Art Therapy Course Descriptions
ATP 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.
ATP 504 Counseling Theory in
Art Therapy (3)
A survey of major theoretical models of counseling and their application
to the practice of art therapy with emphasis on psychodynamic, humanistic,
and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Prerequisite: ATP 501.
ATP 505 Theory and Practice
of Art Therapy (3)
Application of counseling techniques in art therapy with emphasis on the
therapeutic process with different age groups, populations, and treatment
settings. Prerequisite: ATP 504.
ATP 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.
ATP 509 Art Therapy and Cultural
Diversity (3)
In this course students will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to
working with populations different from their own in a therapeutic relationship,
particularly through an art therapy perspective. 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: ATP 501, ATP 507.
ATP 601 Practicum in Art Therapy
I (1)
ATP 602 Practicum in Art Therapy II (1)
ATP 603 Advanced Practicum in Art Therapy
I (2)
ATP 604 Advanced Practicum in Art Therapy
II (2)
The Practica (601-602) and Advanced Practica (603-604) experiences are
designed to offer 700 hours of structured opportunities for direct client
contact with progressively responsible leadership in art therapy treatment.
Students are supervised by qualified art therapy professionals in settings
approved by the Graduate Art Therapy Practica Coordinator. Students will
gain practice in performing the work of art therapists, providing direct
service and applying classroom learning to real world concerns under close
supervision. 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.
ATP 601 provides students with the opportunity to observe and assist an art therapy site supervisor with limited clinical responsibilities. Prerequisites: ATP 501, ATP 504.
ATP 602 allows for greater independence, co-facilitation of groups and some individualized work with clients. Students will be expected to take a more active role in team meetings, treatment planning, and documentation. Prerequisite: ATP 601.
ATP 603-604 serve as a clinical training designed to structure the student, help to form professional identity, and further integrate theoretical and practical learning experience. The role of the advanced art therapy practicum student is that of “professional in training.” Clear success in the Advanced Practica is a requirement for graduation. Prerequisite: ATP 602.
ATP 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, ATP 505, ATP 507.
ATP 612 Art Therapy with Children
and Adolescents (3)
This course examines approaches in art therapy specific to the treatment
of children and adolescents. Developmental concepts, art therapy assessment
techniques, children/adolescents with disabilities, cultural and environmental
influences, and standards of practice will be addressed. Prerequisites:
ATP 501, ATP 507, PS 667.
ATP 617 Group Process in Art
Therapy (3)
Examines the dynamics, development, theory, and treatment methods applicable
to the practice of art therapy with groups. Students will learn via didactic
lectures and experiential group exercises. Prerequisites: ATP 505, ATP
507.
ATP 620 Advanced Seminar in
Art Therapy (3)
This course provides information on advanced levels of art therapy practice.
Coursework concentrates on content areas and current trends that enhance
and supplement student learning beyond basic graduate art therapy coursework.
Prerequisites: ATP 607, ATP 617.