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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Two electives are required for the Diploma Program.
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.

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 (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.