Policy #35: Standards of Practice

The Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT) adheres to the Canadian Art Therapy Association Standards of Practice. Art Therapy Clinicians, Clinical Instructors, Clinical Supervisors, and students in the Art Psychotherapy Diploma Program must adhere to the Standards of Practice, Ethical Guidelines/Code of Ethics, and the Entry-to-Practice Competencies of the Canadian Art Therapy Association and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Best practices are to be demonstrated in all areas of involvement with CiiAT.

In particular, students should be aware that CiiAT follows the Entry-to-Practice Competencies from the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario as guidelines for evaluation during studies in the Art Psychotherapy Diploma Program. Students should, throughout the program, demonstrate professional ability in or working towards professional ability in all areas of the competencies, including but not limited to:

• Integrate a theory of human psychological functioning and development
• Work within a framework based upon an established psychotherapeutic theory
• Integrate knowledge of comparative psychotherapy relevant to practice
• Integrate awareness of self in relation to professional role
• Integrate knowledge of human and cultural diversity in relation to psychotherapy practice
• Engage in psychotherapy with clients and maintain a professional frame for therapy
• Establish and maintain an effective therapeutic relationship
• Apply safe and effective use of self in the therapeutic relationship
• Conduct an appropriate risk assessment
• Structure and facilitate the therapeutic process

Students are evaluated on clinical competencies in all academic and clinical courses. If faculty members raise concerns about a student’s ability to fulfill the Entry-to-Practice competencies, a review of the concern will be undertaken. If the student is found not to demonstrate the ability to fulfill one or more of the Entry-to-Practice competencies, or if serious concern has been raised about ethical or standards of practice issues that will impede the student’s ability to conduct work as a professional in the field safely, then CiiAT may place the student on academic probation or formally begin the dismissal process. Please see the Student Dismissal Policy for more information about the dismissal process.