics and ethical practice of art therapy; familiarity with the ethical standards of the AATA and ATCB, as well as the ACA and other related fields, proper application of ethical and legal principles of art therapy and expressive art therapy practice.  This course examines the professional role as an art therapist with regard to function and relationships with other mental health professional organizations. Understanding of credentialing and licensure, public policy, advocating for the profession and client advocacy are included in this course. Areas of focus also include preparation to enter the job market and practice in resume writing and professional interviewing skills.  3 Credits      

Concurrent with the 100 hour, Supervised Practicum in Expressive Art Therapy, this course examines the professional role as an art therapist with regard to function and relationships with other mental health professional organizations. Understanding of credentialing and licensure, public policy, advocating for the profession and client advocacy are included in this course. Areas of focus also include preparation to enter the job market and practice in resume writing and professional interviewing skills. Students receive individual on-site supervision and faculty supervision of their Practicum activities during this course.     This course has a computer based- cohort component and also includes face to face, faculty provided group supervision while students are in attendance at Colloquium.                                       

This course is self-designed by the student and supports deeper inquiry into an area of passion or interest.  Topical areas may include but are not limited to Expressive Art Therapy in relationship to: Archetypal Psychology, Existential Psychology, Couple and Family Therapy, Addictions,  Medical Applications, Trauma, Gerontology, Transpersonal Psychology, Educational Applications, Post-Combat Applications and others.  The syllabus of this course is designed with an approved EAT mentor and taught in the self-directed, independent study format.  3 Credits

Students gain professional experience in supervised clinical settings and engage in on–going case consultation with faculty throughout the internship experience. This course involves a computer based-cohort component as well as face to face, faculty provided supervision while students are in attendance at Colloquium                                                                  

Students gain professional experience in supervised clinical settings and engage in on–going case consultation with faculty throughout the internship experience. This course involves a computer based-cohort component as well as face to face, faculty provided group supervision while students are in attendance at Colloquium.   6 Credits

Supervised Practicum in Expressive Art Therapy, Students receive individual on-site supervision and faculty supervision of their Practicum activities during this course.     This course has a computer based- cohort component and also includes face to face faculty provided group supervision while students are in attendance at Colloquium.    1    Credit