Students will integrate counseling skills and awareness practice with art therapy techniques throughout the semester. Transpersonal , 2cr. Students explore contemplative and transpersonal approaches to art therapy, and begin integrating counseling relationship skills, such as presence and empathy, into their developing abilities as art therapists. This course integrates the principles of group psychotherapy and group art psychotherapy with different populations. Included in the course will be basic concepts and theories about group dynamics including development, mechanics, problems, and styles and tasks of leadership.
Class consists of lecture, writing, and experiential processes.
Students will learn to utilize a variety of art therapy assessments, documentation strategies and treatment modalities when working with a range of populations in clinical settings. Application of developmental theory will occur through hands-on experimentation with art therapy techniques designed to meet the needs of individuals suffering with mental illness and neurological impairment as well as survivors of trauma and individuals experiencing psychospiritual crises. Contemplative practice is carefully integrated with the investigation of various art processes and materials throughout the semester. The open studio model is followed, allowing for students to practice mindfulness through process painting, drawing and sculpture projects. Commitment to personal and transpersonal imagery is encouraged as an essential part of understanding one's identity as an artist, the purpose of the therapeutic community, and contemplative models for practicing art therapy.