Presents a model of the therapist in dynamic, creative interaction with the client where insight into the therapeutic relationship is stressed, particularly when experienced as an aesthetic response. Additional topics, including approaches to expressive arts therapy, often taught by a guest instructor. May include the use of expressive arts therapy processes with special populations. Course may be repeated for credit with different topic and instructor. Final project is completed including a personal journey statement, arts presentation, integrative paper, and clinical case study.
Integrative paper articulates each student's philosophy and approach to expressive arts therapy.
Case study includes a clinical case presentation integrating expressive arts therapy and other clinical approaches. Focus on applications to psychotherapeutic practice with children and adults, and possibilities for integration into a multi-modal expressive arts therapy context. Exploration of the nature of masks, mask-making, and the process of masking our essence or true self. Includes creating and painting of a mask, studying theories to understand how masks function, and performance of a final mask ritual. Emphasis is on the journey from personality and body armor to essence, aliveness and creativity.