Short courses

Summary

Art psychotherapy is a psychological therapy that uses art materials for self-expression and reflection in the presence of a trained art psychotherapist. The course will outline the key theoretical orientations within art psychotherapy and will present case examples of art psychotherapy work in practice with a variety of client groups and settings. Learning will be facilitated through lectures, case presentations, group discussions and written submissions. This course is an ideal introduction to art psychotherapy, especially for anyone working with vulnerable people, including teachers/classroom assistants, social workers, support workers and community-based workers. It is also ideal for those with a general curiosity about art psychotherapy or with an interest in applying for an MSc in Art Psychotherapy.   

It is important to note that this course does not qualify students to practice art psychotherapy.   

Areas you'll explore include: 

• The underlying theories, principles, and practices of art psychotherapy, and the relationship is between client, artwork, and therapist. 
• What’s involved in studying on a Postgraduate Diploma Training scheme recognised by the British Association of Art Therapists. 

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:  

• Explain the relationship between client, artwork, and therapist 
• Recognise the importance of self-reflection and awareness in the understanding of the therapeutic process 
• Identify and recognise differing methods of approach with various client groups, and identify the difference between art as recreation, art that is therapeutic and art psychotherapy.