Home / Academics / Find a Program / Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy / Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy Course Requirements | Ursuline - Liberal Arts College in OH
This course is a study of the ethical principles, professional guidelines, and issues pertaining to counseling and art therapy. This course challenges students to consider how their values and backgrounds will influence their personal sets of ethics and developing a professional identity. This course also will assist students to develop decision making skills when faced with ethical dilemmas. Additionally, the course provides information related to professional roles and responsibilities, professional organizations, state and national credentialing, and counselor advocacy and self-care. Furthermore, in-depth attention is given to the current version of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Art Therapy Association (AATA)Ethical Principles and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Code of Ethics, Professional Practice and Disciplinary Procedures. Lastly, Ohio professional Counselor licensing act and regulation, Ohio Law and legal issues involved in the practice of counseling and art therapy will be thoroughly examined.
This course will examine the origin, history and theory of art therapy, its development as a therapeutic discipline, and its use in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. The healing power of art and ritual, as well as theories of creativity and symbolism in art will be explored. An introduction to the early pioneers and the literature that shaped the field will be highlighted. Credentialing, licensure and current issues affecting the profession will be discussed. Developing one?'s identity as an art therapist and counselor, and the importance of joining state and national art therapy organizations will be stressed. Students will be expected to become members of The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and The Buckeye Art Therapy Association (BATA).
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to counsel 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 treatment/ 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.
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.
This course will focus on a study of selected counseling theories including psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, humanistic and systemic approaches along with current counseling trends including the use of postmodern approaches. Attention is given to the development of an integrated counseling approach sensitive to clients' and counselors' cultural backgrounds, personal philosophies, a wellness orientation and current needs. Case presentations, videos and experiential exercises focus class discussions. Art therapy approaches relevant to the counseling theory are integrated into the curriculum.
Introduction to the theory and practice of group counseling and group art therapy in amulticultural society. Through didactic and experiential learning, students study various kinds of groups, their history, efficacy, and theoretical underpinnings. Principles of group dynamics, developmental models, leadership skills, and orientations to group are covered. Experimenting with the roles of leader and member, students sharpen skills while developing a deepening understanding of the purpose and power of group process. The impact of the creative process on group development is integrated into the curriculum.Prerequisites: CAT 500, 501, 505, 519, 519S, 546, 548, 591
In this course students will gain a broad background in couple and family systems assessment, prevention, and intervention for a variety of family and/or behavioral health concerns. The course will cover the tenets of the systems orientation as well as number of models of family behavior and family counseling/therapy?-including emerging scientifically based developments in the field of couple and family counseling/therapy. Family art therapy theory and intervention will also be examined through established family art therapy techniques. Ethnicity and other socio-cultural factors influences on family intervention are integrated within the material.
This course is designed to assist students in developing knowledge, skills, and awareness in the following areas: (a) abnormal behavior, psychopathological conditions, and psychological disorders across the life span and (b) the structure and uses of the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Additional focus will be on the development and recognition of frameworks for identifying symptomology, etiology, and psychodynamics of mental and emotional disorders, as well as the role of counseling and art therapy in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Major categories of psychopathology, as well as specific diagnoses, will be contextualized through an integrative review of the biological, developmental, psychological, social, cultural, historical, neuroscientific, and systemic forces.
The purpose of this course is to promote a deeper understanding of possible art-based indicators of mental disorders/psychopathology in patient/client artwork. This class emphasizes clinical diagnoses from a phenomenological viewpoint of the client/patient through their artwork. (Taken concurrently with CAT 519)
This is an advanced course focusing on current and classic projective assessments. Students will acquire knowledge and skill in the selection, administration, and integration of a variety of state of the art clinical assessment tools. Students will utilize a field subject to practice, administering, interpreting and writing clinical assessment reports on a selection of the assessments studied. The course will culminate with the student integrating their report findings in a comprehensive assessment battery summary emphasizing the psychological personality profile of the subject.Prerequisites: CAT 503, 504, 519, 519S, 546, 548, 591
This course promotes awareness and understanding of various cultural frameworks with a focus on current issues relevant to the professional practice of art therapy and counseling. Specific applications of counseling and art therapy as related to multi-cultural client populations will be discussed. The impact of culture and cultural symbolism, gender, and socio-economic status will be considered. Professionals from the greater Cleveland area will share their experience and insights.Prerequisite: CAT 501
An exploration of creativity and self-expression to involve students in their own personal art making. Content will focus on understanding the creative process, development of a personal symbolic language, the integration of a personal artist identity, and a commitment to ongoing artistic expression.Prerequisite: CAT 567, usually taken in third year
This course will focus on the basic skills and beginning level techniques of the counseling process. The development of counseling skills and understanding the characteristics and behaviors that influence the helping process will be featured in this course. Emphasis will be on the therapeutic process as well as the development of appropriate micro skills. The student will be introduced to various client settings and populations and learn the basics of assessment, documentation, and case conceptualization. There will be a 5-hour volunteer clinical component where students will begin to learn group and individual counseling and art therapy practices in a particular setting. Through reading, reflection, discussion, role play, observation, and feedback, students will develop an understanding of the counseling process and the role of the art therapist in different settings so as to begin to develop a personal style of counseling and art therapy. Any student who receives less than a B grade may be required to complete additional hours, repeat the course, or face dismissal from the program.Prerequisite: CAT 500, 501, 505, 591, (519 ,519S, 548 concurrently)
This is a practical experience course where students are placed in various agencies for a 100-hour practicum , with a minimun of 50 hours direct client contact. Students will participate in weekly supervision, both on site and in the classroom. The course will focus on the continued development of basic skills introduced in CAT 546 Counseling Techniques, with emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, therapeutic process, counselor micro-skills, treatment planning, art therapy interventions and documentation and utilization of supervision. Any student who receives less than a B grade may be required to complete additional hours, repeat the course, or face dismissal from the program.Prerequisite: CAT 504, 519, 519S, 523, 546, 548, 567
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 survey 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.
Students will complete two internships, 549 & 550. For each of the internships, students will complete 350 hours of supervised experience. The course is co-taught by Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (PCC-S) and Registered (ATR) and Board Certified Art Therapists (ATR-BC). Focus is on the further development of skills introduced in ATC 546 and ATC 547. Students will receive clinical site supervision from an appropriate master?'s level professional with a minimum of two years clinical experience at the rate of one hour of supervision for every ten hours of client contact, and developmental supervision in class from both a registered art therapist (ATR) and a supervising licensed professional clinical (PCC-s) counselor. Course material will vary based on the needs of the individual students and the populations served. Any student who receives less than a B grade may be required to complete additional hours, repeat the course, or face dismissal from the program.Prerequisite for Internship I: CAT 503, 507, 520, 547, 548, 567, 594Prerequisites for Internship II: CAT 549, 568, 645
Students will complete two internships, 549 & 550. For each of the internships, students will complete 350 hours of supervised experience. The course is co-taught by Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (PCC-S) and Registered (ATR) and Board Certified Art Therapists (ATR-BC). Focus is on the further development of skills introduced in ATC 546 and ATC 547. Students will receive clinical site supervision from an appropriate master?'s level professional with a minimum of two years clinical experience at the rate of one hour of supervision for every ten hours of client contact, and developmental supervision in class from both a registered art therapist (ATR) and a supervising licensed professional clinical (PCC-s) counselor. Course material will vary based on the needs of the individual students and the populations served. Any student who receives less than a B grade may be required to complete additional hours, repeat the course, or face dismissal from the program.
An examination of various intervention techniques with emphasis is placed on a deeper understanding of the nature and characteristics of a variety of media. Considerations of media in relation to safety, settings, and ethics will be explored. Further skill development in creating interventions appropriate for use with specific populations with directives and goals will be examined. Students will explore art materials and techniques, and develop skills in planning and implementing interventions that help clients achieve therapeutic goals.Prerequisites: CAT 500, 501, 505, 519, 519S, 546, 548, 591
Students will learn to apply the knowledge of creativity theory, symbolism, metaphor and artistic language to the practice of art therapy and counseling. Focus will be on using creativity and visual thinking with individuals, families, groups, and diverse cultures. Attention will be given to the value of art making as a method of exploring personal symbolic language and the benefits of reflective art making to inform clinical practice. Students will recognize the need for awareness and sensitivity to cultural elements which may impact a client?'s participation, choice of materials, and creation of imagery. Prerequisites CAT 520 ,547, 567
This course will provide an overview of the program and the writing and communication skills necessary to be an effective graduate student. An introduction to the literature in the field and the resources of the Besse Library will be included. An introduction to the thesis/manuscript process will be featured. Emphasis will be on developing students?' graduate school writing skills, APA style, and proficiency in writing research papers. Proficiency in APA, 6th ed. format is expected by the end of the course.
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 given to the statistical methods most commonly employed in counseling and art therapy research. Thesis/journal article/ capstone project proposal writing will be taught and competency expected at class culmination.Prerequisite: CAT 503, 507, 547, 591, (508 and 520 may be taken concurrently)
The focus of this course is threefold. First it involves the writing of a major project or manuscript that demonstrates the individual'sability 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. Second, students will orally present their research/project at a public celebration. Third, preparation for credentialing applications will be reviewed and the CPCE exam will be taken.There will also be attention given to professional issues such as public policy, mental health mandates, managed care systems, administration, and finance and accountability within the mental health system. Prerequisites CAT 594, 549, taken in the last semester
The goal of this course will be to familiarize students with the theory and process of career counseling. The history, theories, and techniques of career counseling will be explored, including study of career development theories and decision-making models, particularly vocational-choice theory; exploration of career, vocational, educational, occupational, and labor market information resources and career information; establishment of career program planning, organization, implementation, administration, and evaluation; exposure to interrelationships among and between work, family, and other life roles and factors, including the role of multicultural issues in career development; training in career and educational planning, placement, follow-up, and evaluation; and practice using career assessment tools and instruments. Students will learn career counseling processes, strategies, and resources specific to use with special populations. Moreover, students will leave the course prepared to work as career counselors in a variety of settings.
This course will examine current models for understanding and treating addictions and trauma, including medical, psycho-dynamic, family systems and psycho spiritual. Assessment procedures, evidence based effective treatments and interventions and other historical and current issues in addictions and trauma will be addressed, including the use of art-based interventions. Prerequisites: 508, 547
Through the use of case materials, students will be guided through the process of diagnosing, treatment planning and planning counseling and art therapy interventions. This course will consider the various treatment modalities for specific diagnoses and presenting concerns, and the importance of aligning treatment approach with diagnosis, client goals, and theoretical approaches. Students will learn further skills to develop and implement treatment plans, assess and report client progress, and collaborate with other professionals for referral and adjunctive treatment. A framework for understanding the use of psychopharmacology in treatment will be included. Additionally, students will be trained in psychological first aid, a crisis intervention and treatment model. Moreover, students will review the basic elements of mental health program management, emergency management systems, program development, and service delivery.Prerequisites: 508, 520, 549, 594
The Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy program at Ursuline College offers comprehensive courses for your academic and professional development.
