This program is intended for professionals who already hold an M.A. in Counseling or a closely related field and who are interested in pursuing a career in art therapy. Graduate art therapy courses fulfill the educational requirements for registration as an Art Therapist through the American Art Therapy Association and licensure as a Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) in New Jersey. Graduates will need an additional 2000 hours of supervised clinical work in art therapy to qualify.
Graduate coursework is a combination of didactic and experiential teaching methods in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior and professional dispositions) learning domains. The program requires that students complete coursework, practicum, and internship experiences, and pass a comprehensive examination.
Counseling Art Therapy | Community Treatment Services The Mary Jo Rolli Codey ’77 Counseling Art Therapy Community Treatment Center The Mary Jo Rolli Codey Center is located on the Caldwell University campus. The center provides mental health counseling with art therapy specialization services to adults in our local community while serving as a training facility for our academic programs. Members of the local community can access treatment for personal growth or for mental health conditions in group and individual formats. Services to the local community are provided by credentialed counselors with art therapy specializations and advanced master’s students under the supervision of program faculty.
This program is intended for professionals who already hold an M.A. in Counseling or a closely related field and who are interested in pursuing a career in art therapy. Graduate art therapy courses fulfill the educational requirements for registration as an Art Therapist through the American Art Therapy Association and licensure as a Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) in New Jersey. Graduates will need an additional (OMIT 2,000) hours of supervised clinical work in art therapy to qualify (add “for national and/or state credentialing”).
Graduate coursework is a combination of didactic and experiential teaching methods in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior and professional dispositions) learning domains. The program requires that students complete coursework, practicum, and internship experiences, and pass a comprehensive examination.
A central component of Caldwell University’s counseling programs is the integration of spirituality throughout their coursework. In this context, students are prepared to competently consider the many aspects of the lives of their future clients.
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
M.A. in Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Art Therapy Specialization
School Counseling Specialization
Combined B.A. in Psychology/M.A. in Counseling
Post-Graduate M.A. in Art Therapy
Post-Master Director of School Counseling
Post-Master Professional Counselor Licensing Credits
Post-Master School Counseling Specialization
Statement of Outcomes Assessment
In order to complete the Post-Master’s program, students must demonstrate a professional presentation and aptitude and an ability to integrate theory and practice by successfully completing a six-credit supervised internship sequence.
The academic capstone of the program is a two-part comprehensive exam in the form of a case study supported by peer-reviewed research. The case study provides students with the opportunity to fully integrate counseling and art therapy perspectives and practice through class presentation and comprehensive exam paper. In general, students should be able to demonstrate the following in the comprehensive exam:
An understanding of the fundamental principles of art therapy practice, including diagnosis, assessment, evidence-based treatment, individual and group process, human development, psychopathology, the role of culture, gender, family, spirituality, and the biopsychosocial bases of behavior, etc.
An understanding of how the creative process and visual arts promote wellness, healing and therapeutic change
An understanding of appropriate use of art-based assessments, interventions and media as applicable to the treatment process
A recognition of how client imagery, symbolism and metaphor communicate thoughts and feelings, challenges and strengths and support growth and well-being
An understanding of art therapy research, including experimental, quasiexperimental, and non-experimental designs, particularly as they pertain to treatment of mental/emotional disorders
An ability to write clearly about assessment and treatment and to communicate concerns effectively
Courses
POST-GRADUATE M.A. IN ART THERAPY
This 36 credit post graduate program is intended for professionals who already hold an M.A. in Counseling or a closely related mental health field and who are interested in pursuing a career in art therapy. Graduate art therapy courses fulfill the educational requirements for registration as an Art Therapist through the American Art Therapy Association and align with the laws for licensure as a Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) in NJ. Graduates will need additional hours of supervised clinical work to qualify.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
M.A. in Counseling or a closely related field, demonstrating a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better
18 credits in studio art including drawing, painting, and three-dimensional work with a grade of “B” or better in each
Writing sample: Submission of a paper of 5-10 pages that is formatted in APA style.
Official graduate transcript(s)
One letter of recommendation
Personal Interview and portfolio review
Art portfolio of 10-15 pieces, slides, or digital copies evidencing proficiency in drawing, painting, three-dimensional work as well as a range of media and demonstrating introspection
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (36 credits)
In order for students to initiate and continue their studies effectively and to satisfy all prerequisites as competent entry level Art Therapists in the cognitive/knowledge, psychomotor/skills, and affective/professional dispositions/behavior learning domains, they should consult the Student Course Planning Guide within the Graduate Counseling Student Handbook. In addition, Program Coordinators can provide guidance and will establish advisement days each semester prior to registration.
All content areas from the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization must be covered before or during the degree program. Graduates may need additional coursework to fulfill all content areas in subjects just as career counseling or assessment and diagnosis.
Required Courses (24 credits)
History and Development of Art Therapy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Counseling with Children and Adolescents for Art Therapists
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.
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.
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
Internship I / Art Therapy Specialization Practicum
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Counseling Practice Seminar: Cognitive and Behavior Theories
Course Code : CPS 619
Course Description :
An intensive course designed to develop significant skill in the use of Cognitive and Behavior theories in counseling. Students will develop a repertoire of competencies for using these theoretical orientations in their work with clients in schools, agencies, and private practice. The use of cases, role-playing, and other strategies will facilitate the employment of the strategies remanating from these counseling orientations.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Advanced Seminar In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy [REBT]
Course Code : CPS 689
Course Description :
Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the theory and applied techniques of REBT. Topics include basic principles of REBT, assessment and diagnosis, rational-emotive in-session therapeutic strategies, use of homework assignments, socialization of the client to the REBT model, and counseling issues such as transference, countertransference, and termination. Students gain practice in developing skill in utilizing the REBT model.
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.
*Additional Courses are applicable with advisor approval
*Additional Courses are applicable with advisor approval
Transfer of Graduate Credit
Caldwell University may accept the transfer of up to six credits of graduate work in counseling, art therapy or a closely related field, provided the credits were completed within five years of the student’s graduate registration at Caldwell University. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the catalog description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Each request for transfer credit will be reviewed by the Program Coordinators. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course, which should be a B or better.
Total Credits 36
Admission Requirements
Note – The application deadlines for the M.A. in Counseling with School Counseling Specialization are: April 1 – Summer; June 1 – Fall; December 1 – Spring Semesters
Applications received after the posted deadline will be considered, however, depending on available class space, acceptance may be deferred.
M.A. in Counseling or a closely related field, demonstrating a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better
18 credits in studio art, to include at least one class in drawing, painting, and three dimensional work
12 graduate or undergraduate credits in counseling or psychology, to include Introduction to Psychology, Personality Theory, Human Development, and Psychopathology
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
One letter of recommendation
Art portfolio of 10-15 pieces, slides, or digital copies evidencing proficiency in different media (ideally shared with Graduate Admissions via a PowerPoint or Slides presentation or via Google Drive)
Personal Interview
Applicants must have prior coursework in the following content areas to qualify for full acceptance. Applicants who do not have coursework in the following areas may be asked to complete additional coursework or receive a conditional acceptance before achieving fully accepted status.
Content areas required at the graduate level prior to full acceptance:
Human Growth and Development over the Lifespan
Psychopathology and Diagnosis
Appraisal and Evaluation
Research Methods
Career Counseling and Development
Art Therapy Counseling Program Mission
The art therapy counseling programs seek to prepare competent entry-level Clinical Mental Health Counselor/Art Therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, attending to the sustainment of the program guided by the CACREP and CAAHEP standards. Students participate in an active, inclusive learning environment where they foster meaning through the process of self-reflection, become scholar-practitioners, and generate new knowledge and methods. Students mature and develop competencies leading them through the transition from graduate student to a professional prepared to offer healing opportunities to members of society.
Program Objectives
The art therapy programs operationalize its mission through the program goals and objectives. The broad program goals are to attain and develop:
Sustainability plans through a. maintaining CACREP through reaccreditation and creation of a self-study towards CAAHEP accreditation (MA program) and ACATE approval (Post Grad program), b. the study of vital statistics (demographics of applicants, students, and graduates), attention to admissions and enrollment, and maintaining an inclusive learning environment; (see Grid 1 below)
Community Service opportunities through active involvement of faculty, students and constituents in co-curricular activities; and
Curricula Emphasizing Competency in Knowledge, Skills, and Awareness from Professional Core Content Areas and Learning Domains by developing benchmarks, remediation plans, curricula, signature assignments, comprehensive exam, and measures for professional dispositions;
The transition from Student to Professional through providing opportunities to sit for and track scores from the NCE, administering a comprehensive exam, tracking graduates’ credentialing process and, follow up with graduates, supervisors, and employers.
The program objectives assure sustainability, community service opportunities, the transition to work and minimum competence in the identified core content areas. To this end, the program will:
Increase students’ knowledge of the history of the professions of counseling and art therapy, its trends, goals, and objectives, as well as the professional bodies which guide its ongoing development and ethical practice;
Inform and prepare students to appreciate and to perform effectively in a society that is increasingly diverse in culture by fostering inclusivity through knowledge, skills, and self-awareness;
Develop a thorough knowledge of human growth and development and the maladaptive behavior that impedes it;
Prepare students to perform effectively in intervening with individuals and groups toward positive personal and career development;
Provide an appreciation and knowledge of a variety of theoretical orientations in counseling as a basis for the work in today’s diverse society;
Create opportunities for group process and for the acquisition of knowledge and skills regarding group practice;
Acquaint students with professionally accepted methods of client assessment and to provide appropriate intervention;
Assist students in gaining familiarity with and understanding research and program evaluation;
Evaluate students over the course of the program to assure gatekeeping and progression through remediation plans, curricula revisions, signature assignments and assessment of professional dispositions.
Provide an educational experience and professional preparation this is consistent with core values and mission of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The academic capstone of the program is a two-part comprehensive exam in the form of a case study. This will be completed during the student’s final art therapy practicum experience (CAT 604). The first part involves a written treatment plan for an art therapy case generated from the practicum site with an actual client; the second involves an oral defense/presentation of the case to a committee of art therapy faculty members. Students will be expected to demonstrate competency in fundamental principles of art therapy practice.
Transfer Of Graduate Credit
Caldwell University may accept the transfer of six credits of graduate work in counseling, art therapy or a closely related field, provided the credits were completed within five years of the student’s graduate registration at Caldwell University. Official transcripts of previous graduate work, as well as the catalog description of each course, must be submitted for review at the time of application. Each request for transfer credit will be reviewed by the Program Coordinators. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course.
The Post Master’s degree in Art Therapy Specialization Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of ACATE, The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education
Caldwell University has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4598. CE Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Caldwell University is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
