Graduate Catalog
Art Therapy
Lewis & Clark offers rigorous art therapy training to students to become qualified mental health practitioners and ethical leaders who advocate for social justice, provide service and clinically focused care to individuals, groups, and families. Our mission is to prepare competent, creative, and reflective art therapists who are committed to equity-based clinical and community praxis. Students learn to apply relationally and socially attuned art therapy using art making to deepen awareness of self and others within societal and cultural contexts.
Art therapists are master-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are experiencing medical and mental health challenges, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth.
Accreditation
The Art Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL
www.caahep.org
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
This degree program is for students who wish to become art therapists in community mental health agencies, programs serving children, adolescents and/or families, the criminal justice or juvenile justice system, other community and educational settings, as well as private practice.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 58 semester hours, distributed as follows:
| AT 501 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| AT 510 | Introduction to Art Therapy | 3 |
| AT 511 | The Helping Relationship: Art Therapy Technique | 3 |
| AT 513 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| AT 515 | Group Dynamics, Processes and Art Therapy | 3 |
| AT 517 | Art Therapy Trauma Treatment | 2 |
| AT 523 | Child and Adolescent Art Therapy | 3 |
| AT 522 | Diagnostic Appraisal and Testing | 3 |
| AT 524 | Cross-Cultural Counseling | 1 |
| AT 526 | Clinical Practice Skills in Art Therapy | 1 |
| AT 530 | Clinical Assessment By Graphic Means | 3 |
| AT 535 | Research Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
| AT 537 | Art Therapy Research | 1 |
| AT 539 | Art Therapy Professional Ethics | 3 |
| AT 542 | Adult Development & Family Therapy | 3 |
| AT 545 | Equity-Based Community Interventions in Art Therapy | 2 |
| AT 550 | Diversity and Social Equity | 2 |
| AT 570 | Art Therapy Candidacy Portfolio | 1 |
| AT 580 | Art Therapy Practicum (To be taken fall and spring semester in year 2 for a total of two semester hours.) | 2 |
| AT 582 | Art Therapy Internship (To be taken fall and spring semester in year 3 for a total of 6 semester hours.) | 6 |
| AT 583 | Art Therapy Internship Studio (To be taken fall and spring in year 3 for a total of 3 semester hours.) | 3 |
| AT 594 | Art Therapy Capstone | 1 |
Elective Courses
The remaining 3 semester hours will be earned by taking elective courses approved by the program. Students pursuing their Master of Science in Art Therapy degree will only take 1 semester hour of elective credit.
Graduate Convocation Requirement
Students must attend Convocation (CORE 500) in their first year in the program.
Master of Science in Art Therapy
The Master of Science in Art Therapy degree is for students who have demonstrated interest and potential to do research and who are planning to pursue a doctoral degree or publish in the field. Students pursuing a Master of Science degree fulfill all the requirements for the Master of Arts in Art Therapy, with the additional requirement of completing a thesis project. Students wishing to pursue a Master of Science degree are initially admitted to the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program and may apply to the Master of Science program after successfully forming a thesis committee and receiving approval of a thesis proposal at a proposal meeting.
Requirements for Application
- Current enrollment in the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program.
- A demonstrated capacity for initiative and independent research.
- Formation of a thesis committee.
- Approval of a thesis proposal at a proposal meeting.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 62 semester hours distributed as follows:
- All degree requirements for a Master of Arts in Art Therapy (Note: MA students will take 3 elective credits. MS students will take 1 elective credit.)
- Requirements for application to the MS program listed above
- 1 elective credit
- The following courses:
| CTSP 537 | Qualitative Research Methods | 2-3 |
| or CTSP 531 | Statistics for Professional Practice | |
| CTSP 594 | Proposal Writing | 1 |
| CTSP 595 | Master's Thesis Research (Students take 2 semester hours if taking CPSY 531 and 3 semester hours if taking CPSY 537) | 2-3 |
Master of Arts
AT 501 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Content: This course presents the history, theories, principles and techniques of counseling theories and their applications in professional settings.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission into Art Therapy Program
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 510 Introduction to Art Therapy
Content: Introductory overview of the field of art therapy including history, development, major theories, and applications of art therapy with various client populations.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission into Art Therapy Program
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 511 The Helping Relationship: Art Therapy Technique
Content: Basic theoretical assumptions of art therapy therapeutic relationships, review and practice of helping skills with an overview of social and cultural contexts, types of practice, supervision, ethical principles, and professional orientation.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy program or permission from CTSP department.
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 513 Psychopathology
Content: Psychopathology offers an introduction to the structure and uses of the DSM 5 for diagnosing mental and emotional disorders. Limits and weaknesses of these approaches--especially with regard to cultural differences-- will be explored, as well as alternatives to them.
Prerequisites: AT 501, AT 510
Corequisites: None
Restrictions: None
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 515 Group Dynamics, Processes and Art Therapy
Content: Methods of facilitating group art therapy with varied populations are presented in relation to current theories of group therapy. Skills in clinical observation and group leadership are developed.
Prerequisites: AT 511, AT 513, AT 523
Corequisites: None
Restrictions: None
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 517 Art Therapy Trauma Treatment
Content: Through the lens of art therapy this course will examine: polyvagal theory, brain development and the impact of trauma on the developing brain; the stages of treatment when working with clients who have experienced trauma; methods to protect and manage self-care to address vicarious traumatization in clinical practice; various methods to treat trauma with different client populations; and showing sensitivity to cultural, environmental and developmental needs. The course examines the impact of racial trauma, oppression and historical and generational trauma to help students address injustice and support healing. Teaching methods include but are not limited to readings, lecture, video, discussions, and experiential art making directives.
Prerequisites: AT 501, AT 513, AT 511
Credits: 2 semester hours.
AT 522 Diagnostic Appraisal and Testing
Content: Educational and psychometric theories and approaches to appraisal and diagnosis, data and information-gathering methods, psychometric statistics, factors influencing appraisals, and use of appraisal results in helping processes. The ability to select, administer and interpret tests and inventories is developed.
Prerequisites: AT 513, AT 530.
Corequisites: None.
Restrictions: None.
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 523 Child and Adolescent Art Therapy
Content: Art therapy with children and adolescents within family and sociocultural contexts. This course focuses on using a strength-based approach to building resilience within a developmental framework.
Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 524 Cross-Cultural Counseling
Content: This course is intended to assist students in understanding the personal, situational, structural, and cultural influences that impede and enhance effective and justice-oriented art therapy practice.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy program
Credits: 1 semester hour.
AT 526 Clinical Practice Skills in Art Therapy
Content: Overview of basic counseling concepts and skills, including skill development through roleplaying and simulated counseling experiences in art therapy practice.
Prerequisites: AT 511
Corequisites: None
Restrictions: None
Credits: 1 semester hour.
AT 530 Clinical Assessment By Graphic Means
Content: Examination and analysis of the expressive and content components of graphic imagery in relation to clients' domains of functioning and how it contributes to a deeper understanding of the clients' clinical needs when formulating a clinical assessment and treatment plan.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy Program
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 535 Research Methods and Evaluation
Content: This course includes types of research; basic statistics; research-report development; research implementation: program evaluation; needs assessment; publication of research information; and ethical and legal considerations.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy Program
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 537 Art Therapy Research
Content: This course examines emergent methods in art therapy research. Students will explore models of research that involve an interdisciplinary approach: mixed methods, arts-based, and Expressive Therapies Continuum research. Students will be presented with examples of excellence within these paradigms and examine their value within the field.
Prerequisites: AT 535.
Corequisites: None
Restrictions: None
Credits: 1 semester hour.
AT 539 Art Therapy Professional Ethics
Content: Professional Orientation and Ethics provides a survey of current issues related to ethical practice and legal responsibilities within the disciplines of art therapy and related fields. Professional organizations and associations; preparation standards and credentialing, history and trends, ethical and legal standards and supervision are addressed.
Prerequisites: AT 501, AT 510
Corequisites: None
Restrictions: None
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 542 Adult Development & Family Therapy
Content: This course provides a contextual framework for art therapy treatment with adults and families through both traditional psychology and liberation psychology perspectives. Approaches and treatment methods are introduced in relation to the developmental stages of adult life, cultural contexts, systems and settings.
Prerequisites: AT 523, AT 510
Credits: 3 semester hours.
AT 545 Equity-Based Community Interventions in Art Therapy
Content: Equity-Based Community Interventions in Art Therapy includes exploring self-of-the-therapist, developing community program planning, engaging in equity-based practices, practicing methods of documentation that meet field standards, and building competency in the ethical practice of risk management.
Prerequisites: AT 570
Credits: 2 semester hours.
AT 550 Diversity and Social Equity
Content: This course is intended to increase the student's understanding of the issues and dynamics in counseling across social and cultural lines. Students will explore the nature of society and culture and how these impact the counseling process. Students will broaden their scope of diversity awareness and knowledge including systems of power and privilege. Attention will be given to developing an understanding of the intersectionality of gender, class, race, and ethnicity in working with diverse populations in a counseling context.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy Program
Credits: 2 semester hours.
AT 560 Career Counseling
Content: Career development theories; current career trends, concerns, and programs/interventions for diverse client populations; career counseling strategies, tools, and resources (including Web-based resources); facilitation of client awareness, choice, and action with respect to career-related issues; integration of career counseling with mental health and addictions treatment. Emphasis is on developing a broad view of career as lifestyle, the mutual impact of career and cultures, and the practical application of theory and information in a professional counseling context.
Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 2 semester hours.
AT 563 Treatment Issues in Art Therapy Special Topics
Content: Applications of art therapy to treatment of individuals and families in crisis and transition. Topics include issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma and loss, poverty, and chronic illness. A portion of this course emphasizes clinical case conceptualization and treatment planning.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission into the Art Therapy program.
Credits: 1 semester hour.
AT 570 Art Therapy Candidacy Portfolio
Content: Comprehensive evaluation of the student's level of clinical understanding of theory and art therapy practice in preparation for internship placement. This is a required course for all art therapy students moving into their third year of the program.
Prerequisites: AT 530
Corequisites: None
Restrictions: None
Credits: 1 semester hour.
AT 580 Art Therapy Practicum
Content: Students participate in art therapy faculty facilitated supervision to complement their practicum work in the community. The focus of the class is on providing ethical and competent client care. Skills that receive particular attention include the use of response art to aid in developing a therapeutic relationship, counselor empathy, compassion, and art therapist identity.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy program.
Credits: 1 semester hour.
AT 582 Art Therapy Internship
Content: Supervised practice bridging theoretical and clinical skills. Students engage in art therapy and related professional activities in community settings. Students prepare art therapy assessments, submit clinical samples for supervisory review, and present case findings.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy Program
Credits: 1-3 semester hours.
AT 583 Art Therapy Internship Studio
Content: Art Therapy Internship Studio encourages intensive involvement in personal artistic expression, creative exploration, and reflection on these processes through self-inquiry in the role of an emerging practitioner. Particular attention is paid to developing understandings of artistic process as a form of inquiry and the integral roles of ongoing artistic activity in the professional identity as an art therapist.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Admission to Art Therapy Program
Credits: 1-2 semester hours.
AT 594 Art Therapy Capstone
Content: The Capstone is a culminating course that provides a platform for clinical reflection and practical matters for new art therapists entering the professional field.
Prerequisites: AT 570
Restrictions: None
Credits: 1 semester hour.
Master of Science
CTSP 531 Statistics for Professional Practice
Content: This course covers the descriptive and inferential statistics practitioners use in their professions. There is an overview of quantitative research designs with the focus on understanding and application of data analysis and interpretation. Coverage includes basic descriptive and inferential statistics, appropriate interpretation of statistical results, and real-world presentation of data. Note: Taught in spring semester only. Students who wish to pursue the thesis-option M.S. program are required to take this course if conducting a quantitative thesis project.
Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 3 semester hours.
CTSP 537 Qualitative Research Methods
Content: Overview and application of qualitative research methods. Through course readings, discussion, and practical application, candidates explore: (1) different approaches in qualitative research and epistemologies and common theoretical perspectives that undergird qualitative inquiry, and (2) various methods and techniques for gathering, interpreting, and making meaning of in-depth and rich information about things as they occur in their natural settings. Candidates gain the skills necessary to review and critique qualitative research and to design and undertake their own qualitative research.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Consent of instructor, program director, or advisor
Credits: 2 semester hours.
CTSP 594 Proposal Writing
Content: Direct instruction and support for the process of preparing a thesis and/or other research or grant proposals. Includes both a colloquium and individual consultations with a thesis chair (or, if not writing a thesis, another faculty member). The colloquium will focus on the refinement of research questions, the specifics of research design, and the Human Subjects in Research application process. Consultations with thesis committee chair or other faculty member will focus on the development of a manuscript that clearly details the purpose of the research, summarizes relevant literature, and identifies the proposed design and methodology for the research project.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Permission of program director or thesis coordinator
Credits: 1 semester hour.
CTSP 595 Master's Thesis Research
Content: Completion of thesis research project under the direction of the chair of the candidate's thesis committee. Two semester hours, which can be taken in 1-semester hour increments, are required for degree. Grades are deferred until the candidate has successfully defended his/her/their thesis.
Prerequisites: CTSP 594
Restrictions: Consent of thesis committee chair.
Credits: 1-9 semester hours.