Master of Arts in Art Therapy Courses
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ART THERAPY (E90.1157) -- 3 credits
A survey dealing with the origins, historical development and major theoretical trends in the field of art therapy. Discussion will cover a variety of patient/client/clinic populations and treatment approaches. Lectures, class discussion, fieldwork and studio component.
ART FOR ART THERAPISTS (E90.2034) -- 3 credits
Studio work focused on enabling the artist functioning as a therapist to use his/her creative capacities in the service of individuals with adjustment and emotional problems.
PICTORIAL AND SCULPTURAL ANALYSIS (E90.2040) -- 3 credits
Developing basic skills in evaluating form and content of pictorial and sculptural work produced in art therapy sessions and integrating evidence of developmental level, perceptual capabilities, psychodynamic processes, environmental stimuli in artwork and behavior. Students will be expected to provide art from their clinical work (usually internship) with child, adolescent or adult populations. Studio component is included.
PSYCHODYNAMIC PROCESSES IN ART THERAPY (E90.2038) -- 3 credits
In-depth investigation of psychic processes activated in creative work, e.g., processes that impede, distort, or foster symbolic communication in art.
ART THERAPY WITH CHILDREN AND EARLY ADOLESCENTS (E90.2033) -- 3 credits
Theory and practice of art therapy with children and early adolescents with a variety of physical, emotional and socio-environmental disturbances. Approaches the technique and theory of art therapy from developmental and psychodynamic points of view. Methods of evaluation and treatment are discussed, as well as developmental theory. Readings, discussion, case material and studio work will be included along with papers.
ART THERAPY WITH ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS (E90.2037) -- 3 credits
Theory and practice of art therapy with adolescents and adults, including short and long-term treatment in a variety of settings. Literature review and case presentations spark discussion of normal and pathological psychodynamic issues and developmental stages. Art assignments, papers and journal-keeping enhance the student's ability to work with these populations.
ART THERAPY WITH GROUPS (E90.2042) -- 3 credits
An investigation of group theory and process, and the application of art therapy group techniques to a variety of populations. Students learn about group dynamics and acquire leadership skills by coleading and participating in group art experiences.
FAMILY ART THERAPY (E90.2765) -- 2 credits
Introduction to the theory and practice of art therapy with families. This course will provide theoretical foundation and close study of assessment techniques in family art therapy. Art intervention techniques will also be introduced. Several theoretical approaches to family art therapy will be studied -- psychodynamic and systems theory. Class includes lecture, slide and videotape presentations, class discussion and experimental art work.
INTERNSHIP IN ART THERAPY (E90.2039) -- 12 credits
Internship in Art Therapy is considered the core of art therapy training. Each student is required to take twelve credits equalling 1000 hours of internship.
This internship experience provides the trainee with practical involvement necessary for acquiring the basic skills of an art therapist in a variety of medical and non-medical settings. These include hospitals, psychiatric units, mental health centers, public schools, private schools, and institutions for the mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed, physically handicapped, as well as nursing homes, geriatric centers, correctional centers, alcohol treatment centers, and family group counseling agencies. Internship experiences include a weekly supervision seminar, limited to seven students in each section.
Placement for the student is usually found by the program advisor and faculty. Some of the best hospitals and various other highly reputed mental health facilities in the New York area constitute agencies for placement. Supervision by a registered art therapist is provided at most clinical placements.
The internship is available only to those students who have met requirements and course prerequisites. Once these are met the student may begin an internship. The 12 credits are usually taken over a period of three to four semesters at the rate of three to four credits a semester. In some cases, individual students may be permitted or advised to extend the internship over a longer period of time by taking fewer points a semester. The minimum point load is three and the maximum is five.
RESEARCH IN ART THERAPY (E90.2228) -- 2 credits
An introduction to research methods used in art therapy with an emphasis on qualitative research design. Students will work on the formulation of research questions and develop a thesis proposal.
FINAL PROJECT IN ART THERAPY (E90.2301) -- 1 credit
Students will complete a thesis project which integrates their acquired theoretical knowledge, clinical internship experiences and applied critical thinking.
ART THERAPISTS AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY (E90.2223) -- 1 credit
An introduction to multicultural issues and cultural considerations which the art therapist may encounter in clinical settings. Students will expand their sensitivity and awareness of various cultural perspectives. There will be a puppet-making component to this course.
DIVERSE TOPICS IN ART THERAPY (E90.2300) -- 1 credit
The course will focus on a wide range of current topics/issues in the field of Art Therapy. The content of topics therefore vary every year.