Approved by the American Art Therapy Association

the program

Introduction
New York University has been identified with the training of art therapists since the 1950s when Margaret Naumburg, an eminent pioneer in the field, offered courses and training seminars on the graduate level in New York University’s Department of Art and Art Professions. This tradition was continued when Edith Kramer came to the University in 1973 to develop a master’s program in Art Therapy. By 1976 the Master of Arts in Art Therapy program had obtained approval from the New York State Education Department, and in 1979, New York University’s Graduate Art Therapy program was one of the first of five programs to receive approval from the American Art Therapy Association. Over the years, the program has gained a reputation for excellence in clinical training, borne out by the number of international applicants as well as the success of the graduates.

Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a rapidly growing field, which had its beginnings in the treatment of severely emotionally disturbed and physically disabled children and adults through the use of art. In recent years it has expanded to reach a broad range of populations, such as substance abusers, AIDS-patients, homeless people and survivors of trauma. The art therapist frequently works in such settings as hospitals, community mental health centers, Child Life programs, shelters, prisons, nursing homes, and special schools.

Art Therapy at New York University
This program strives to create a balance between the therapeutic potential of the creative process itself and the informed use of psychological understanding in the treatment situation. Students learn to modify and adapt two disciplines--the visual arts and psychotherapy--in order to affect the synthesis of art therapy: thus, the student learns to use art materials and the creative process according to the physical and psychological needs of clients. Correspondingly, the student learns to adapt psychotherapeutic approaches to the creative process through the use of art materials.

In diagnosis, planning and treatment of individuals and groups, the art therapist functions typically as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Professional skills include a working knowledge of the concepts and methods of art therapy, as well as the ability to communicate its approach and techniques to the team. While the major frame of reference for psychological understanding in New York University’s graduate art therapy program is based on psychoanalytic theory, students are required and encouraged to study alternate personality theories. In the course of extensive internships and a variety of classes, students become familiar with a range of clinical approaches and styles.

This 49-credit course of study includes core courses as well as intensive internships; students are also required to take psychology and art education electives.

Internships
Taking advantage of the wide variety of training opportunities available in New York, art capital of the world and center of one of the most diverse and richly complex health systems in the country, New York University’s program offers unusual opportunities to graduate students in art therapy. In particular, the concentration of experts in the field of mental health not only provides students with excellent opportunities for internships in a great variety of renowned settings, but also allows them to attend the numerous lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences that abound in New York.

The Final Project
In addition to course work and internship requirements, students in the Program must complete a substantial, well-researched paper which focuses on a particular interest or relevant issue/problem in the art therapy profession.

Professional Development
New York University is also concerned with the continued growth and development of art therapists. We have instituted post-master’s courses of interest to working professionals, such as Techniques of Supervision.

Many graduates maintain a connection with the New York University’s program serving as field supervisors, creating additional art therapy positions and contributing to the growth of art therapy. Some are successfully establishing private practices in communities and present their work in conferences and symposia.

In addition we have been offering a lecture series and symposia featuring speakers from the fields of art, art history, psychoanalysis, psychiatry, and psychology. These special programs allow art therapists and related professionals to expand their knowledge and experience.

enrollment

Students may participate in the program on a full or part-time basis. A two-year period is required for full-time completion. The Graduate Art Therapy Program welcomes students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

admission prerequisites

Matriculation requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate prerequisites are a minimum of 18 credits in studio art, 12 credits in psychology (in addition to Intro to Psychology), and 30 credits in the behavioral or social sciences and/or liberal arts disciplines. Applicants are expected to show proficiency in the basic area of the visual arts: figurative drawing, painting and clay modeling. The preferred choice of prerequisite psychology courses include: Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality and Child Psychology (or Developmental Psychology). Deficiencies in course credits may be made up either prior to admission or during the first semester that courses are available.

the curriculum

The 49-point course of study includes
core courses in art therapy, electives, and intensive internships. Students must
complete a substantial, well-researched master’s thesis, which focuses on a
particular interest or issue in art therapy.

degree requirements

Art Therapy Courses:
E90.2034 Art for Art Therapists 3 credits
E90.2040 Pictorial and Sculptural Analysis 3 credits
E90.2033 Art as Therapy with Children 3 credits
E90.2037 Art Therapy with Adults and Elderly 3 credits
E90.2044 Art as Therapy with Adolescents 3 credits
E90.2042 Art Therapy with Groups 3 credits
E90.2157 Theory and Practice of Art Therapy 3 credits
E90.2765 Family Art Therapy 2 credits
E90.2228 Research in Art Therapy 2 credits
E90.2301 Final Project in Art Therapy 1 credit
E90.2223 Cultural Diversity in Art Therapy 1 credit
E90.2300 Diverse Populations in Art Therapy 1 credit
E90.2039 Internship in Art Therapy 12 credit
40 credits

Three elective courses 9 credits
E35.2273 Ident/Report Suspected Child Abuse 0 credits
9 credits

9 credits of elective psychology courses to be selected through advisement from the wide selection of psychology courses offered by NYU Steinhardt and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Since both departments have a number of renowned programs at both the master and doctoral levels, course offerings each semester are rich and challenging.

For a total of 49 credits

Also Offered:
E90.2156 Supervision Techniques in Art Therapy (For Graduates)
E90.2221 Introduction to Art Therapy (For Non-Art Therapy Majors)

Click here for a listing of art therapy courses.

application procedures

Follow the instructions outlined by The NYU Steinhardt Office of Graduate Admissions for filing your application form. The following is a list of all items that must accompany the completed application form.

1. Transcripts: Must be obtained from undergraduate and graduate institutions, if applicable.
2. Three Letters of Recommendation: Should be obtained from academic and professional sources.
3. Current résumé
4. Personal Interview: A personal interview is required for those students living close to New York City; outside the metropolitan area, a telephone interview is required. The admissions office will notify you by mail to contact the program director for a personal or telephone interview.
5. Statement of Purpose (500-words): Must describe your interest in the field and the direction you wish to pursue in the graduate art professions program of your choice.
6. Portfolio and Workshop: The portfolio review is used to assess the artistic potential of the applicant. All applicants must submit a portfolio consisting of 15 examples of artwork (paintings, drawings, sculpture, which must include some figurative work). If sending slides, click here for slide instructions. Note: In addition to the portfolio, Art Therapy applicants must attend a workshop, comprised of three art tasks assigned for the purpose of getting to know the applicants, styles of expressing their thoughts and ideas pictorially.

for further information

Prof. Ikuko Acosta, PhD, ATR-BC, LCAT
Director, Art Therapy Program
212 998-5726/5727
Email: ia4@nyu.edu

Send application materials to The NYU Steinhardt Graduate Admissions Office. For general information pertaining to admission and financial aid, and/or to download an application (PDF file), visit the graduate admission's Web site.

faculty

IKUKO ACOSTA, Ph.D, A.T.R.-B.C. LCAT Program Director
Has an extensive clinical experience working with adult psychiatric patients as an art therapist in an admission unit in a psychiatric hospital in New Jersey. She also worked as an art therapy consultant in a residential placement for emotionally troubled adolescent girls. In her 25-year career as an art therapy educator and a supervisor she has trained hundreds of art therapy students and professional art therapists. She has lectured widely both nationally and internationally, in countries including Italy, Iceland, Turkey, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, and Japan. Her current interest is to apply the discipline of art therapy to a wider range of population as well as cross culturally.

MARY GRACE BERBERIAN, M.A., A.T.R.-B.C., LMSW LCAT Instructor and Internship Coordinator
Established Art Therapy Programs in community based organizations throughout New York City for at-risk children and families. In her current position, Ms. Berberian is the director of Art Therapy Initiatives for the New York City Public schools. She has published work on the use of art therapy for post 9-11 recovery and has presented at cross disciplinary conferences nationally and internationally. She formerly developed and directed the creative arts therapy program at Hartley House, working with children and adolescents at risk, and served as the art therapist for a residence of formerly homeless, mentally ill adults and women survivors of cancer.

ANI BUK, M.F.A., M.A., A.T.R.-B.C., L.P., LCAT, FIPA, Instructor
Ms. Buk is New York State Licensed psychoanalyst and art therapist in private practice in Manhattan, where she works with children, adolescents, adults and couples. A Fellow of the International Psychoanalytical Association, she has over twenty years of diverse clinical experience, and is a graduate of The Psychoanalytic Training Institute of the New York Freudian Society, as well as The Institute for Child, Adolescent and Family Studies. A nationally recognized trauma specialist, her work and recommendations have been featured in newspapers and periodicals such as The New York Times, US News & World Report, The Chicago Tribune, and Scholastic News. Ms. Buk has been on the faculty of the Graduate Art Therapy Program of NYU since 1993, and was a faculty member of the Department of Psychiatry of Albert Einstein College of Medicine from 1996-2007. She has been a consultant for Doctors of the World, Safe Horizon, The Children's Advocacy Center of Manhattan, and other agencies in the New York area. She has presented at numerous local, state and national conferences, universities, hospitals, and other organizations, including the United Nations, on a wide range of topics related to art therapy, trauma, vicarious traumatization, refugee issues, parent guidance, and the psychology of the artist.

RAQUEL CHAPIN STEPHENSON, M.A., A.T.R.-B.C., LCAT Instructor
Specializes in art therapy with older adults. Program Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor of the New York University Creative Aging Therapeutic Services Program, which is partnered with several community organizations in New York City to provide individual and group art therapy to healthy elders as well as those who are frail or suffer from dimentia. She is also the art therapist on the geriatric psychiatry unit of St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. Publications include: “Promoting intrapersonal and spatial intelligence through art therapy” in The Older Learner, Winter 2004, and; “Promoting self-expression through art therapy”, for publication in Generations, Spring 2006. Ms. Chapin Stephenson is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Art and Art Professions.

ELIZABETH COSS, M.A., A.T.R.-B.C., LCAT Instructor
Supervisor for the Creative Arts Therapy Department for the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital in Queens; implemented the first Creative Arts Therapy Program in a hospital psychiatric emergency room in New York City; co authored a chapter on art therapy for a handbook on alternative therapies for people with epilepsy with Dr. Steven Schachter, the Director of Clinical Research at the Harvard Medical School; has worked in hospices, hospital oncology, schools, the foster care system, and in corporate stress management. Ms. Coss has also been featured on a Discover Channel Series on Women and Stress, and on Time Warner’s Take Ten discussing art therapy, and conducted seminars for Barnes and Noble stores on Art as a Tool for Self Understanding. She is also a working artist.

LANI GERITY, D.A., A.T.R.-B.C., Instructor
Holds a doctorate and master's degree from NYU. Has practiced art therapy with adults and children at the Post Graduate Center for Mental Health in New York City. Currently has a private practice in Hamilton, Ontario where she writes, creates puppets, and supervises other art therapists. She is the author of several articles and books from Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Has presented her research at the Chicago Art Therapy Conference.

CHRISTINA GROSSO, M.A., A.T.R.-B.C.E.T.S., LCAT Instructor
Supervising therapist in a residential treatment facility and a psychotherapist, art therapist, and professional supervisor in private practice in New York City. Ms. Grosso has served as a consultant to Mayor Bloomberg’s Office, Project Liberty, The Museum of the City of New York and New York University’s Child Care Center.

DIANA MILIA, M.A., A.T.R.-B.C., LCAT Instructor
Art therapy Consultant, Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center. Art therapist for the NYU Based health Center pilot program in a public school, working with children and adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties. 1998 AATA and 199 ADTA conference presentations. Practicing professional artist. Published article in AJAT: Art with a self-mutilating adolescent girl and book: Self mutilation and art therapy, Jessica Kingley Publishers 2000.

RENEE OBSTFELD, M.A., A.T.R.-B.C., LCAT Instructor and Admissions Coordinator
Working with addicted populations since 1986 in residential, day treatment and private settings; presently treating substance abusers with AIDS at the Robert Mapplethorpe Residential Treatment Facility; published and presented nationally on art therapy, gender, addiction, and relational issues.

JOAN PHILLIPS, PhD, LPC, LMFT, A.T.R.-B.C. Instructor
Practicing art therapist for 25 years; maintains a private practice in Norman, Oklahoma with credentials as an art therapist, marital and family therapist and a counselor; specializes in family art therapy, art therapy with sexual abuse issues and child and adolescent therapy. Joan is faculty at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Phoenix and is visiting faculty at NYU, FSU, and other universities. She has presented professional trainings locally, nationally and internationally and was the invited guest recently of the Taiwan Art Therapy Association. She has published both articles and three book chapters and enjoys collage and poetry. Joan has served on both the American Art Therapy Association and Art Therapy Credentials Board.

STEPHANIE WISE, M.A., A.T.R. -B.C.E.T.S., LCAT Instructor
Professional art therapist specializing in the field of Traumatic Stress. She is a core leadership member of the Art Reach Foundation Team, a Critical Responder with Crisis Care Network, a member of the Medical Reserve Corps of New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and a faculty member of the NYU Art Therapy Graduate Program. She has a private practice in Manhattan.

EDITH KRAMER, A.T.R., H.L.M. Visiting Lecturer
Honorary Doctorate in Art Therapy, Professor in Art Therapy, Pioneer and specialist in art therapy with children and adolescents; author of three books: Art Therapy in a Children’s Community, Art as Therapy with Children and Childhood and Art Therapy as well as numerous articles. Practicing artist, previous exhibitions in the U.S. and Europe. Consultant art therapist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Child Psychiatry, New York City and Assistant Professorial Lecturer, Graduate Art Therapy Program, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. discussing art therapy, and conducted seminars for Barnes and Noble stores on Art as a Tool for Self Understanding. She is also a working artist.