Expressive Arts Therapy Counseling

Why this program?

Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. (AATA 2021). Expressive arts therapy involves the intermodal use of visual art, music, movement, poetry, and performance, in therapy and healing. Students have the option of preparing to pursue registration as an Art Therapist (ATR) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board or registration as an Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) through the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. The Prescott College model provides a flexible design that meets the course requirements for eventual art therapy and expressive arts therapy registration. Coursework includes a supervised practicum and internship, attendance at an Expressive Arts Therapy Summer Institute Residency, and a capstone project.

The Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy builds critical knowledge, skills and affective behaviors required for professional expressive arts or art therapy practice. Students completing the Certificate will possess knowledge of history, theory, practice, media intervention techniques, and research applications grounded in ethical, socially responsible and culturally sensitive perspectives.

What can you do with this certificate program?

The Expressive Arts Therapy Program provides an inclusive, individualized experience for those seeking more knowledge in the use of the creative arts in mental health. We have developed engaging interactive experiences with peers and faculty that can be delivered in an online model that allows people to integrate their learning and educational objectives into their personal lives in a way that makes their goals achievable without compromising quality. This is a unique post masters certificate that can be combined with a master’s in a mental health profession to provide a path toward a credential in either art therapy or expressive arts therapy. Our asynchronous online model opens the door to many individuals who do not have access to an in-person program to achieve their professional career aspirations.

What will this program look like?

The Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate program is designed to enhance your learning and future practice. This program may be taken concurrently by students who have been accepted into the Master of Science in Counseling, or by those individuals who have already attained a master’s degree in a field of mental health practice.

The program follows the Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy Adopted by the American Art Therapy Association, the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates meet the Art Therapy Credentials Board (www.atcb.org) requirements to pursue art therapy registration. In addition, graduates can also qualify to pursue registration as an expressive arts therapist through the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (www.ieata.org). Students can seek art therapy licensure in some states and must verify that their degree program covers the necessary requirements of the licensing board in their state.