Signature Courses
History and Theory of Expressive Art Therapy,
Materials and Techniques of Practice in Expressive Art Therapy
Applications of Expressive Art Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy blends a passion for art with the skills of counseling. The program follows the Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy Adopted by the American Art Therapy Association, the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates meet the Art Therapy Credentials Board requirements to pursue art therapy registration. In addition, graduates can also qualify to pursue registration as an expressive arts therapist through the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (www.ieata.org). Students can seek art therapy licensure in some states and must verify that their degree program covers the necessary requirements of the licensing board in their state.
Students engage in study of the history, ethics, and practice of art therapy and expressive arts therapy. Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.(AATA 2020)
Expressive arts therapy involves the intermodal use of visual art, music, movement, poetry, and performance, in therapy and healing.
Students have the option of preparing to pursue registration as an Art Therapist (ATR) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board or registration as an Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) through the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. The Prescott College model provides a flexibile design that meets both the course requirements for eventual art therapy and expressive arts therapy registration.
Coursework includes a supervised practicum and internship, attendance at residency colloquia, attendance at two Summer Institutes, and a capstone project.
Since 2002, students and mental health professionals from around the world have gathered at Prescott College each summer to take part in our annual Expressive Arts Therapy Summer Institute. The goal of the Institute is to provide participants with a residency experience and the ability to study with renowned educators and leaders in art therapy and expressive arts therapy. The Institute provides an in-depth hands-on experience in a welcoming venue where educators, students, and community participants can learn in a supervised accepting and inclusive experiential environment.
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