Program
The Expressive Arts Therapy Program celebrates an integrative, arts approach to therapeutic process, with an emphasis on theatre/drama, movement, and visual arts. The program consists of core courses, studio-based learning and practice, and supervised field work. Learning is integrated with theory and grounded in experience. Eligible students can receive advanced standing towards a Masters Degree (see page 4).
The program extends over a two-year period, beginning in mid September and ending in mid June. For first year students, courses run on Wednesday evenings and on Saturdays; for second year students, courses run on Thursday evenings and Sundays. The schedule of hours for the practicum will be defined in accordance with participants’ time-tables as well as the requirements of the practicum sites. There is a two-week break over the holiday season (Dec/Jan), one week in March, and three months in the summer.
The program is designed in such a way that in each semester there are two courses running simultaneously; these courses correspond and complement each other by presenting both theory and practical application and by offering opportunity for both personal and professional development. Courses follow sequentially.
The curriculum covers concepts, knowledge, and skills necessary for training in Expressive Arts Therapy and is designed to facilitate instructive and personal process learning that takes place within the classes and extends to work, research, and practice done outside of class.
Training Includes
Year One
- Expressive Arts Therapy: visual arts based - 55 hrs
- Therapeutic Themes – Population - 35 hrs
- Expressive Arts: Personality in Performance - 85 hrs
- Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy - 14 hrs
- Expressive Arts Therapy: movement based - 60 hrs
- Overview of Theories of human Development - 9 hrs
- Practicum Preparation - 9 hrs
Year Two
- Expressive Arts Therapy: drama and stories based - 40 hrs
- Onsite Practicum - 300 hrs
- Practice and Supervision - 120 hrs
- Personality theories and implications - 50 hrs
Other Requirements:
- 45 hours of individual psychotherapy with an Expressive Arts Therapist approved by the program. Previous intensive therapy undertaken prior to beginning of the program may be considered as credit towards these hours.
- A program of 180 logged hours of studio work in an artistic medium, developed in consultation with an instructor, to be completed outside of class time.
Certification
Graduation from the program depends on students completing:
- All courses with a satisfactory evaluation,
- 350 hours of practical work,
- Studio work and presentations,
- Personal psychotherapy requirements.
Note: The above is an outline of the program. The program is reviewed periodically and some changes may occur to enhance the learning.