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Welcome to Southwestern College’s MA in Art Therapy/ Counseling
program. We encourage you to explore these pages and become familiar
with the program as well as with some of the faculty and students.
If you are interested in applying to the program, visit our online
Admissions Office
for program requirements and details on the admissions process.
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I appreciate the way this program supports and honors my
personal journey. It’s not just an education in art
therapy: it’s an education in life.”
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| Brian
Blocker - AT Graduate |
Southwestern
College’s MA in Art Therapy/ Counseling
- American
Art Therapy Association Approved Program since 1998
- Curriculum
and Degree prepare graduates for licensure
- 96
quarter units (64 per semester)
- Both
practicum and internship experiences in art therapy
- Transformational
learning approach shared by faculty and students
- Full-time
two year program; part-time program available
The
master’s program in art therapy/ counseling emphasizes the
use of the visual arts as a therapeutic approach in clinical,
educational, community and rehabilitation settings. While visual
arts is the primary therapeutic modality, the creative process
may be supported by classroom instruction and experiences in the
use of drama, movement and music therapy.
The
experiential learning approach allows the student to participate
with
the faculty in the learning process. A holistic approach in a dynamic
classroom setting
lends itself well to self-reflection and personal growth while the student
builds professional skills.
"Art
therapy at Southwestern College is a vibrant exploration
of the art-filled therapeutic process. With intention, we
offer an integrative approach that honors the spiritual
connection between soul and art, while holding the importance
of a solid clinical education. The honesty of the art and
the healing process of making art is embraced here. While
exploring the meanings of diagnosis, assessment and treatment,
we strive to maintain a holistic consciousness that helps
us see art therapy through the grace of a spiritual, life
affirming lens."
Deborah
Schroder, M.S., ATR-BC
Art Therapy/ Counseling Program Chair |
Faculty
provides an eclectic philosophy that encourages the student to
explore the wide range of theories in the field as well as the
diverse directions art therapy is heading. The process as well
as the image is valued in art therapy studies at Southwestern,
with emphasis on the spiritual as well as the clinical therapeutic
relationship.
There
is a sense of genuine community within the school that is nourished
by faculty, administration and students. The art therapy studio
provides a quiet space for creative expression, professional studies,
and community-building. Please visit our art
therapy studio to learn more about us. 
The
art therapy field is expanding and there are more opportunities
than ever before available to graduates. Read some
advice from our graduates to new art therapy students,
and general career advice for
the field of art therapy. It is an exciting time
to join us and we encourage you to contact the Admissions
Office to discuss in greater detail how you can launch
your career in art therapy.
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