Art Therapy is an established mental health profession in
which art-making serves as a doorway to rehabilitation,
education,
psychotherapy, growth, and well-being for individuals of
all ages. Based on the concept that human thinking takes
a
pictorial
form, art therapy helps children, adolescents, adults,
families, and groups understand their abilities, personalities,
interests, concerns, and conflicts through the creative
process.
Using drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms,
art therapy techniques rely on imagery to gain insight
into
communication,
problem solving, socialization, anger management, and individual
self-esteem.
A rapidly growing and diversified field (Art
Therapist Among 10 Hot Jobs for 2007), art therapy today
includes professionals working in many settings, such as
hospitals,
mental health clinics, social service agencies, schools,
shelters, correctional facilities, and geriatric centers. Art therapists also work in
programs for substance
abuse, sexual abuse, violence prevention, and community development.
Program
Audience
The Art Therapy program at the School of Continuing Studies
provides courses of interest to art therapists, social workers,
counselors, psychologists, teachers, other human service
professionals, and students in these disciplines who may
be interested in
incorporating art therapy into their work. Students can apply
their SCS art therapy courses to continuing education credit
(CECs and CEUs), social work, and counseling credential
maintenance.
Graduates of the Northwestern Art Therapy Certificate Program have reported an enriching and valuable experience that has allowed them to pursue their career goals. Read one student's
Program Requirements
To earn the Certificate in Art Therapy, students must complete
2 required courses and 4-6 elective courses to total 180 hours
of classroom instruction. The required courses are:
Foundations of Art Therapy
Art Therapy Methods
The elective courses available are:
Group Art Therapy
Art Therapy Materials and Projects
Using Art to Create Change for Children and Adolescents
The Creative Process in Art Therapy
Understanding and Working with Images
Art Therapy for Professional Processing
Art Therapy for Trauma Treatment
Exploring Self-Image Through Art Therapy
Transformational Aspects of Stories in Art Therapy
The Illinois Mental Health Counselors
Association sponsors the Art Therapy program in partnership
with the School of Continuing Studies (SCS). Courses are continuously
updated each academic term, and it is possible to enroll in
one or more courses. The School of Continuing Studies is an
approved continuing education provider for the Illinois
State Board of Education (ISBE).Qualified educators can
earn their CPDUs to apply towards the Illinois professional
development requirement. Additional information about professional
development may be found through the Illinois
State Board of Education (ISBE).
Northwestern
Excellence
Northwestern
University is a preeminent university recognized internationally as a hallmark of academic excellence.
School of Continuing Studies programs provide students with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth.
SCS instructors bring outstanding academic credentials and relevant professional experience to the classroom to create a highly interactive, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
SCS students study with peers who have rich, diverse backgrounds and can provide lifelong learning connections.
Course Information
Registration information and detailed course descriptions
can be found on the course
listings page. Schedules, content and prices are subject
to change.
Contact Us
If you would like to speak with someone to get more information about a program or course, give us a call or email us today!
Art Therapy is an established mental health profession in
which art-making serves as a doorway to rehabilitation,
education,
psychotherapy, growth, and well-being for individuals of
all ages. Based on the concept that human thinking takes
a
pictorial
form, art therapy helps children, adolescents, adults,
families, and groups understand their abilities, personalities,
interests, concerns, and conflicts through the creative
process.
Using drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms,
art therapy techniques rely on imagery to gain insight
into
communication,
problem solving, socialization, anger management, and individual
self-esteem.
Program
Audience