M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization

Course Code : CPS 510

Course Description :

Focuses on the application of a systematic and empirical approach to the study of counseling Topics will include: scientific method, pseudoscience, types of experimental research, variable definition, validity threats, control strategies, experimental design, ethical issues, how to present research, statistical application, and additional material. Students engage in discussion, conduct relevant empirical research, and write research reports in the American Psychological Association format (APA).

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 520

Course Description :

An in-depth introduction to the history, roles, functions, and relationships of mental health counselors. Course content is set in the context of the ACA and AMHCA Codes of Ethics and counselors’ work is understood as well in the unique needs associated with culture, spirituality, gender, and other defining client characteristics. Emphasis is likewise given to the importance of counselor self-care. The course introduces the requirements of CACREP Core Standards and the Program Standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 545

Course Description :

Examines the various legal constraints and ethical principles related to the roles, responsibilities and credentialing of counselors in private practice, agencies, schools, etc. In addition to emphasis on the ACA Code of Ethics, students learn to use the codes of ethics of their program specializations (AMHCA, ASCA, AATA) in order to become competent ethical decision-makers.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 562

Course Description :

This course, designed for Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy students features an overview of individual and group approaches to formal and informal modes of assessment employed by professional counselors. Course participants will evaluate instruments, practice interpreting results, and demonstrate knowledge of psychometric properties.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CPS545, CPS520, CPS557

Course Code : CPS 577

Course Description :

This course is a study of abnormal psychological processes across the lifespan including behavior, etiology, symptomology, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning. Students are prepared to use the DSM-5 and other appraisal measures and tools for understanding client needs in varying settings.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CPS557, CPS613, CPS667, CAT501, CPS667

Course Code : CPS 633

Course Description :

Undertakes the study of career development theories, career decision-making, career assessment, and occupational and labor market information, as well as basic strategies and instruments utilized by counselors in assisting individuals toward making appropriate career choices. Activities designed to assist clients at all developmental levels and in various settings provide students with practice in helping others in their career development and choices.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 667

Course Description :

Using theory and research regarding human development from infancy through old age, the course examines the impact of life events, developmental factors, and abilities, and their implications for individuals, families, and for counselors and art therapists. While this broader scope provides the context for the course as a whole, a selective focus on childhood and adolescence is emphasized for students preparing to be school counselors. Research projects reflect and enhance students’ chosen emphases and professional goals.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CAT 501

Course Description :

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.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CAT 507

Course Description :

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.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CAT 509

Course Description :

Explores the understanding and competence necessary for counseling with diverse individuals and groups and their application to art therapy. 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. Formerly: CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN COUNSL FOR AT, Spring 2017 and prior.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CAT501, CAT507

Course Code : CAT 514

Credit : 3

Course Code : CAT 515

Course Description :

Building upon the early traditions and models in CAT 514, this course will concentrate on cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and modern approaches applicable to the practice of counseling & art therapy. We will focus on mid-phase treatment and termination skills, the development of a personal, integrated approach to therapeutic practice and the application of these skills to specific populations. Students will also begin to learn treatment planning and documentation skills in the presentation of case studies.

Prerequisites :

CAT514

Course Code : CAT 607

Course Description :

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.Formerly: ART DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT, Spring 2017 and prior.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CAT505, CAT501, CAT507, CAT515, CAT507, CPS575, CPS585

Course Code : CAT 612

Course Description :

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. Formerly: COUNSELING-CHILDREN & ADOLES FOR AT, Spring 2017 and prior.

Prerequisites :

CAT501, CAT507

Course Code : CAT 614

Course Description : This course examines the art therapy profession to include professional roles, identity, standards of practice, advocacy, professional organizations, credentialing, licensure, legal and ethical issues, as well as current and evolving trends.

Prerequisites : CAT505, CAT515

Course Code : CAT 617

Course Description :

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

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CAT501, CAT505, CAT507, CAT501, CAT514

Course Code : CPS 590

Course Description :

Requires a minimum of 100 hours to be spent in an advanced level of supervised practical counseling experience in a professional setting. Students will gain knowledge and practice in the performance of the work of counselors, providing direct service in agencies, hospitals, or schools. Success in the Practicum is a requirement for graduation. Weekly class meetings provide input and group supervision by faculty and a shared learning process. Prior to initiating this course, students will be informed of practicum policies and will indicate their agreement to uphold practicum standards. A Manual for the Practicum Experience is available online and every student should download that document. Each student obtains professional liability insurance from the college. Students are responsible to comply with site requirements for health screening or background checks. Advisor approval is required. Prerequisites: Indicated on Practicum Application.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CAT504, CAT501, CPS545, CAT507, CAT505, CAT515, CPS577, CPS520, CPS500,  CPS557, CPS613, CAT514,

Course Code : CAT 601

Course Description :

Internship I / Art Therapy Specialization Practica is designed to offer structured opportunities for direct client contact hours in mental health counseling art therapy treatment. The student begins with supervised activities and includes observation of a registered art therapist. Student's supervisors meet the credentialing requirements of both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician and a Registered Art Therapist – in settings vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior permission is required from the academic advisor to assess readiness in the areas of knowledge, skills, self-awareness and professional dispositions. Prior to taking 601, students must first successfully complete CPS590 as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies and will indicate their agreement to uphold internship standards. Formerly: INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY I, Spring 2017 and prior.

Credit : 1

Prerequisites :

CPS590

Course Code : CAT 602

Course Description :

Internship II is designed to offer structured opportunities for direct client contact hours in mental health counseling art therapy treatment with emphasis on group work. Student's supervisors meet the credentialing requirements of both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician and a Registered Art Therapist – in settings vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior to taking CAT 602, students must first successfully complete CAT 601 as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies and will indicate their agreement to uphold practicum standards. Formerly: INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY II, Spring 2017 and prior. 

Credit : 1

Prerequisites :

CAT601

Course Code : CAT 603

Course Description :

Advanced Internship I is designed to offer structured opportunities for direct client contact hours in mental health counseling art therapy treatment with increasing responsibility. In course CAT 603, the emphasis is on individual work. Student's supervisors meet the credentialing requirements of both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician and a Registered Art Therapist – in settings vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior to taking CAT 603, students must first successfully complete CAT 602 as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies and will indicate their agreement to uphold practicum standards. Formerly: ADV INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY I, Spring 2017 and prior.

Credit : 2

Prerequisites :

CAT602

Course Code : CAT 604

Course Description :

Advanced Internship II is designed to offer structured opportunities for direct client contact hours in mental health counseling art therapy treatment with increasing responsibility. In course CAT 603, the emphasis is on transitioning from student to professional. Student's supervisors meet the credentialing requirements of both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician and a Registered Art Therapist – in settings vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior to taking CAT 604, students must first successfully complete CAT 603 as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies and will indicate their agreement to uphold practicum standards. Formerly: ADV INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY II, Spring 2017 and prior.

Credit : 2

Prerequisites :

CAT602

Course Code : CPS 500

Course Description :

Introduces students to the profession of counselor in a school setting, the history of this profession, its current trends, challenges, ethical issues, and the scope of a school counselor’s work. The course of study proceeds within the context of domains identified in the American School Counselor Association’s National Standards for School Counseling: Academic, Career, and Personal/Social. This course introduces the requirements of CACREP Core Standards and the Program Standards for School Counseling.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 505

Course Description :

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and theory in career counseling, while addressing the specific needs of school counselors. Specialized areas in School Counseling such as college advisement and admissions, scholarship search and the financial aid process, as well as meeting the requirements of the Core Curriculum Content Standards as set forth by the New Jersey Department of Education are central to the professional role of school counselors and will be addressed in this course. Students will be given assignments that are similar to the career education and counseling tasks of school counselors, such as creating and facilitating classroom guidance lessons, small group activities and individual career/college advisement.

Course Code : CAT 510

Course Code : CPS 525

Course Description :

Focuses on an in-depth study of the historical development of personality theories, including psychodynamic, phenomenological and cognitive perspectives. Students will examine primary works and other relevant literature which contributes to an understanding of various perspectives on personality development.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 535

Course Description :

An advanced overview of the physiological processes relating to human behavior. Topics include the central nervous system, neurotransmitter and neurohormonal functioning, the biological bases for emotions, perception, motivation and brain disorders.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 560

Course Description :

This course, designed for School Counseling students, examines the theory, development and applications of psychological, educational and occupational tests. Students will become familiar with intelligence, achievement and ability tests, personality assessments, and career interest instruments and will learn to administer them with confidence and competence. The course also considers theoretical concepts such as the reliability and validity of tests.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CPS 500, CPS 545

Course Code : CPS 570

Course Description :

Addresses the reality that in today’s complex society, school counselors do not work in isolation in their service to students and their families with a variety of needs. In the context of this course, students will examine the agencies, organizations and resources present in local communities as well as strategies for forming positive relationships with them on behalf of students and their families.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 613

Course Description :

An examination of and practice in the process and techniques of individual counseling with adolescents and adults. Students learn and exercise a variety of intervention strategies, tailored to the counselor's role in particular settings as well as clients developmental level and needs. The full range of treatment from Intake to Termination provides the basis for learning about counseling at every stage.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CPS520, CPS500, CPS545, CPS557

Course Code : CAT 615

Course Description :

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 well-being and healing. Students learn to assess and work with clients' belief systems in the counseling and art-making process and explore parallels between art-making and spiritually based healing rituals.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CAT501

Course Code : CAT 620

Course Description :

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.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CAT607, CAT617

Course Code : CPS 621

Course Description :

An examination of and practice in counseling roles, responsibilities, and responses to crisis, behavioral emergencies, disaster, or other trauma-causing events. The course reviews current theories and knowledge with regard to suicide, violence, disasters, substance use, legal and ethical issues of crisis counseling, and other current crisis counseling topics. Application of theory and knowledge to the practice of crisis intervention, psychological first aid, and suicide prevention and management are explored and practiced.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 623

Course Description :

Examines theoretical models and current best practice in marriage and family counseling Students are introduced to the specific techniques and skills associated with major approaches, including cognitive behavioral, systems theory, and solution-focused interventions. Observation of expert therapists and in-class practice facilitate understanding of these modalities.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 627

Course Description :

Provides an overview of psychopharmacological interventions, including discussions of drug action and interaction, tolerance, side effects, dependency and withdrawal. Emphasis is placed upon medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of various forms of mental illness. The course will also include an examination of the counselor’s role in educating clients about pharmacological issues

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 637

Course Description :

Studies the phenomenon of addiction (including its psychology, biology, pharmacology) and the treatment of substance abuse. Students will become familiar with a variety of substances of abuse and their effect on the lives of users as well as the impact on others. Currently accepted interventions are studied and practiced.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CAT 640

Course Description :

Offers the opportunity to work at an advanced level in an art studio setting. Through the use of art-making, readings, critiques and writing, this experiential class will advance students’ self-awareness of emotional responsiveness, as well as clarify psychological influences that art materials provide. The art-making process leads to clearer assessment and intervention strategies and to better understanding of the metaphors and marks of symbolic language.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 643

Course Description :

Studies the particular assessment and therapeutic skills used when working with children and youth in response to a variety of presenting concerns. Among the topics addressed will be the importance of building rapport and the use of play therapy, art and projective techniques specifically designed for children and teens. Consideration of the role of family is an integral part of learning to work with young people.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 657

Course Description :

Reviews major theoretical perspectives on death and dying at various life stages and levels of understanding. The course provides an introduction to the research literature on the bereavement process and on resilience. Students will examine as well the impact of various experiences of loss on the individual and their effect on other persons significant to them. Student research, case studies and in-class practice will facilitate skill development.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CAT 698

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 670

Course Description :

This course will address Counseling Services Supervisors many roles, carried out in an age of accountability. In addition to the traditional responsibilities of administration, education, and expressive supportive functions, students will explore multiple elements integral to a supervisor's job functions, including the identification of service needs, advocacy, the importance of building and maintaining various professional relationships, as well as the ethical, legal, and political dimensions. Critical to success as a supervisor is a commitment to self-management.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CAT604, CPS688B

Course Code : CPS 673

Course Description :

This course provides an overview of brief counseling modalities and explores a variety of brief counseling techniques and interventions. The primary focus is on how to effectively use a brief model to help clients find solutions and discover their goals and strengths. Application to case conceptualization and creating a treatment plan within a brief model are explored and practiced.

Credit : 3

Prerequisites :

CPS557, CPS520, CPS500

Course Code : CPS 677

Course Description :

An overview of the range of human sexual behavior, with emphasis upon issues of sexuality as they arise in the context of counseling. Students will explore their own comfort level regarding sexual matters and recognize the importance of developing attitudes and skills that will facilitate their work with individuals and couples in the counseling relationship.

Credit : 3

Course Code : CPS 699

Course Description :

Addresses current theoretical and practical issues in counseling which cannot be addressed in depth by other courses. The course provides an opportunity for a comprehensive understanding of particular counseling concerns (e.g., eating disorders, sexual assault, suicide, crisis management, etc.) and for consideration of the research associated with these topics, as well as preferred interventions. The focus of course may in part be determined by current counseling practices, faculty interest and choice and/or student requests.

Credit : 3