“Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive abilities, and enjoy the life affirming pleasures of making art.” ~ American Art Therapy Association
Adler Graduate School’s unique course program integrates Adlerian theory and technique into the creative and expressive realm of art therapy. It will allow students to get specialized training in art therapy theory and practice that is integrated into a 60 credit clinical education in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) and/or Professional Counseling (LPC). The art therapy component consists of 8 courses (24 credits out of 60) and a 700 hour internship with 70 hours of supervision.
The Art Therapy Program is designed to meet the educational standards of the American Art Therapy Association. It will prepare students to work as Art Therapists and either Marriage and Family Therapists or Professional Counselors. Graduates will be eligible to apply to become a Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) after completing post-degree work experience and supervision.
Coursework will utilize experiential and didactic methods of teaching to help students learn the essentials of art therapy theory and techniques with clients. Students will learn methods applicable for individuals, families and groups within a variety of work settings.
