| Course
Descriptions
524: Processes & Materials of Art Psychotherapy I (2)
This course is designed so that the student will directly experience the therapeutic usefulness and understand the psychological implications of a variety of materials and processes. Students become familiar with the language of art and the range of possible therapeutic responses.

Student Artwork from Family Class
525: Theoretical Approaches to Family Evaluation & Psychotherapy (3)
Students develop a thorough understanding of current family systems theory, the family life cycle, evaluation, and practice. Students improve their objectivity as family psychotherapists as they develop insights about their own families of origin. This course prepares the students to administer verbal and projective imagery family evaluations and to conceptualize family dynamics from various theoretical perspectives.
528: Theories of Human Psychological Development (3)
Following a family life cycle perspective, students explore human psychological development from birth to death. Students are exposed to various theories of personality development with emphasis on psychodynamic, psychosocial, and family systems theories. Cultural and environmental influences are addressed.
529: Case Presentation Skills for the Art Therapist (1.5)
Students develop presentation skills and learn to effectively communicate clinical case material. This course is designed to prepare the student for the case conference course in the second year.
530: Psychopathology (3)
Students learn descriptive criteria for psychiatric diagnoses, the use of the DSM multiaxial system, and theories of psychopathology. A goal of the course is for students to develop an ability to recognize behavioral and art indicators of functional and organic disorders.
531: Individual Psychotherapy Theory & Technique (3)
This course explores various theoretical approaches to individual psychotherapy and their relation to art psychotherapy approaches. The therapist's values and ethics are addressed. The goal of the course is to provide the student with an opportunity to continue the development of an approach to individual psychotherapy.
532: Clinical Case Conference for the
Art Therapist (.5)
First year, first semester students attend the 628 Clinical Case Conference for the Art Therapist I, in which second-year students present case material. The goal for the first-year student is to become acquainted with organization and presentation of clinical material.
534: Introduction to the History & Theory of Art Therapy (1)
This course offers an overview of the history and growth of art therapy as a discipline, along with an overview of theoretical approaches that have evolved from the founding practitioners in the field. Students develop a specific definition of art therapy that conveys a personal approach, as well as a clear understanding of the role of art therapists in various work settings. Current developments and future directions within the field are also explored.
535/635: Art Therapy in the Schools (1)
This elective course introduces principles underlying comprehensive school art therapy service delivery. Topics explored include special and alternative education settings, program development, and research supporting art therapy in schools.
536: Art Therapy Research Seminar (2)
This course introduces the student to basic tenets of planning, conducting, and evaluating research. Aspects of research which are specific and unique to art therapy are introduced and discussed.
537: Methods of Research for the Art Therapist (2)
This course assists students in planning and conducting art
therapy research. Basic designs and components of research methods are
explored, to assist the student in developing the literature review.
538: Group Psychotherapy Theory & Technique (3)
This course includes the study of group psychotherapy theoretical approaches, technique, and practices. Students experience the dynamic process of group psychotherapy through role-play. Cultural and ethical issues are explored. Students also complete fieldwork observations of group art therapy in a variety of mental health settings.
539: Independent Study (1)
638: Independent Study (1)
639: Independent Study (1)
This elective course will give students the opportunity to individually explore a special topic area with an instructor in an area of mutual interest to the student and instructor. It will require a written report and oral presentation covering methods, results, and conclusions of their project. Permission of program director is required.
541/640/641: Child & Family Psychotherapy Skills (2)
543/642/643: Adolescent & Family Psychotherapy Skills (2)
545/644/645: Adult, Couple & Family Psychotherapy Skills (2)
Students meet in a small supervision group, with a registered art therapist, to discuss clinical topics related to the treatment of children/adolescents/adults and couples and their families in various settings. Students use case examples from their practicum sites to explore art expression, assessments, treatment planning, treatment approaches, relationship dynamics, and treatment team interactions.
547: Individual Supervision I (1)
646: Individual Supervision II (1)
647: Individual Supervision III (1)
The student receives one hour of individual supervision per week from a registered art therapist. Supervision provides opportunities for integration of didactic information with clinical experience. Through supervision, students explore verbal, behavioral, and artistic communication along with assessment and treatment dynamics.
548: Assessment (3)
Students explore the fundamentals of psychological testing and art therapy assessment and become familiar with a variety of specific instruments and procedures used in appraisal and evaluation. Students learn to administer and document Art Therapy Projective Imagery Assessments and to formulate treatment goals and objectives.
549: Processes & Materials of Art Psychotherapy II (2)
This course is a continuation of 524 Processes and Materials of Art Psychotherapy I.
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Student Artwork
from Symbolism Class |
551: Practicum I (.5)
650: Practicum II (.5)
651: Practicum III (.5)
Two days per week (16 hours) are spent at the site of two weeks to
enable the student to prepare for the internship through observation
and practice.
555: Internship I (2.5)
565: Internship II (2.5)
657: Internship III (2.5)
Two days per week (16 hours) are spent at the site, for 13 weeks.
Students provide Art Therapy-Projective Imagery Assessments,
individual group and/or family art therapy for 8 hours per week. The
other hours on-site are for students to attend team meetings,
in-service conferences, and all related milieu activities, and to
complete documentation. Students rotate through one site per semester
in order to obtain experience with children, adolescents, and adults.
When possible, sites are selected specifically for the master's thesis
focus. A minimum of one placement in a mental health facility is
required. Students within the specialty tracks of art therapy in the
schools, medical art therapy, or family art therapy are afforded that
placement focus.
621: Thesis Research (1)
In consultation with the thesis chair, the student completes the thesis literature
proposal.
623: Symbolism (2)
This course reviews various theories regarding the types, formation and roles of symbolism and its relation to psychopathology and mental health. Students explore the function and interpretation of symbols in dreams and artwork and examine the role of symbolism in assessment and therapy. Students develop a deeper understanding of symbolic language in order to enhance their understanding of inner experiences.
625: Ethical & Professional Issues (3)
This course addresses professional identity, professional ethics, and the ethical practice of art psychotherapy. Students prepare to enter the job market and review the requirements for professional credentialing.
626: Thesis Research (2)
The student finalizes and implements the thesis proposal.
627: Thesis Research (3)
The student completes, defends, and submits the thesis.
628: Clinical Case Conference for the Art Therapist I (2)
Students demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate clinical material and integrate theory and practice through structured case presentations.
630: Foundations of Creativity (1)
This elective course addresses the nature of creativity, creativity research, and the impact of mental illness upon the creative process.
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632: Addictions (3)
This elective course covers diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders
and includes an overview of the philosophies, practices, policies,
and outcomes of the most generally accepted models of treatment,
recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care for addictions and
other substance abuse related problems. Students also gain awareness
of the impact of drug abuse on society and an appreciation of the
cultural context within which addiction exists.
634: Career Counseling (3)
This elective course includes the study of theory and process of career
counseling. Students will acquire skills to incorporate career
development theory into the practice of counseling. Students will be
introduced to career assessment tools and occupational methods.
636: Cultural Competency (3)
This course addresses the competencies essential for a culturally responsive therapist. Through self-assessment and exploration of culture, students will gain the awareness, skill, and respect necessary to think critically, to establish rapport, and to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
637: Family Psychotherapy Interventions (2)
This elective course provides supervised clinical experience using family psychotherapy skills.
652: Medical Art Therapy (1)
This elective course provides an introduction to the use of art therapy in a medical setting. Topics explored include developmental perceptions of illness, death and dying, hospitalization, and body image throughout the life span as well as research supporting art therapy as a treatment modality for persons with physical illnesses.
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