Required Courses
ATC 501 History and Theory of Art Therapy/Counseling (3)
An examination of the origin, history and philosophy of art therapy as a therapeutic
discipline, a survey of influences on its development from related fields, and an orientation
to the major art therapy pioneers. An introduction to the development of the counseling
profession.
ATC 503 Treatment of Children and Adolescent (3)
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children and adolescents in various human service settings. Theoretical and practical interventions for
helping children and adolescents in individual, group and family formats will be explored.
Interviewing assessing, developing strength-based individual service plans and designing
treatment techniques/ strategies tailored to meet client needs will be taught. Students will be exposed to various state of the art counseling approaches including those inherent in the areas of play and art therapy as well as other expressive modalities. In addition, family, social and cultural contexts that impact on children and adolescents will be considered. Finally, special
emphasis will be placed on knowledge of various areas of normal developmental stages in youth.
ATC 504 Human Growth and Development (2)
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the biosocial, cognitive and
psychosocial development of human beings across the life span. Developmental theory will be
studied and discussed in terms of its impact on counseling theory and the counseling process.
Particular attention will be paid to the role of culture, belief systems and socio-economic
status on the developing individual.
ATC 505 Counseling Theory
A study of selected counseling theories including psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral,
humanistic, and systemic approaches along with current counseling trends. Attention is given to the development of an integrated counseling approach sensitive to both clients’ and counselors’ cultural backgrounds, personal philosophies, and current needs. Case presentations, videos and films focus class discussions. Art therapy approaches relevant to the counseling theory are
integrated into the curriculum.
ATC 507 Group Process
Introduction to the theory and practice of group counseling and group art therapy. Through
didactic and experiential learning, students study various models of group development,
experiment with the roles of group facilitator and group member. Students will also examine
first hand the contribution of the creative process to group development.
ATC 508 Family Systems
The history and overview of various models of family therapy including Bowens family systems,
Minuchin’s structural, Haley’s strategic, Whitaker’s experiential, and White’s narrative
approaches are explored. Other contemporary family therapy theorists are reviewed. Included is
a detailed analysis of the use of the family genogram in the counseling process. Family
ethnicity and its impact on family counseling is integrated into the curriculum through
theoretical readings and the evaluation of contemporary fiction and films. Family art therapy
theory is also examined through experimentation with varied art tasks, role plays, and
established family art therapy assessment techniques.
ATC 509 Psychopathology, Personality and Abnormal Behavior
This course is designed to assist the counseling student in understanding psychological
disorders. A thorough review of the major categories of psychopathology will be undertaken.
This review will be contextualized by a discussion of the role of historical context and
cultural differences in assessing individual behavior. Attention is given to the current
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) used by the American Psychiatric Association and
the bio-psycho-social model of human behavior. The role of counseling in the treatment of
mental and emotional disorders is explored. In addition, the application of art therapy
approaches with specific populations will be examined.
ATC 520 Projective Assessments
An examination of the assessment process and its relation to diagnosis and therapy, with
consideration of socio-cultural factors. Administration and practical application of a variety
of assessments with an individual subject. Exploration of the expressive and content
components of graphic images and their contribution to the assessment of the whole person.
ATC 523 Cultural and Social Issues
This course will examine cultural and social diversity, and focus on the development of
competencies for working with diverse client populations. A study of selected current social
issues relevant to professional practice will be presented, as well as foundations for
understanding the diversity of expressive and symbolic language and the role of art therapy and social justice.
ATC 532 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues
This course has three distinct, yet related, focuses. First, it familiarizes students with the profession of counseling. This includes an orientation to the field of counseling and
counseling organizations. Second, it examines legal issues relevant to the fields of counseling and art therapy. This includes a thorough study of the Ohio Counselor Law, the Code of Ethics
contained in that law and the process by which one receives licensure as a counselor. Finally, the course focuses on the ethical issues involved in the practice of counseling and art
therapy. Two codes of ethics, the American Counseling association code (ACA) and the American
Art Therapy Association code (AATA) will be thoroughly examined
This course familiarizes students with the ethical codes and principles of the counseling profession, the professional role identity of counselors, standards of preparation, and professional counseling organizations. In-depth attention is given to the ethical responsibilities of counselors as described by professional codes of ethics and by the laws governing the practice of counseling. Students will also learn the art therapy ethical code, and become familiar with professional art therapy organizations.
ATC 544 Art Therapy Studio
An exploration of creativity and self expression, with studio experience based in varied media. Students will participate in personal art making, with a focus on understanding the creative
process, symbolic language, and the integration of theoretical frameworks of art therapy.
ATC 546 Clinical I: Counseling Techniques (3)
This course will focus on the basic skills and beginning level techniques of the counseling
process. Emphasis will be on the therapeutic process including the building of the therapeutic relationship, mid-phase, and termination, as well as the development of appropriate micro
skills. Students will also begin to learn treatment planning and documentation skills, as well
as how to write and verbally present case studies. The development of individual counseling
methods, art therapy approaches, facilitation skills and the application of these skills to
specific populations will be emphasized. Class is limited to 12 students. Any student who
receives less than a B in this course may face possible dismissal from the program, or may be
required to repeat the course.
ATC 547 Clinical II: Practicum
This is a practical experience course where students are placed in settings for a 100-hour
practicum designed to promote development as an ethical and culturally sensitive professional.
Students will participate in weekly group supervision, as well as classroom instruction. The
focus in the didactic portion of the course will be on continuing to build upon the basic
skills introduced in AT546, with emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, therapeutic process, counselor micro skills, treatment planning, art therapy interventions, and documentation
skills. Introductions to assessment and appraisal of the individual, psychological testing, and psychotropic medications will be featured. Any student who receives less than a B in this
course may face possible dismissal from the program, or may be required to repeat the course.
ATC 548 Appraisal in Counseling (2)
This course is a study of the selection, administration, scoring and interpretation of
standardized tests and other assessment instruments used in counseling settings. The course
surveys instruments used in assessing individuals in the following domains: cognitive, career
and life planning, personality and mental health. Attention is also given to test/assessment
construction, reliability and validity. Statistical concepts needed to understand and
interpret tests and assessments are explained. The impact of culture, gender and
socio-economic status on the administering and interpretation of assessment measures is
discussed.
ATC 549, 550 Internship I , II (2,2)
Supervised experience in a particular setting with a special population utilizing skills
necessary for the professional practice of counseling and art therapy. Focus will be on the
appraisal of the individual and continued development of the skills necessary for professional
practice. This course is co-taught by Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (PCC) and
Board Certified Registered Art Therapists (ATR-BC). Any student who receives less than a B in this course may face possible dismissal from the program, or may be required to repeat the
course.
ATC 567 Techniques and Use of Media (2)
An examination of various intervention techniques. Emphasis is placed on a deeper understanding of the nature and characteristics of a variety of media. Further skill development in
identifying problems, establishing goals, and creating interventions appropriate for use with
specific populations.
ATC 591 Introduction to Research (1)
This course introduces students to the Art Therapy & Counseling program and to the skills
needed to complete the program. These goals are achieved by reviewing the course of study of
the Art Therapy & Counseling program, introducing the literature in the fields of art
therapy and counseling, guiding students in developing the writing and communication skills
necessary to be effective graduate students in the program, and introducing students to the
research design process. Students are also introduced to the professions of art therapy and
counseling. Particular emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with the personal and
professional qualities expected of art therapists and counselors, and acquainting them with the professional associations which represent art therapy and counseling.
ATC 594 Research Design (2)
A study of varied research methods and reporting techniques, including quantitative,
qualitative and mixed methods approaches. Particular emphasis will be given to developing the
skills necessary to be both an astute consumer of published research and a capable producer of
valid and useful research. Attention will be give to the statistical methods most commonly
employed in counseling research.
ATC 595 Research: Thesis/Project (2)
The conceptualization and writing of a major project or thesis that demonstrates the
individual’s ability to do independent research, to conduct creative and scholarly
investigations, and to communicate ideas effectively. Students enrolled in this class will
have already completed the process of gathering data and doing the research required for their
project. This class focuses on the writing of the thesis, not on gathering data or doing
background research.
ATC 596 Research: Integrative Seminar (1)
The major goals of this course are: refining the final thesis project through consultation with professionals in the community as well as with professors and colleagues in the classroom;
preparation of research results for public oral presentation and for publication in written
form; and participation in a professional gathering where each student will present his/her
thesis research.
AT 601 Lifestyle and Career Development (3)
A review of career development theory, career assessment tools, and the use of career
counseling techniques in a counseling setting.
AT 603 Diagnosis (3)
Focusing on the DSM-IV-TR, this course provides a complete framework for diagnosis
including an advanced understanding of each category of mental disturbance, criteria used to
identify specific forms of disturbance, training in differential diagnosis, conducting the
initial interview, completing a mental status exam, linking treatment approach to a specific
diagnosis and the role of socio-cultural factors in diagnosis.
AT 605 Applied Psychological Testing (3)
Theory, application, and administration of psychological tests, including standard tests of
intelligence and personality and their use in diagnosis and treatment.
ATC 648 Case Studies (1)
Through the use of case material students will be guided through the process of treatment
planning and counseling intervention. Various treatment modalities will be considered; the
role of theoretical orientation will be reviewed; the importance of aligning treatment approach with diagnosis and client goals will be emphasized; the use of psychotropic medication and
the importance of liasioning with other professionals will be discussed.
ATC 650 Psychotropic Medications
This course provides a framework for the counselor to understand the biological mechanisms
behind the use of psychotropic medications, the different types of psychotropic medications and the proper use of psychotropic medications.
Elective Courses
ATC 506 Creative Counseling Modalities (1,2,3)
A basic introduction to the creative arts used as counseling modalities. Exploration of the
creative processes of the visual arts, music, dance, drama and poetry as applied to the
counseling setting.
AT 510-519 Workshops in Art Therapy and Counseling (1,2,3)
Subject matter of the course will be announced each semester. Topics will be flexible to
present a broad range of creative counseling modalities and current applications of art
therapy and counseling.
AT 525 Special Settings and Populations (1,2)
The practice of art therapy and counseling applied to varied settings and populations.
AT 526 Educational Settings (1,2)
Individual and group art therapy counseling in a variety of educational facilities.
AT 527 Addictions and Treatment (1,2)
An examination of current models for understanding addictions
including the medical, psychodynamic, family systems, and psycho spiritual models. Guest
lecturers, discussions, slide presentations, case presentations, and a variety of experiential
strategies are integrated into the curriculum.
AT 528 Geriatrics (1,2)
An overview of art therapy and counseling applications with geriatric populations. Various
theoretical approaches will be explored and the physical and psychological processes of aging
will be introduced through lectures, reading assignments and experiential exercises.
AT 531 Spirituality, Wholeness and the Arts (1,2)
An interdisciplinary consideration of the spiritual component of wellness and an exploration of the creative process and art making as catalysts in promoting healing. An examination of
spirituality and creativity within the counseling process.
AT 545 Art Therapy and Counseling Studio II (1,2,3)
An in-depth exploration of specific methods of intervention and their applications in the art
therapy and counseling process. Subject matter of the course will vary each year, and topics
will cover a broad range of creative modalities.
AT 585 Independent Study
An opportunity to study in-depth some area of interest that may not be offered in the
curriculum.
AT 649 Internship III
An advance internship. Students must complete and application and have approval from their
advisor and the clinical director to take this course.
Ursuline College reserves the right to terminate internship experiences when circumstances are not beneficial to the goals of the program or for the good of an individual student. Students receiving below a B in any of the field work courses (AT 546,547,549,550) may be asked to leave the program.
Art work completed while in the program or as class assignments may be used for educational or exhibit purposes of the college. Thesis work may also be used for educational purposes of the college.
