Clinical Art Therapy Diploma
Clinical Art Therapy Diploma
Program Description
Clinical Art Therapy Diploma
The Clinical Art Therapy Diploma program for post-Bachelor’s and post-Master’s students is offered online, in-person in Thailand and Japan. All courses are taught in English, with translators available in countries where English is not the primary language.
We encourage students to have some training in psychology and the arts prior to admission to the Diploma program. We provide a range of theoretical orientations that reflect the differing views of practicing art therapists. Students are encouraged to explore the uses and potentials of different theories when dealing with a variety of client populations, therapeutic goals, and the student’s own preferred therapeutic style. Students are therefore not expected to adhere to a particular theoretical model but, instead, are encouraged to become familiar with a variety of models.
As much as possible, we will support and encourage the individual interests and art therapy goals of the students.
Please contact us to explore a program, schedule, and location that enables you to meet your educational goals.
Course Description
Art Therapy History, Approaches and Applied Theories
We apply a variety of interpretive frameworks to the practice of art therapy. Students will examine the foundations of art therapy and the underlying theories including psychoanalytical, object relations, existential, phenomenological, spiritual, humanistic, developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and gestalt orientations) through lecture, video, art-making and reflection with instructors. Students will achieve a working knowledge of the similarities and differences between the various theoretical constructs. Emphasis is on achieving a working knowledge of the different theoretical constructs and on gaining knowledge and skills in their practical application.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Art Therapy
This course is designed to educate students on the art therapy ethical elements that combine to form the basis of the practicing art therapist’s values and beliefs. Students will gain a thorough knowledge of the Canadian Art Therapy Association Code of Ethics, evaluate common ethical dilemmas and make clinical decisions based on art therapy ethical principles and legal requirements.
Art Therapy and Mental Illness
Through a series of case studies, readings, videos, discussion and assignments this course examines the relationship between art, ‘pathology’, creativity and healing. The intent of the course is to provide the student with the opportunity to develop their concept of the progression and application of Art Therapy with various client populations. Students will also learn how to use art therapy with clients experiencing symptoms of the major diagnostic categories described in the DSM 5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association) and what treatment goals, and interventions are effective.
Attachment Informed Art Therapy with Infants, Children and Youth
Through the lenses of attachment and trauma theory, this course is an experiential and theoretical introduction to the value of art therapy with children as pre-verbal, multi-modal forms of communication. Students will learn about infant, child and adolescent mental health, brain development and art therapy. We will guide students in specific assessment approaches, diagnosis, and intervention. strategies.
Art Therapy with Families
This experiential and theoretical course is an introduction to the use of art therapy with families. Included will be a review of the philosophy and epistemology of family therapy, and systemic thinking and attachment theory. The course will explore various applications to family art therapy and family trauma, addressing family roles and hierarchies, strategic theory, re-framing, and role-playing. Several assessment procedures will be presented. We also investigate the complexities of culture in families and groups, and how this impacts the therapeutic relationship. We teach and practice interventions for families with challenges, and families in crisis, including couples and non-traditional families.
Art Therapy Studio, working with Individuals
As the foundation for practicum training, these studio courses are experientially based and grounded in a theoretical framework. We will give students the opportunity to actively explore their own reflective, art-therapy process, and to integrate this experiential process into currently used conceptual frameworks for clinical practice. Classes focus on inner and interpersonal art process through instructor-led art making, small group debriefing sessions and class discussions dealing with theory, technique and clinical practice. This course teaches students how to work with individuals.
*This is not a therapy group, although art-making can and will bring up resolved and unresolved issues that the student may or may not want to share with the group. It is highly recommended that Art Therapy students seek out personal therapy with a Registered Art Therapist.
Art Therapy Studio, working with Dyads
As the foundation for practicum training, these courses are experientially based and grounded in a theoretical framework. We will give students the opportunity to actively explore their own reflective, art-therapy process, and to integrate this experiential process into currently used conceptual frameworks for clinical practice. Classes will focus on inner and interpersonal art process through instructor-led art making, small group debriefing sessions and class discussions dealing with theory, technique and clinical practice. This course focusses on dyads.
*This is not a therapy group, although art-making can and will bring up resolved and unresolved issues that the student may or may not want to share with the group. It is highly recommended that Art Therapy students seek out personal therapy with an Art Therapist if possible.
Art Therapy Studio, working with Groups
This studio focuses on art therapy with groups-both closed-ended and open-ended, and open studio formats. Students will learn how to work with groups beginning with intake. They will have an opportunity to create art and to practice the role of the group art therapist in dyads and small groups.
*This is not a therapy group, although art-making can and will bring up resolved and unresolved issues that the student may or may not want to share with the group. It is highly recommended that Art Therapy students seek personal therapy with a Registered Art Therapist if possible.
Art Therapy Research and Arts-Based Methodologies
This course explores advanced qualitative arts-based research approaches. Orienting the students to a deeper understanding of research methodology and how to apply it specifically to their thesis question. It will also look at the construction of a literature review. There will be a focus on critical thinking and further developing their skills in presenting case studies as a research method.
*Most Post MA students are not required to take this course. Please check with your enrollment advisor.
Art Therapy Thesis/Arts-Based Research Project
Students may write an extensive research paper based on a hypothesis related to an area of study in Art Therapy 
OR the student may create an Arts-Based Research project with extensive research findings in Art Therapy.*Most Post MA students are not required to take this course. Please check with your enrollment advisor.
Electives
Electives on various topics will be delivered throughout the year. Special interest topics will include the expressive arts, mindfulness in the art process, ritual mandala making, and ecologically-based art therapy.
1. To explore in greater depth, media and its use.
2. To evaluate interventions based on a client’s age and stage of development.
3. To expand on the creative development of art therapy directives.
Supervision
All students must receive a minimum of 70 hours supervision during the two-year program. Supervision includes planning, reviewing and evaluating art therapy services provided by the supervisee throughout the supervision process:
- Review of the client art and clinical work
- Case review of clinical files (includes intakes, progress notes, summary reports, treatment plans, termination
- Discussion of referrals, agency relationships
- Crisis intervention, limit setting, ethics, etc.
- Discussion of group work: designing, planning, setting goals and exploring issues and dynamics.
Practicum
Practicum (Work Experience)A student proceeding toward a Diploma in Clinical Art Therapy is required to complete all requirements of clinical training in art therapy through Practica and Supervision. Students are required to complete non-paid clinical experience.
The practicum setting requires each student to be interviewed by the on-site supervisor prior to admittance into the Practicum site. Orientation by the practicum site staff may also be required.
Practicum includes direct client contact, set up, clean up, record keeping about the art and client notes.
2 Case studies (and/or participant reviews in open studio at the discretion of supervisor) are required within one month of completion of Practicum.
Admission Requirements (click here for more)
Completed copy of Admissions Form:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (The bachelor degree requirement may be met through a documented Equivalency Assessment.)
- Portfolio (electronic) including 10 or more images showing a variety of media (sculpture, painting, photography etc)
- 3 psychology courses
- Proficiency in English
- Statement of purpose or intent
- Resume / Transcript
- Personal interview
- Personal experience with therapy or art therapy is also highly recommended.
Application Fees:
$150.00 intake interview. For Accepted students, this fee will be deducted from tuition.
Equivalency Assessments:
An Equivalency Assessment (EA) is available for applicants who do not hold or have not completed a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university required for admission to CiiAT.
The Equivalency Assessment application and process is to determine that the applicant has the required knowledge and skills that would match the equivalent of a university degree and would be successful in completing the program. The cost of applying for an EA is $200.
Interview and Acceptance of Admission
After your application has been accepted and approved, you will interview with a member of CiiAT’s faculty. Afterward, the Enrollment Director will notify you in writing of the admission decision. The Institute reserves the right to admit or deny admission to any applicant based on the professional judgment of the Executive and Clinical Directors and administration involved in the admission process.
Course Calendar (click here for more)
Tuition Fees (click here for more)
Year 1 $13,900.00
Year 2 $13,900.00
Requires the completion of 26 units.
Year 1 $13,900.00
Year 2 $ 8,700.00
Requires the completion of 21 units.
Fees include:
- 14-18 individual courses as designated by the Canadian Art Therapy Association’s educational standards
- 2 additional electives
- Tuition for 1 intensive module (1-4 weeks) in our sister school (Japan, Thailand or Canada)
- Practicum supervision
- Thesis advisement and graduation fees
Note:
- Application for Scholarships are available to all new students
- Currently CiiAT does offer a payment plan for our Diploma program
Additional Costs to consider:
- Text books
- Art supplies
Additional Fees
- Courses to be completed within two years or a course extension fee may be applied.
- Practicum to be completed within two years of Practicum initiation or an extension fee may be applied.
Scholarships (click here for more)
The Lucille Proulx Legacy Scholarship
The Lucille Proulx Legacy scholarship is for prospective CiiAT students with a proven commitment to art as a tool for healing in their community.
Award: Up to $5,000 in tuition credit
Application Requirements: Requirements include submitting a 2,500 word written essay in APA format, about the applicant’s work in the field, with a pictorial compilation demonstrating community-based artwork. This scholarship will require an interview with a CiiAT Director.
Serve & Protect Scholarship
This scholarship is available to Canadian veterans, fire, police, and ambulance personnel.
Award: Up to $1,000 in tuition credit
Application Requirements: A 1,000 word written essay in APA format, or photo essay, about the applicant’s service and how creativity aided their work with others.
CiiAT Master’s Stipend
For prospective CiiAT students who have finished their Master’s Degree in the field of humanities; such as Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy and related fields.
Award: $1,000-$3,000 tuition credit
Application Requirements: Requirements include submitting an arts-based description of their Master’s thesis along with the thesis abstract. This scholarship will require an interview with a CiiAT Director.
CiiAT Library Scholarship
This Library scholarship is designated to support students with purchasing art therapy books for their training.
Award: $500 tuition credit
Application Requirements: Eligibility criteria includes submitting a 1,500 word essay in APA format, about what art therapy means to them with personal art reflections embedded. Awardees will be required to submit for publication to the CATA newsletter in their second year of training.
The Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) also offered sponsorships and bursaries http://www.canadianarttherapy.org/scholarships-and-bursaries/
Let us help you find a program that is right for you!