Art Therapy (ARTT-GE)

Fundamental principles of art therapy practice will be presented through discussions and case presentations. Students learn the historical development of the profession, its distinction from other disciplines and its commonalities to social sciences. Basic pictorial analyses examine artistic processes and products. Students study the artistic expression across the developmental span. Clinical applications for populations struggling with varied psychological and physiological issues are offered. Each class includes experiential art making to demonstrate interventions.

Deals primarily with the theory and application of art therapy techniques for various types of groups in mental health facilities. Lecture, discussion, and studio work emphasize practical utilization of group techniques.

Art as therapy with the emotionally disturbed, children with physical disabilies, the intellectually and/or neurologically impaired, and socioeconomically deprived children. Considers the problems and methods of art therapy for children with either aculte or mild disturbances. Demonstrations of art therapy techniques (utlizing studio activities) used in long-or short-term treatment. The role of art therapist in relation to other members of the therapeutic team in bringing about character change or improved ability to deal with immediate life situations. Methods of evaluation and treatment are discussed. Illustrated lectures, reading, and discussion.

Art as therapy for adolescent populations. Topics will cover a range of disorders such as the emotionally disturbed, the disabled, the intellectually and/or neurologically impaired, and the socioeconomically deprived. There will be a demonstration of techniques used in long or short-term treatment. Students will learn the role of the art therapist as a member of the therapeutic team in bringing about behavioral change or improved ability to deal with immediate life situations, methods, of evaluation, and treatment will be addressed.

Theoretical foundation and close study of assessment techniques in family art therapy. Art intervention techniques will also be introduced. Several theoretical approaches to family therapy will be studied - psychodynamics and systems theory. Lecture, slide and videotape presentation included.

An investigation of art therapy in numerous settings for adults with either acute or mild disturbances. Demonstration of art therapy techniques (utilizing studio activities) used in long-or short-term treatment. Discussion and art experience appropriate to use with talented adult group.

Developing basic skills in evaluating form and content of pictorial and sculptural work produced in art therapy sessions. Developing skills in integrating evidence of developmental level, perceptual capacities, psychodynamic processes, emotional handicaps, environmental stimuli in art work, and behavior. Students should be prepared to furnish some art work from child, adolescent or adult population. Studio component included.

Enrollment limited to art therapy candidates. Requires eight hours per week in the field. Discussion of art therapy history, theories, and technique. Introduction to clinical skills through class and fieldwork experience.

Course is focused on ethical principles in art therapy & designed to deepen personal & professional values. Students will enhance their theoretical knowledge by art experientials & role playing. Course topics are organized to reflect the professional Ethics Code established by the American Art Therapy Association. Particular emphasis will be placed on confidentiality dilemmas in therapy & research, dual-role relationships, & the personal & professional development of students’ identities as ethically minded art therapists.

This course prepared clinicians in art therapy to perform as supervisors of students and less experienced art therapists. Methods and theoretical issues are examined. Class participation includes a close study of case examples from students' experience.

Studio work focused on enabling artists functioning as therapists to use their creative capacities in the service of individuals with adjustment problems and emotional disabilities.

Culturally attuned interventions consider the sociocultural, psychological & developmental factors in treatment. Current research for clients struggling with addictions & those involved in judicial proceedings will be shared. Communities impacted by social injustices & art therapy methodology to effectively, legally & ethically serve these specialized populations will be discussed. Engaging clients to address trauma & violence needs a broad lens that also includes issues of societal inequality. Guest lectures will supplement course learning.

Key theoretical approaches & strategies for art therapy treatment with clients who hold cognitive/ physical limitations & those confronted with acute and chronic medical illnesses. Topics will include, artistic development of clients with disabilities, strategies for establishing alliances with clients who are nonverbal &/or ill, pre-art materials, adapted tools, & multimedia based art therapy techniques. Special attention on digital media will offer critical concepts on therapeutic implementation. Guest lectures will supplement course learning.

This course provides an overview of the psychological & neurological consequences of exposure to profound trauma, & the corresponding clinical & countertransferential implications for art therapists

Survey of the ways in which art therapy may be used with the geriatric population including individuals with dementia, depression, psychiatric disorders, frail elders & healthy elders.

This class examines creativity, aesthetics, and audience response (artist, artwork, and viewer) through diverse psychological theories. We proceed chronologically starting with Modernism, in the visual arts and psychoanalysis, which converged to catalyze the profession of Art Therapy. We conclude with Postmodernist discourses on gender, feminism, patriarchy, class, power, race, identity, and LGBTQTIA+ issues. The class is half seminar and half art experientials that are designed to facilitate students' deeper understanding of self-identity as art therapists.

An introduction to research methods used in art therapy with an emphasis on qualitative research design. Students work on the formulation of research questions and develop a thesis proposal.

Students complete a thesis project that integrates their acquired theoretical knowledge, clinical intership experience, and applied critical thinking.

Fieldwork consists of a minimum of 12 points (or 1,000 hours) including 110 hours of supervision by an experienced art therapist. Fieldwork experience provides the student with practical involvement in acquiring the basic skills of an art therapist in a variety of medical and non medical settings, including mental hospitals, psychiatric wards, outpatient clinics, and mental health centers.

A classroom or praxis based course, focusing on current issues in studio art or the art professions. Topics examine a broad range of art and visual culture foci, with an emphasis on new approaches to both subject material and pedagogical methods.