Art Therapy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Art Therapy is a specialized field that integrates psychological principles with creative expression to support emotional, cognitive, and behavioral healing. This program equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for advanced study in professional art therapy, emphasizing the therapeutic use of visual arts in clinical and rehabilitative contexts.

• Psychological Foundations of Art Therapy: Explores core theories in human development, trauma, and mental health, providing a scientific basis for understanding how artistic expression influences psychological well-being.
• Visual Arts and Creative Processes: Focuses on techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, examining how creative engagement fosters self-expression and emotional insight.
• Clinical Assessment and Intervention Strategies: Introduces methods for evaluating emotional and cognitive functioning through art, and designing targeted therapeutic interventions for diverse populations.
• Ethical and Professional Practice Standards: Covers confidentiality, boundaries, informed consent, and the regulatory frameworks governing art therapy practice in healthcare and counseling settings.
• Research and Evaluation in Creative Therapies: Develops skills in analyzing outcomes of art-based interventions, applying evidence-based approaches to improve therapeutic effectiveness.