Explores the rich underpinnings of the field of art therapy predating its formal establishment as a discipline, including psychiatric interest in spontaneous image creation and the relationship to behavior, psychiatric condition, and expression of experience. Through examination of historical texts and theory, as well as examination of contemporary lieterature and research i the field, students will gain uderstanding of the history and development of the discipline of art therapy and how it is practiced today within clinical and community based settings. Attetion will also be given to how both the process and product of art therapy are integral to growth and healing for clients. Students will work toward understanding how art "speaks" and how internal experiences find expression through creative materials and provide products that promote interpersonal connection and psychologically restorative opportunities. Art making in and outside of class will provide a critical means through which students learn how the creative process is informed by and is an expression of the self ad one's internal, psychological experiences. This course is a prerequisite to all other graduate Art Therapy couses. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Graduate Art Theraphy Program (MA). [ 3 credits ]