Creative Arts in Therapy

This is an introductory inquiry in watercolor. Prior to each structured exercise, the professor demonstrates techniques. Exercises are designed to promote familiarity with materials and skill development particular to watercolor. Personal choice and creative exploration are also encouraged. (Formerly ART 202, AFA 202)  [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-Fine & Performing Arts]

Only available through special arrangements with faculty.

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of creative arts therapy - its historical influences, philosophies, and overall trends. Discussions will focus on the relationship of the creative arts to human behavior. Experiential opportunities are an integral part of this course.

This is an introductory course for the Child Life Specialist Concentration in the Creative Arts in Therapy Program.  Child life specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. They provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. This course will cover the history of the Child Life, scope of practice, as well as those areas of child and family development and care that are unique to this profession. 

This course combines classroom learning with practicum experience in the community. The first half of the course is devoted to the development of individual interviewing techniques and treatment planning. Assessment of needs, establishment of treatment goals and objectives and the development of appropriate creative arts therapy methodology for one population are the focus. The second half of the course is devoted to putting this process to work. Transportation to off campus sites is the responsibility of the student.

This course covers the basic theories, techniques and principles of art therapy through lecture and experiential formats. The use of art therapy in the treatment of different age groups is the primary focus.

This is an introduction to theoretical principles and trends in dance therapy. Self- exploration through movement and discussion of the application of dance therapy to different clinical populations is included.

The course will cover the history and techniques of music therapy as a profession, as well as the use of music therapy in the treatment of clients in all age groups who possess physical, behavioral, psychological, or neurological disorders. In addition to lecture and class discussion students will have opportunities to lead and participate in music interventions.

The use of drama as a therapeutic technique is examined through experiential and theoretical components. The course will enhance students' awareness of the creative process through assigned readings and prepared activities.

This course explores the integration of group theory and creative arts therapies. Students then have the opportunity to apply these approaches while working with a specific group population. Transportation to off campus sites is the responsibility of the student.

This course focuses on developmental aspects of the creative process and the implications for therapeutic interventions with various populations of children. Creative arts therapy assessment theory and technique will be studied and applied through experiential opportunities.  (Formerly called CAT 441 - Seminar II: Development and Creative Arts)

Field experience in an allied health facility is undertaken with the supervision of a creative arts therapist. At least 90 contact hours are required. Students observe and co-plan therapeutic sessions. Students who register for this internship must have demonstrated the necessary preparation and professionalism.

Field experience in an allied health facility is undertaken with the supervision of a Child Life Specialist. At least 480 contact hours are required. Students who register for this internship must have demonstrated the necessary preparation and professionalism.  Prerequisite(s): Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major.
Open to CAT majors with senior standing only.

This seminar focuses on the comprehension and integration of psychotherapeutic concepts and paradigms within a creative arts orientation. Topics for discussion include the role of creativity, symbolism, imagery, emotion and metaphor within a therapeutic context. (Formerly called CAT 341: Seminar I: Elements of Therapeutic Flow)

This seminar focuses on modern and postmodern influences on creative arts therapies. Emphasis is placed on how these influences impact clinical theory and intervention.

To be arranged with faculty.