MA in Art Therapy

Promotes the visual literacy and technical skills to allow students to effectively use photography as a visual means of communication. Students will develop a critical and contextual understanding of photography within the framework of contemporary art and visual communication while exploring the theoretical perspectives, artistic and practical applications of digital photography. [3 credits]

Provides students with the opportunity to work independently with traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramic materials and processes to develop an individual approach to art making. Students work in consultation with faculty and meet as a group to workshop and critique concepts and techniques. As an advanced studio course for graduate art therapy students, methodologies in support of ways in which ceramics can be brought into the narrative, self-expressive realm, advancing the basics of handbuilding methods, will be emphasized. [ 3 credits ]

Provides students with the opportunity to work independently with a range of materials and processes to develop an individual approach to art making. Students work in consultation with faculty and meet as a group to workshop and critique concepts and techniques. As an advanced studio course for graduate art therapy students, methodologies in support of ways in which mixed media can be brought into the narrative, self-expressive realm will be emphasized. [ 3 credits ]

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 literature and research in the field, students will gain understanding of the history and development of the discipline of Art Therapy and how it is practiced today within clinical and community based settings. Attention 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 and one's internal, psychological experiences. This course is a prerequisite to all other graduate Art Therapy courses. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). [3 credits]

Integrates understanding of ethical, professional, and legally informed practices toward development of professional identity as an Art Therapist. Examines service provision and ethical decision making in mental health, educational, medical, and community-based settings. The critical roles of supervision, documentation, collaboration with related service professionals, advocacy for client needs and for the profession of Art Therapy, and professional organizations and credentialing agencies will be explored. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). Corequisites: required with or prior to ATP-501 and practicum or internship.  [3 credits]

Examines the stages of human growth and development and offers students opportunity to scaffold assessment and treatment of typical and atypical individuals across the lifespan.  Study of normative developmental stages of art will provide students a contextual lens for assessing and considering how atypical development might be therapeutically addressed. Students will additionally consider the influences of culture upon an individual or family's growth and development. Students will gain and demonstrate understanding of development as a continuum and clients' capacity for growth within the continuum across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA).  ATP-502 taken previously or concurrently.  [3 credits]

Explores various theoretical approaches including psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, and humanistic approaches along with current counseling trends and their relation to art psychotherapy approaches, emphasizing integration. Introduces and provides initial opportunity, via in class experiential exercises, for practice of establishing and developing the therapeutic relationship through verbal and art mediated counseling processes. Students will develop an approach sensitive to clients' and counselor's cultural backgrounds, personal philosophies, wellness, and presenting needs. Case presentations and experiential exercises will guide class discussions. Students will articulate their own developing theoretical orientations. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). ATP-501 taken previously or concurrently. [3 credits]

Engages student in an initial embedded practicum field experience comprised of observation and clinical practice of art therapy in an appropriate setting in regular consultation with a site supervisor and faculty supervisor. Following successful completion of this initial fieldwork (100 hours), student seamlessly begins official internship within the same setting, including enhanced clinical practice opportunities extended over time under continued on-site supervision. Weekly individual supervision is provided directly at the Internship site in addition to weekly group supervision provided at the university by art therapy faculty for shared learning and clinical consultation. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Graduate Art Therapy Program. ATP-501 and ATP-504 will be taken prior or concurrently. [ 1 credit ]

Engages student in a continuation of the field experience undertaken in Internship I. Internship II steadily builds upon initial skills and supports the student toward developing competency in diagnostic formulation and treatment planning; conducting individual and co-developing group art therapy sessions; effective observational, listening, and communication skills, including documentation and presentation; diversity issues; and evaluation of the dynamics of the treatment milieu and the role of art therapy within the setting. Skills development in these areas is steadily promoted through continued on-site clinical supervision. Weekly, individual clinical supervision is provided directly at the internship site by a licensed art therapist (LCPAT) or related licensed mental health professional. On campus, students will benefit from further integration of knowledge and skills during the seminar course taught by art therapy faculty. Prerequisite: ATP-505 and technical standards as evaluated by the Program Director; enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). Corequisites: ATP-508 and ATP-509 prior to or concurrently. [ 1 credit ]

Examines a wide range of specific art therapy procedures and tools used in therapeutic appraisal and evaluation. Exploration of the validity and reliability of art therapy assessments, related current and ongoing research with regard to art based appraisal, and parameters as to the extent to which assessments inform a client's diagnostic profile and impact treatment planning will be a focus. Report writing and understanding of rudimentary statistical concepts will be included. Attention will also be given to cultural, ethical, developmental, and legal consideration in administration and interpretation of art therapy and related mental health assessments and exams. Skills will be demonstrated for conducting bio-psychosocial assessment, mental status exam, and substance abuse disorder assessments.  Prerequisite: Enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). [ 3 credits ]

Examines major categories of psychiatric diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) multiaxial system, as well as theories of psychopathology. Students will engage further through examination of relevant literature and develop skills involved in the evaluation of potential art-based and behavioral indicators of mental disorders and the process of differential diagnosis. Ethical considerations and the effects that culture and society have on individuals with mental illness will be highlighted. A basic introduction to psychopharmacology will be included in the course, as well as ongoing conceptual developments in neuroscience. Prerequisite: Enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). [3 credits ]

Engages student in a deep, experiential understanding of the creative process as essential to practice of art therapy and how one might view and integrate counseling theories through such a lens. Students will practice counseling skills through course based role play opportunities and will explore and practice incorporating art therapy skills within the practice of establishing and developing the therapeutic relationship. This integration will challenge students to apply knowledge of creativity, symbolism, metaphor, and artistic language within the therapeutic relationship and to demonstrate belief in the value of using art making as a means to exploring self. Multicultural considerations, as well as application within group and individual formats, will be interwoven in the course material. Prerequisite: ATP-504, Art Therapy in Counseling and enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). [ 3 credits ]

Explores traditional and non-traditional art therapy. Experiential study of current research, including the Expressive Therapies Continuum, regarding the properties and effects of art processes and materials and their use in treatment with particular client populations will be undertaken. Students will integrate psychological properties and stimulus potential of a wide range of art materials with skills in the provision of art making processes and materials in an ethical, safe, and culturally informed way. Discussion of technology applications relevant to art therapy will be included. Consideration of best practices for adaptation of materials and methods for greater accessibility in work with individuals with disabilities will be incorporated. Contraindications for use of various materials and methods and the benefits and contraindications of public display of client art will also be explored. Additionally, through this course and engagement with varied media, students will explore personal and professional artistic identity and personal symbolic language. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program. [ 3 credits ]

Explores the practical, theoretical, and ethical considerations involved in treating diverse children and adolescents using art therapy in a variety of clinical and educational settings. Appraisal of developmental level, identification of clinical treatment issues through administration of the Kramer assessment, and application of art therapy techniques specifically designed for children and adolescents of varying ability will be the focus of coursework. Crisis and trauma informed art therapy interventions for children and adolescents, as well as appraisal of self-harm and suicidal indicators in the art and behaviors of children and adolescents will also be addressed. Prerequisite: Enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program. [ 3 credits ]

Engages student in a continuation of professional competency development begun during the first academic year of graduate study linked to seminar courses Internship I and II. Within a new, second academic year placement, Internship III focuses on advancing skills in continued domains and supports the student toward advancing competency in: diagnostic  formulation and informed, collaborative treatment planning; critically constructing, conducting, and evaluating outcomes of art therapy treatment; critical observational and listening skills; clear, professionally collaborative communication skills, including facilitation of art based dialogue, documentation and presentation; cultural considerations; and critical evaluation of the dynamics of the treatment milieu and maintaining the role of art therapy within the setting. Skill development in these areas is steadily promoted through continued on-site clinical supervision. Weekly, individual clinical supervision is provided directly at the internship site by a licensed art therapist (LCPAT) or related licensed mental health professional. On campus, students will benefit from further integration of knowledge and skills during the seminar course taught by art therapy faculty. Prerequisites: ATP-501, ATP-502, ATP-503, ATP-504, ATP-505, ATP-506, ATP-507, ATP-508, APT-509 and enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program. Students will take ATP-514, Group Therapy Techniques in Art Therapy andATP-513, Art Psychotherapy and Trauma prior or concurrently with course. [ 1 credit ]

Provides a specialized examination of the theory, biopsychosocial underpinnings, and treatment of trauma-related issues and disorders. Various forms of trauma will be defined and the science of and personal impacts of traumatic stress will be explored. Study of art-based indicators of trauma and treatment through art therapy, will be central, introducing students to trauma-informed art therapy practice that integrates body-mind through the creative process and imagery. Culturally informed modalities and methods will be highlighted. Procedures for reporting and responding to acute crisis will be addressed. The importance of self-care for the professional will also be a focus. Prerequisite: ATP-508, Psychopathology: Art and Diagnosis and enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program. [ 3 credits ]

Develops students' skills toward integrating theory, processes, and dynamics of group work to form and facilitate ethically and culturally responsive art therapy groups. Principles of group purpose, design, and goal setting as related to the population served will be a focus. Group dynamics, therapeutic factors, member roles, leadership, group composition including selection criteria, the essential communicative role of art within the group, and time-limited, as well as long term group processes will be explored. Course will include instructor facilitated experiential art therapy group practices integrating theory and practice, leading to students then taking on leadership roles in class to practice running groups and further examine group dynamics. Prerequisites: ATP-509, Process: Art Therapy and Counseling Techniques and enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program. [ 3 credits ]

Examines the purposes, methods, and cultural, legal, and ethical considerations of social science research in support of students demonstrating the requisite skills to design and conduct of study. Specific art-based research methodologies related to the field of art therapy will be taught, as well as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches. Additionally, the use of research to assess effectiveness of art therapy and mental health services will be explored. Students are expected to critically read and apply art therapy research literature to develop and submit a proposal to conduct art therapy research in accordance with university requirements, namely the IRB process. Prerequisites: ATP-507-50 Assessment, Testing and Evaluation and enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program. [ 3 credits ]

Explores the application of art therapy when treating and supporting those struggling with substance use disorders and addiction. Students will be introduced to the etiology, theories, biophysical roots and risk factors, and treatment models specific to the field of substance use disorders counseling. Students will revisit and deepen practical knowledge of screening assessment for substance use disorders, as well as differential diagnosis supported by art process and product. Culturally sensitive art therapy techniques employed in the treatment of substance use disorders with adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings will be identified and explored. Instruction as to accessing and referral processes for community resources toward integrated, wellness-oriented care will also be included. Prerequisites: ATP-507, APT 508, ATP-509, ATP-510, ATP-511, ATP-513, ATP-514 and must be enrolled in the Graduate Art Therapy Program. [ 3 credits ]

Provides a specialized examination of art therapy with families and couples, including study of major theoretical approaches in family systems work and family life cycle development. Cultural and contextual factors impacting families, as well as evidence-based and clinically-grounded approaches for evaluating and therapeutically addressing family dynamics,  including through art therapy, will be explored. Students will actively engage in learning models of integrating art therapy and family systems works and planning art therapy interventions for families, considering impacts of treatment setting and community resources as appropriate. Through the lens of ethical practice and collaboration, further development of professionalism will be addressed, as well as utilization of a wellness oriented approach for familites. Prerequisites: ATP-503, ATP-509, ATP-511 and ATP-514 and enrolled in the
Graduate Art Therapy Program. Corequisites: ATP-507. [ 3 credits ]

Engages student in a continuation of professional competency development begun during the first academic year of graduate study linked to seminar courses Internship I and II. Within the second academic year placement, Internship IV continues and completes work begun in Internship III, focusing on advancing skills in continued domains and supporting the student toward competency in: diagnostic formulation and informed, collaborative treatment planning; critically constructing, conducting, and evaluating outcomes of art therapy treatment; critical observational and listening skills, including facilitation of art based dialogue, documentation, and presentation; cultural considerations; and critical evaluation of the dynamics of the treatment milieu and maintaining the role of art therapy within the setting. Skill development in these areas is steadily promoted and consolidated in this outcomes course through continued on-site clinical supervision. Weekly, individual clinical supervision is provided directly at the internship site by a licensed art therpist (LCPAT) or related licensed mental health professional. On campus, students will benefit from further integration of knowledge and skills during the seminar course taught by art therapy faculty. Prerequisites: ATP-505, ATP-506, ATP-512 and technical standards as evaluated by the program Director; ATP-501, ATP-502, ATP-503, ATP-504, ATP-507, ATP-508, ATP-509, ATP-510, ATP-514, ATP-515 and enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program. Corequisites: ATP-517, ATP-601, ATP-519 prior or concurrently with this course. [ 1 credit ]

Engages student in experiential exploration of self with regard to one's own heritage, world view, attitudes and beliefs. This course will provide foundational knowledge for delivery of art therapy with diverse communities through study of cultural and social diversity theories and competency models, including The American Art therapy Association's Multicultural and Diversity Competencies. Diversity of help-seeking behaviors, artistic language, symbolism, and meaning in art and art process across cultures, as well as the role of arts in advocacy, collaboration, and conflict resolution work will be taught. Students will be encouraged to share their own cultural beliefs and attitudes in relation to the practice of art therapy and argue the critical role of art in advancing wellness within diverse communities. Exploration of current multicultural trends and issues, including identity development, privilege, oppression, and empowerment will also be included. Prerequisites: ATP-502, ATP-503 and enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). [ 3 credits ]

Engages students in thinking about the practice of art therapy within community-based settings serving marginalized, underserved, and/or oppressed polulations. Field visits to such settings will be included. Students will explore the psychosocial needs and sociocultural considerations involved in working with marginalized groups, further develop advocacy proposals created in the Social and Cultural Diversity course, and implement small scale art therapy-informed workshops or public art-actions designed to positively impact representation and access for identified groups. This course will further prepare students for responsive, transformative social action art therapy practice. Prerequisites: ATP-514 and ATP-519. [ 3 credits ]

 

Explores ethical and culturally relevant methods aimed at supporting clients to positively impact their career development through identification, engagement and development of aptitudes and skills. Students will be introduced to theories, models, and tools of career planning and decision making, as well as methods of assessment. Strategies for facilitating diverse clients' discernment of career paths that are well matched to lifestyle, roles, and health will be shared. Strategies for advocacy related to diverse clients' career and educational development development and opportunities in a global economy will also be addressed. This course shall satisfy a state licensing board requirement for art therapy graduate training. Prerequisites: ATP-502; ATP-503; ATP-504; ATP-507. [ 3 credits ]

Integrates theoretical and clinical knowledge specific to the field of Art Therapy through creation of a culminating, in-depth project reflective of the literature and direction of current research in the discipline. Students will complete a thesis project using established research methods, such as quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, or arts based, that demonstrates thorough integration of art-based clinical skills, art therapy theory, art therapy science, and art therapy practice. Students will also create a professional portfolio in support of their transition from student to professional practice. Prerequisites: ATP-501, ATP-502, APT-503, ATP-504, ATP-505, ATP-506, ATP-507, ATP-508, ATP-509, ATP-510, ATP-512, ATP-514, ATP-515. Corequisites: ATP-517, ATP-518, ATP-519 prior or concurrently with course. Enrolled in Graduate Art Therapy Program (MA). [ 3 credits ]