Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Program (TAPPs)
This professional development program explores the theoretical and experiential connection between creativity, art-making, and the healing process. You will learn concepts of visual intelligence, while building skills in specific, practical therapeutic arts techniques. You will also learn and understand the impact of creativity and art-making on the brain.
This program does not require approval by Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
Course Length: 16 weeks
Delivery: Online
Credential: Certificate
Title: Therapeutic Arts Practitioner
Cost: $2780 ($695/month)
Time: January 2024 (3 cohorts available)
Tuesdays: January 9 to April 23 at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm PST
Thursdays: January 11 to April 25 at 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm PST
Saturdays: January 13 to April 27 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm PST
Apply new techniques and modalities to your own life or when working with clients and community members. Knowledge from the program will aid in various professions, including arts-based education, body work, ministry and coaching, hospitals, nursing homes, community health centres, shelters, prisons, early childhood programs, and special schools.
NOTE: Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Program graduates may be able to apply a portion of their paid tuition as credit towards the Art Psychotherapy Diploma Program. Please contact Enrollment for more details.
NEXT PROGRAM RUNS: January 2024
LAST DAY TO APPLY: December 12, 2023
The Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Program will not certify you as an art therapist, but the program offers practical techniques to enrich your existing clinical or teaching practice or apply to your own creative process. If you are already using art in your practice, TAPPs will assist you in understanding the healing power of the art process.
Once you have completed TAPPs, you can continue on in your studies in the Therapeutic Arts Master Practitioner Program.
TAPPs is also available as a private team program.
Learning Outcomes
- Become familiar with the therapeutic use of the arts
- Identify the role that art plays in the healing process
- Explore recent theories on the arts and the brain
- Practise and apply basic techniques across a variety of client populations
Admission Requirements
This program is available to the general public with an interest in the therapeutic arts. There is a minimum age requirement of 19 years.
Program Details
Module 1: Introduction to Therapeutic Arts
FOUR x 2-HOUR CLASSES
Explore the basic principles of the therapeutic arts through tactile and sensory art-making within a theoretical framework.
- Creativity and the brain
- Understanding arts-based healing principles and their applicability
- Individual, dyadic and group applications
Module 2: The Media Continuum
FOUR x 2-HOUR CLASSES
Explore how the use of media helps you and others express emotions without words.
- 2-D and 3-D Work, Large and Small: playing with form and size, including symbolism
- Contained vs. Fluid: Understanding the range of media and its impact on the emotional and somatic experience
- Media and Play: The importance of process over product in relation-affective expression
Module 3: Group and Community Arts
FOUR x 2-HOUR CLASSES
Explore art-making for everyone in community settings.
- Engaging community in art making
- Finding ourselves with found objects, holy junk and art hives
- Community studios: do’s and don’ts
Module 4: Mindfulness and Contemplation in the Arts
FOUR x 2-HOUR CLASSES
Explore the marriage of contemplative practices, therapeutic arts, and neuroscience. How does engaging in the arts bring attention to the present moment and allow us to connect with sacred aspects of self?
- Rituals and Aesthetics in Art-Making: Why ritual elevates the artistic process
- “Inside Out”: Contemplative arts-based activities to foster mindfulness in daily life
- Ritual Mandala Painting: Moving deeper into presence
Studying with CiiAT is more than just an education,
it’s a personal journey within a supportive community.
Whether it’s through our small, intimate classes, or through our friendly administrative and technical support team, we strive to provide personalized help and attention.
“I love the live online format of these classes and being able to connect with other students from anywhere in the world. My experience so far has been very positive! The teachers and staff are passionate and engaging.”
~ Rebecca Adelman ~
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