Expressive Arts in Mental Health

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 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.

The department offers special topics courses covering areas and topics not otherwise included in the curriculum.

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.

The department occasionally offers special topics courses covering areas and topics not otherwise included in the curriculum.

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 practicum must have demonstrated the necessary preparation and professionalism
including a GPA of 3.0 in the major.

This course is designed to introduce students to the implementation of the Expressive Arts in the grieving and healing process. Historical influences and processes, philosophies of grief and healing, and current treatment modalities will be discussed. Discussions will focus on the relationship of the expressive arts to the psychology of grief and healing as well as the grieving and healing process. Trauma and trauma treatment will be explored for a variety of populations. Experiential opportunities are an integral part of this course.

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