M.S. in Art Therapy/Counseling

The emphasis of the M.S. in Art Therapy/Counseling is on the integration of depth psychology theory and the aesthetic experience. The goal of the program is to stimulate the development of the student as both artist and therapist, and to train the student in using the art therapy process in clinical practice.

This graduate program has been designed to include specific courses that connect the studio art experience and depth-oriented psychological theories (psychoanalysis, ego psychology, and object relations). The program provides a psychoanalytic framework that focuses on ego psychology and object relations theory. Required courses are taken sequentially, while the artistic process, creative experience, and art therapy theory are studied simultaneously. Additionally, students elect additional courses that explore theoretical and methodological aspects of art therapy for use with diverse populations.

Art therapy students are expected to be artists actively involved in their creative development. A vital component of the program, is an emphasis on studio art and the integration of theoretical material covered in the other components of their training with the studio art experience. Optional specializations in studio art/art therapy are available to students: photography/phototherapy, sculpture/art therapy, and painting/art therapy. Optional specializations with specific populations also are offered: art therapy with children, art therapy with adolescents, and art therapy and thanatology.

The M.S. in Art Therapy/Counseling is a licensure-qualifying program approved by the New York State Department of Education and is approved by the American Art Therapy Association. The program is designed for qualified students seeking the professional training necessary to pursue careers as art therapists and to apply for licensing as Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT) in New York State.

Once they graduate, students are qualified to work in a wide variety of professional environments, including psychiatric hospitals, residential schools and clinical treatment centers, schools with diagnosed students, rehabilitation centers, outpatient services, nursing homes, pediatric oncology, surgery, and those with neurological disorders, among others.

Contact
arttherapy@mountsaintvincent.edu