CAT 501 History and Development of Art Therapy (3)

Surveys the historical evolution of the art therapy profession from its roots in psychoanalytic thought to its present-day applications. Focuses on contributions of major art therapy theorists, psychological aspects of creativity, and the continuum from art as therapy to art psychotherapy.

CAT 504 Counseling Theory & Practice for Art Therapists I (3)
Includes study of major counseling theories and therapeutic approaches applicable to the practice of art therapy. The course emphasizes psychodynamic and humanistic approaches.

CAT 505 Counseling Theory & Practice for Art Therapists II (3)
Includes a study of the major current counseling theories and therapeutic approaches applicable to the practice of art therapy. The course focuses on cognitive and behavioral approaches, family systems, feminist theory and others. Prerequisite: CAT 504

CAT 507 Psychology of Art Materials (3)
Offers the student the opportunity to interact experientially with a wide variety of media in order to understand the relationship between media choice and the needs of varying client populations. Techniques of practice, preparation of a therapeutic environment, and development of sensitivity to the unique properties of materials will be included.

CAT 509 Diversity in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)
Explores the understanding and competence necessary for counseling with diverse individuals and groups. A variety of issues including culture, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, physical challenge, and gender will be explored. Diverse approaches to visual representation and symbolism will be examined.
Prerequisites: CAT 501, 507.

CAT 601/602 Internship in Mental Health/Art Therapy I/II (1/1)
CAT603/604 Adv Internship in Mental Health/Art Therapy I/II (2/2)
The Internship (601-602) and Adv Internship (603-604) experiences are designed to offer 700 hours of structured opportunities for direct client contact with progressively responsible leadership in counseling art therapy treatment at two separate sites. Students are supervised by qualified counseling art therapy professionals in settings approved by the Graduate Art Therapy Practica Coordinator; prior permission is required from the Graduate Art Therapy Coordinator to assess academic readiness. Prior to taking 601-604, students must first complete CPS590 Counseling Practicum and a minimum of 21 graduate credits to include the following courses:

CPS545 Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling (3)
CPS520 Intro to Mental Health Counseling(3)
CPS575 Psychopathology & Assessment I (3)
CPS585 Psychopathology & Assessment II (3)
CAT 504/505 Counseling Theory & Practice for Art Therapists (3/3)
CAT 617 Group Dynamics in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)

Prior to initiating these courses, students will be informed of practicum policies and will indicate their agreement to uphold practicum standards. A professional liability insurance fee will be billed with each practicum course, and individual sites may require other assurances, for example health screening or background checks.

CAT 607 Art Diagnosis and Assessment (3)
Covers the selection, administration and interpretation of assessment tools designed for the use of art therapists in various clinical settings. Discussion of testing procedures, observational skills, and participation in treatment team evaluations will be included.
Prerequisites: PS 575, PS 585, CAT 505, CAT 507.

CAT 612 Counseling with Children and Adolescents for Art Therapists (3)
This course examines approaches specific to the treatment of children and adolescent using art therapy within a counseling framework. Developmental concepts, art therapy assessment techniques, children/adolescents with disabilities, cultural and environmental influences, and standards of practice will be addressed.
Prerequisites: CAT501, CAT507, PS667.

CAT 615 Spirituality in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)
Explores the role and impact of values, spirituality and religious beliefs in counseling and art therapy with emphasis on the spiritual aspects of creativity in psychological wellbeing and healing. Students learn to assess and work with clients’ belief systems in the counseling and art making process and explore parallels between counseling techniques, art making and spiritually based healing rituals.

CAT 617 Group Dynamics in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)
Examines the theory, dynamics, development, and various models of group therapy in counseling and their application to art therapy. Students will learn via didactic lectures and experiential group exercises.
Prerequisites: CAT505, CAT507.