Course Descriptions

Students will explore the influence of the psychological impact of art processes through personal art making. The goal of these explorations is to strengthen one’s connection to the creative process and to develop an understanding of personal symbolic language. Arts based learning allows for the opportunity to integrate intellectual, emotional, artistic, and interpersonal knowledge. Learners will consider the use of art therapy as therapeutic, and not just recreational. There will be a focus on selecting the diagnostically and developmentally correct art materials and media for clients. Potential hazards of using various media and the potential risks for patients will be thoroughly investigated to ensure a safe environment for art therapy.

The Learner’s final project will focus on either: a) a single Case Study Vignette (CSV), or b) an art therapy project of his or her own design with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The final project will provide an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge acquired at the Art Therapy Institute from each core area of study and to develop an area of specialization. Specifically, this work will reflect historical influences in art therapy, theoretical approaches, art assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, research, ethical and legal concerns, cultural and social implications, media and studio considerations, applications and techniques for special populations, developmental factors, as well as the Learner’s area of specialized interest.

Learners will also rely upon personal art making and journaling to inform themselves about their own responses to the client or population involved. The course will culminate with: 1) a contribution of the student’s bound copy of the Final Project which will become a permanent part of the Art Therapy Institute Library, 2) the creation of a final art piece which will demonstrate the student’s mastery in artmaking as a way of knowing oneself and reflecting upon the relationship with the art therapy client or population, and 3) a plan to share the final project and final artpiece with other professionals either as a presentation or as a submission for publication.

Art therapy interns attend group art therapy supervision workshops to explore issues related to their Practica experiences. Students are required to present a client case which incorporates core concepts learned throughout the courses of the program. Examples of topics of discussion include theoretical applications, ethical dilemmas, cultural and minority issues, appropriate uses of media, transference and countertransference, and concerns related to treatment milieu. Students are required to schedule twelve days of Group Supervision Workshops to accumulate 90 clock hours. Groups are limited to eight participants and graduates may also attend if room allows.

All Online Courses, Onsite Seminars and Group Supervision Workshops include an ethics and cross-cultural component which includes .5 hours for each 7.5 hours of continuing education.