en

  • USA English language center
  • Make a Payment for SDUIS
  • 1 (619) 297.1999

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy

This program allows an opportunity for students to pursue a doctorate in an individualized program, drawing from the University’s curriculum in Expressive Arts Therapy. The Expressive Arts Doctoral Degree is designed to provide participants with a holistic and culturally enriched perspective about facilitating health, emotional growth, and human potential. The personal integration of a host of experiences and techniques is intended to contribute to the development of greater personal health and increased therapeutic options. In practice, Expressive Arts are used in adult, as well as child therapy and are especially valuable with non-verbal populations or those clients for whom talking therapy has proven difficult.

PREREQUISITES: A Master of Arts degree in Psychology or its equivalent, or a Master’s degree and 25 graduate quarter units in Psychology including the following.

REQUIREMENTS: The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the completion of 95 quarter units at the doctoral level. The student will develop an individualized program of study by completing the core Psychology requirements (35 units), the core Expressive Arts requirements (35 units) and selecting 15 additional units from the Expressive Arts curriculum and/or other University curricula. Students are required to write and defend a Ph.D. Dissertation (10 units), including an Oral Qualifying Exam and Final Oral defense, and complete 60 hours of personal counseling with licensed professionals. Successful passage of the Doctoral Comprehensive Exam is also required.

Prerequisite Courses (25 units) Course Unit CEX 600 Expressive Arts Business Principles 5 CPS 605 Clinical Counseling Skills Training 5 CPS 610 Psychopharmacology 5 CPS 611 Advanced Clinical Skills Training 5 CPS 615 Cross-Cultural Counseling 5 Graduate Core Psychology Course Requirements (35 units) Course Unit CPS 501 Writing Skills & Research 5 CPS 691 Behavioral Statistics I 5 CPS 693 Social Psychology 5 CPS 695 Selected Topics: Brief 5 Therapy & Crisis Intervention – or – Mediation CPS 702 Group Therapy: Theory 5 & Practice CPS 704 Psychopharmacology 5 CPS 705 Advanced Research Methods 5

Graduate Expressive Arts Core Requirements (35 units) Course Units CEX 630 Foundations of Expressive 5 Therapy CEX 631 Psychodrama, Ritual & 5 Performance CEX 632 Fundamentals of Music 5 Therapy CEX 633 Fundamentals of Movement 5 Therapy CEX 634 Art and Expressive Therapy 5 w/Children and Adolescents or CEX 635 Art and Expressive Therapy 5 w/Adults & Aging Populations or EXA 733 Expressive Techniques in Family Therapy 5 CEX 730 Traditions of Transformational 5 Arts CEX 739 Practicum in Expressive, 5 Creative Therapy Graduate Expressive Therapies Course Electives Available (15 units) Course Units EXA 732 Special topics in Expressive 5 Therapies EXA 735 Fundamentals of Color Therapy 5 EXA 736 Language, Poetry, Myth, & Folklore Therapy 5 EXA 738 Sandtray and World Play Therapy 5 EXA 742 Seminar in Expressive Therapy 5 EXA 745 Independent Study in 5 Expressive Arts Therapy Dissertation (10 units) CEX 800 Dissertation/Project Writing I 5 CEX 801 Dissertation/Project Writing II 5

Students working on their Dissertation, Master’s Thesis, or Senior Project must be registered for the respective course every quarter until the project has been completed. The Dissertation, Master’s Thesis, or Senior Project is complete when the student has successfully passed the oral examination where applicable, and the final approval forms have been signed by the project chairperson and SDUIS Director of Research.

Required Total Units: 95

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: 1) All residential courses, other than independent study, are taught in a classroom setting. Each instructor provides students with a syllabus that contains an outline of the course objectives, the course content, student performance expectations, textbooks and related study materials, and evaluation methods used for grading purposes. 2) Courses are traditionally taught in lecture style with group discussions, student presentations and written assignments. 3) Instructional methods also include research projects and experiential components such as internship and practicum requirements. Faculty provide individualized academic advising as needed and encourage ongoing student dialogue in class and online. Upon completion of the core curriculum, students become involved in their capstone research project, the Doctoral Dissertation. Students are required to complete sixty (60) clock hours of personal counseling provided by a licensed therapist approved by the University. Grading criteria are presented to students in the course syllabus provided at the beginning of class. The University’s grading policy is designed to meet the highest professional standards of objectivity, fairness, and accuracy. 4) Independent study courses are an in-depth study of a topic and directed by SDUIS faculty or an equally qualified mentor who is approved by the Chief Academic Officer. 5) Student learning performance outcome evaluations include essay and objective examinations, research, reports, and experimental activities.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Distance Education 1) The Doctor of Philosophy with specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy Degree program is also offered through distance education. Direct education is delivered to students via e-mail. Students submit their assignments to the instructor and class weekly. The instructor reviews the work and prepares a feedback to be sent to the students and class weekly. 2) Each student is provided with a syllabus that contains an outline of the course objectives, course content, weekly assignments and student performance expectations. 3) Instructors work closely with students to monitor their progress.

“Notice to Prospective Students

This institution approved by the Bureau for Private Post-secondary Education to offer degree programs. To continue to offer degree programs, this institution must meet the following requirements: • Become institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, with the scope of the accreditation covering at least one degree program.

• Achieve accreditation candidacy or pre-accreditation, as defined in regulations, by July 1, 2017, and full accreditation by July 1, 2020.

If this institution stops pursuing accreditation, it must:

• Stop all enrollment in its degree programs, and • Provide a teach-out to finish the educational program or provide a refund.

An institution that fails to comply with accreditation requirements by the required dates shall have its approval to offer degree programs automatically suspended. “

International University of Professional Studies

IUPS Logo

Expressive Arts Therapy

Expressive Arts Therapy involves the systematic use of art, dance, music, poetry, movement, ritual, storytelling, and drama. Historically, the expressive arts have been part of ancient healing practices and a bridge between the world of words and our inner life. Therefore, Expressive Arts processes are used successfully in almost all psychotherapeutic contexts, ranging from working with the severely disturbed to the facilitation of human potential and growth. 

Expressive Arts Therapy.jpg

Masters Program:  45 Credits (30 Credits in Required Courses, 15 Credits in Electives)

Doctorate Program:  90 Credits (55 Credits in Required Courses, 35 Credits in Electives)

Combined Masters/Doctorate Program:  120 Credits (64 Credits in Required Courses, 56 Credits in Electives)

Course credits toward your degree may be earned in the following ways:

Many students earn course credits by having their mentor assign books to read on the course topic, and writing papers or completing projects that demonstrate their understanding of the assigned material. Credits can also be obtained by attending conferences, workshops, retreats, or online courses from established academic institutions.  Students may request and submit for IUPS approval (through their mentors), permission to earn credits through external programs.  Students also have the opportunity to assist in designing their own electives, allowing for education customization.

A key criteria for earning credits is for students to demonstrate how learning this subject matter impacts their lives personally and professionally. Integration of course material is of paramount importance at IUPS. 

Course #     Credits     Required Core Courses – Masters Degree

EXT 500           3          Individual and Group Process of Expressive Arts Therapy     EXT 501           3          Diagnosis and Treatment with Expressive Arts Therapy     EXT 510           3          Human Development EXT 570           3          Professional and Ethical Issues     EXT 580           5          Practicum in Expressive Arts Therapy     EXT 581           3          Practicum in Specialty Arts Media EXT 590         10          Master’s Thesis Project 

Course #     Credits     Required Core Courses – Doctorate Degree EXT 600           5          Principles and Practice of Expressive Arts Therapies     EXT 612           5          Principles and Practice of Psychotherapy     EXT 613           5          Theories of Personality     EXT 614           5          Human Development, Intelligence, and Consciousness     EXT 615           5          Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis     EXT 670           5          Professional and Ethical Issues     EXT 680           5          Practicum in Expressive Arts Therapy     EXT 681           5          Practicum in Specialty Arts Media EXT 690         15          Dissertation Research Project    

Course #     Credits       Required Core Courses – Masters / Doctorate Degree

EXT 500          3          Individual and Group Process of Expressive Arts Therapy

EXT 501          3          Diagnosis and Treatment with Expressive Arts Therapy

EXT 510          3          Human Development

EXT 600          5          Principles and Practice of Expressive Arts Therapies

EXT 670          5          Principles and Practice of Psychotherapy

EXT 671          5          Theories of Personality

EXT 672          5          Professional and Ethical Issues

EXT 673          5          Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis

EXT 674          5          Human Development, Intelligence, and Consciousness

EXT 700          5          Practicum in Expressive Arts Therapy

EXT 701          5          Practicum in Specialty Arts Media

EXT 800        15          Dissertation Research Project

Below are examples of electives that one may consider taking as part of this degree program in Expressive Arts Therapy. Students, in concert with their mentors shall determine which electives are most relevant to their educational aspirations.

Course #     Credits       Courses

EXT 601         1- 5        Catharsis and Ritual

EXT 602         1- 5        Spontaneity and the Creative Process

EXT 603         1- 5        The Arts As Therapy

EXT 604         1- 5        The Arts In Therapy

EXT 605         1- 5        The Arts, A Spiritual Path

EXT 606         1- 5        Hands-on Exploration

EXT 607         1- 5        Clinical Models

EXT 610         1- 5        Body Language and Applied Kinesiology

EXT 611         1- 5        Dance/Movement Therapies

EXT 620         1- 5        Hypnotic Language Patterns

EXT 621         1- 5        Poetry Therapy

EXT 630         1- 5        Fairy Tales, Myths, and Metaphors

EXT 631         1- 5        Storytelling in Therapy

EXT 640         1- 5        Biological Synchronization and Entrainment

EXT 641         1- 5        Music Therapy

EXT 650         1- 5        Imagery and Healing

EXT 651         1- 5        Art Therapy

EXT 660         1- 5        Shamanism

EXT 661         1- 5        Psychodrama

EXT 662         1- 5        Drama Therapy

EXT 663         1- 5        Playing and Reality

EXT 664         1- 5        SandPlay Therapy

EXT 665         1- 5        Jungian Approach to Expressive Arts Therapy

EXT 666         1- 5        Breathwork

EXT 667         1- 5        Entrepreneurship

Expressive Arts Therapy Course Descriptions

(Please note: All Doctoral coursework (600 courses) involve more advanced research and in-depth study.)

REQUIRED CORE COURSES

EXT 500   Individual and Group Process of Expressive Arts Therapy This course gives an overview of how to utilize the Expressive Arts Therapies in both individual sessions and group therapy. Basic psychotherapeutic principles are reviewed, then the implementation and synthesis of Expressive Arts Therapies in a clinical setting is the major focus. 

EXT 501   Diagnosis and Treatment with Expressive Arts Therapy  This course presents Expressive Arts approaches to diagnosing mental disorders.  Once an accurate assessment has been made, treatment plans and recommendations are explored that can stand on their own as Expressive Arts interventions, or adjuncts with other forms of therapy.

EXT 510   Human Development The course of development of a human being has a broad range, from personality, intelligence, to social and political activities. This range of human development leads towards adjusted behavior, or contrarily, to maladjustment.  This course covers the various aspects of the development, both normal and pathological.

EXT 570   Professional and Ethical Issues Every field has its own unique ethical concerns as well as universal moral dilemmas.  This class explores the professional and ethical issues concerning clinicians, and also how it relates to the field of Expressive Therapies. Client-Patient confidentiality, Dual-Role relationships, are a factor for all clinicians, but also, is it ethical to show a client’s artwork?

EXT 580   Practicum in Expressive Arts Therapy  The student is required to obtain a practicum site to train and practice Expressive Arts Therapy for a completion of 500 hours. The practicum site must have a supervisor of either an Expressive Arts Therapist or a therapist in one of the modalities to obtain 50 supervised hours.

EXT 581   Practicum in Specialty Arts Media The student must obtain competency in an area of art of their choice.  Fifty hours of instruction in a medium of the student’s choice to develop artistic competency, integrity, and the fundamentals of art which will propel them to excel at the Expressive Arts Therapies.

EXT 590   Master’s Thesis Project A Masters level thesis is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair.  Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing.  This project will be a culmination of the student’s knowledge, making a significant contribution to the field of Expressive Arts Therapy.

EXT 600   Principles and Practice of Expressive Arts Therapies This course is an overview of basic principles and philosophical approaches to Expressive Arts Therapies.  Arts practice as intrinsically healing (Art as Therapy) is one aspect of Expressive Arts Therapies, drawing on historical healing traditions.  Implementing arts interventions during clinical practice (Art in Therapy) is another widespread approach, drawing on the arts’ ability to cultivate insight and bring the unconscious to consciousness.  Lastly, historically the arts have been an integral part of all major spiritual traditions, in and of themselves, they are a catalyst towards spiritual growth (Arts as a Spiritual Path).  From the drawings and poetry of William Blake, to the composing of Hildegard Von Bingen, how the arts are utilized towards man’s spiritual progress is explored.

EXT 612   Principles and Practice of Psychotherapy A basic knowledge of psychotherapy is indispensable to the Expressive Arts Therapist, offering fundamental principles and approaches to the clinician, gaining greater versatility to conduct and participate in a wide range of therapeutic settings.  Freudian Psychoanalysis, Jungian Psychodynamic Therapy, Rogerian Client-Centered Therapy, and other core approaches are explored, giving the student a foundation of counseling and psychotherapy in which to draw upon when utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy.  In addition, gaining skills such as, rapport building, and trust building will be crucial to cultivate in any therapeutic relationship, especially if one is to expect a client to ‘perform’ artwork, drumming, or dancing in a personal setting.

EXT 613   Theories of Personality An overall look of the various theories of how personality develops, and in what shapes a human character may take is introduced.  After viewing them individually, our view zooms out to look at them all, discovering great continuity amongst the seeming scatter of variations, and an ultimate unified theory of personality will emerge.

EXT 614   Human Development, Intelligence, and Consciousness This course explores in detail the Neurocircuit Model of Human Development, Intelligence, and Consciousness.  The Neurocircuit Model is based on eight stages of development that appears to be universal amongst human beings, and seems to recapitulate the growth and evolutionary process of living beings on the planet.  Beginning with the most fundamental ability to move and eat, climbing towards more evolved systems of communication and linguistics, and ending with…spiritual potentials, perhaps.

EXT 615   Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis An overview of psychopathology, disorders and syndromes, that one may find in clinical practice.  The student will become familiar with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, with its system of psychodiagnosis, which can offer a clinician a suggested course of treatment possibilities. Understanding that the DSM-IV-TR is not a labeling manual, but a dictionary of terms and descriptions of the many facets of the human condition.

EXT 670   Professional and Ethical Issues Every field has its own unique ethical concerns as well as universal moral dilemmas.  This class explores the professional and ethical issues concerning clinicians, and also how it relates to the field of Expressive Therapies. Client-Patient confidentiality, Dual-Role relationships, are a factor for all clinicians, but also, is it ethical to show a client’s artwork?

EXT 680   Practicum in Expressive Arts Therapy The student is required to obtain a practicum site to train and practice Expressive Arts Therapy for a completion of 500 hours. The practicum site must have a supervisor of either an Expressive Arts Therapist or a therapist in one of the modalities to obtain 50 supervised hours.

EXT 681   Practicum in Specialty Arts Media The student must obtain competency in an area of art of their choice.  Fifty hours of instruction in a medium of the student’s choice to develop artistic competency, integrity, and the fundamentals of art which will propel them to excel at the Expressive Arts Therapies.

EXT 690   Dissertation Research Project A doctorate level dissertation is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair.  Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing.  This project will be a culmination of the student’s knowledge, making a significant contribution to the field of Expressive Arts Therapy.

  

ELECTIVE COURSES

Elective courses may be recommended by the university to ensure the student receives a well-rounded education. Students are encouraged to take electives that focus on their core areas of educational interest. Alternative electives to the courses below may be designed by students and submitted to their mentor and the university for approval, truly giving students to opportunity to customize their education. In addition, with prior university approval, students can receive course credits for certain relevant workshops and conferences attended.

EXT 601   Catharsis and Ritual The practice of Expressive Arts Therapy lends itself to therapeutic use of rituals.  This course goes over the structure of constructing rituals for the purpose of therapy, their historical context, cathartic reactions and benefits, as well as employment and integration of the various modalities. 

EXT 602   Spontaneity and the Creative Process Having an expanded role repertoire increases behavioral options and provides a richness of problem solving.  The Expressive Arts Therapy provides an avenue for increasing spontaneity, creativity, and self-expression.  This course explores the academic as well as the practical applications of these elements.

EXT 603   The Arts As Therapy The therapeutic approach of Arts (As Therapy) is explored, defined, and put into practice as one of the many tools of the Expressive Arts Therapist.  Art in and of itself has many therapeutic applications, one in which the student will identify, as well as master, to implement positive change.

EXT 604   The Arts In Therapy The psychological approach of Arts In Therapy is explored, defined, and put into practice as one of the many tools of the Expressive Arts Therapist.  Psychotherapy has its foundations in bringing the elements of the unconscious to conscious awareness, this course demonstrates the role the various arts play in bringing about this positive change.

EXT 605   The Arts As A Spiritual Path This specific approach of Arts As A Spiritual Path is explored, defined, and put into practice as one of the many tools of the Expressive Arts Therapist.  Historically, the arts were primarily used as a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment.  This course sets the foundation for the student to implement the arts to facilitate spiritual growth and expansion of consciousness. 

EXT 606   Hands-on Exploration No training in a clinical practice comprises solely book learning and academics.  This course focuses on the How To’s, it is a tour de force of technique, know how, and skill. 

EXT 607   Clinical Models Expressive Arts Therapy has been adapted by just about every major therapeutic model.  The student is requested to select their clinical model of choice, ranging from anything from Freudian Psychoanalysis, Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Psychotherapy, and possibly Cybernetic Systems Approach.  The student then arranges with the expertise of the mentor, to explore the integrative approach the Expressive Arts offers in the preferred model, to catalyze and enhance their clinical training, transforming psychotherapy into Expressive Psychotherapy.  This elective can be taken multiple times with different clinical models.

EXT 610   Body Language and Applied Kinesiology This course explores the relationship between the body and thought, physiology and personality, movement and meaning.

EXT 611   Dance/Movement Therapies This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of Dance/Movement Therapy, the use of bodily movements to facilitate change in body, mind, and spirit. 

EXT 620   Hypnotic Language Patterns This course explores the use of words to facilitate emotional and behavioral change. 

EXT 621   Poetry Therapy This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of Poetry Therapy, the use of poetic elements for the expression of feelings and cognitive restructuring. 

EXT 630   Fairy Tales, Myths, and Metaphors This course explores the rich source of ancient myths and their ability to stimulate and generate resources that are available to the listener. 

EXT 631   Storytelling in Therapy This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of Storytelling in Therapy, the use of constructing and weaving stories that have personal relevance to the listener, often giving problem solving solutions. 

EXT 640   Biological Synchronization and Entrainment Fireflies twinkling in unison is but one example of a naturally occurring entrainment, i.e. the synchronization of pulsing bodies.  This course delves into the phenomenon of entrainment through sound and its effects upon the biological organism, ranging from affecting breathing, heart rate and thinking. 

EXT 641   Music Therapy This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of Music Therapy, the use of sound and other elements of music to facilitate dynamic psychological change. 

EXT 650   Imagery and Healing This course examines the construction and effects of the various elements in visual art and their relation to healing.  How simple images can affect the nervous system, immune system, and circulatory system with color, shapes and perspective. 

EXT 651   Art Therapy This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of Art Therapy, the use of various visual elements for self-expression, diagnosis, and treatment. 

EXT 660   Shamanism Historical and modern perspectives of the healing practices of Shamanism are surveyed.  A Shaman was the culture’s expert at trance and altered states of consciousness.  The means and methods of providing alternate states of consciousness is a relevant tool for any therapist.

EXT 661   Psychodrama This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of Psychodrama, this practice encourages the spontaneity of role play with other therapeutic devices. 

EXT 662   Drama Therapy This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of Drama Therapy, recreating, dramatically, elements that are pertinent to our history, one can then possibly change our history.  

EXT 663   Playing and Reality The two worlds of Subjective Reality and Objective Reality often meet.  This course analyzes concepts and models of playing in relation to reality.  How is it that a wolf in the wild can nip at his brother and the playmate will “know” it is only play and not to bite back aggressively?  If I pretend to have confidence, how does that effect my neuro-muscular system?  These and more questions are explored with the end result being a knowledge of how to maximize play for therapeutic change.

EXT 664   SandPlay Therapy This course provides practical applications and experiences focused on the modality of SandPlay Therapy, the sandtray being a virtual ‘snapshot’ of the client’s mind, whereby both conscious and unconscious elements become revealed. 

EXT 665   Jungian Approach to Expressive Arts Therapy  Carl Jung has been a significant inspiration towards Expressive Arts Therapy.  His contributions of Mandalas, Archetypes, Myths, and utilizing art in clinical practice makes his work a contributing wealth in the field. Jungian theory is overviewed, and then putting into practice the arts from a Jungian perspective is the focus of this course.

EXT 666   Breathwork

This course delves into conscious breathing techniques that can initiate relaxation, promote self-awareness, emotional processing and release, and give rise to altered states of consciousness. Various breathwork modalities such as Pranayama, Holotropic Breathwork, and Rebirthing will be explored. Experiential work with a trusted and experienced professional is encouraged. 

Adler Graduate School

Empowering Passionate Professionals

Adler Graduate School educates empowered leaders, counselors, and human services professionals with a passion for social justice and community action. 
Let us help you help others through our master's and certificate programs.

Prospective Student

Accepted student, current student, faculty & staff member.

  • Library & Writing Center
  • Career Services
  • Technology Services & IT Support
  • Adler Email
  • Campus Directory
  • Adler Graduate School Viewbook

Expressive Arts Therapy

Specialty Program

Develop the theory and technique to integrate the therapeutic use of expressive arts within your counseling practice.

Add Creative Exploration To Your Practice

Explore a variety of expressive arts modalities while developing your unique professional identity as a mental health professional who uses the creative arts as a therapeutic tool for growth and healing.

  • Visual arts
  • Movement-based creative expression
  • Sound/music
  • Creative writing
  • Nature-based practices

Discover You’re Inner Source of Creativity

You’ll discover your inner source of creativity, using your personal artistic experience as a tool for self-discovery and self-expression as you learn to identify appropriate expressive arts modalities when working with diverse individuals, families, and groups.

The specialty consists of:

  • 100% online courses in our time-tested virtual format
  • Supervised internship
  • Final portfolio project

Registration as an Expressive Arts Therapist

Our EXAT specialty program is designed to meet the educational requirements to become a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA). Please see the post graduate requirements at www.ieata.org . Program graduates must independently apply for registration through the IEATA.

Chart Your Course

The online Expressive Arts Therapy specialty seamlessly integrates into each CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling concentration, both online and in person.

Learn more about our Expressive Arts Therapy faculty, students, and alumni.

As an educator, I aim to provide my students with a relational learning environment that stimulates engagement, encouragement, and creativity. …

I am passionate about helping students as they learn and grow. I have an excitement for life, and I enjoy …

Required Courses

Please refer to our course catalog for the most up-to-date course requirements.

Upon completion of the program, students will have mastery over the following:

  • Theory and Technique: Describe the theories, techniques, and functions of multimodal expressive arts therapy, emphasizing cross-cultural contexts of creative expression.
  • History and Context: Describe the historical uses of the expressive arts in different cultures and the evolution of contemporary expressive arts practices.
  • Foundational Principles: Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of different expressive arts modalities, such as art therapy, dance therapy, psychodrama, and music therapy, and how these principles can be applied through a multimodal approach.
  • Professional Perspective: Apply the expressive arts through a systemic lens to address diverse clinical, social, and cultural issues that present in clinical and community-based practice.
  • Adlerian Psychology: Demonstrate how Adlerian theory can inform the application of the expressive arts through conceptualization and technique.
  • Artistic Expression and Mental Health: Conceptualize the relationship between artistic expression and individual mental health, including assessment, treatment planning, and techniques, as applied to selected client disorders within a cross-cultural context.
  • Multimodal Approach: Apply a multimodal approach of the expressive arts, including visual arts, movement, music, creative writing, and nature-based practices to foster the mind-body-spirit integration.
  • Ethical Consideration: Identify possible professional and ethical issues when using the expressive arts.
  • Inclusive Understanding and Ability: Identify and apply appropriate expressive arts modalities when working with special populations and diverse individuals, families, groups, and systems to help foster healthy self-expression and movement toward mental health wellness.
  • Personal Growth: Demonstrate personal and professional growth through the expressive arts.

Next Steps?

It’s time to take the next step in your journey. Choose yours below.

Contact the Admissions Office

Marcie Conrad-Skoglund

Marcie Conrad-Skoglund

  • Register for Online Courses

Expressive Arts Therapy, Trauma-Informed Online Learning Courses

Participants in Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Level One with Cathy Malchiodi PhD

Looking for distance coursework that provides learning about expressive arts therapy and trauma-informed practice? Or do you want to just learn more about arts-based approaches, play therapy, creative intervention, and the expressive arts therapies that are applied in counseling, psychotherapy and integrative healthcare? Our courses are designed for master's and doctoral level mental health professionals and graduate students in mental health and related professions.

Most courses are designed to meet continuing education requirements in the US and are 6 hours or 12 hours in length. This means that a 6 hour course should take learners approximately 6 hours to complete the readings, assignments and final exam or short paper. Our participants say that our courses take a little longer to complete than other online offerings because of hands-on assignments and the extensive material that is included in each course offering. You can complete your online courses at your own pace and schedule; you will have one year from the date of registration to complete your courses; if you need an extension to complete your course, please let us know. We try to make your learning interesting by including not only standard quizzes and short answer questions, but also creative arts and play-based activities and podcasts, films and videos so that you can learn first hand about trauma-informed, creative interventions.

To see our current online courses, please go to the Online Course Catalogue for more information. To learn more about our Certificate Programs in Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy, go to this link .

Certificates of Completion

At the end of each online course you will receive a Certificate of Completion . You must complete all assignments, quizzes, final exam and/or projects, and the evaluation in order to receive the Certificate. Please use the Contact Form to send us any questions you have about receiving certificates and continuing education if applicable. To read more about continuing education, please visit the Continuing Education page on this website. Also, please read the Frequently Asked Questions page .

Completing Your Courses . Please note that you will have one year from when you register for a course to complete it. Please also let us know if you are having any technical difficulties in using the Learning Center.

Refund Policy. If you are not satisfied with your course within 7 days of registration, we will issue a refund, minus a small administrative fee. After 7 days from registration, we will issue a credit for the course which can be applied to another online course or live event held by the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. 

Disclaimer. We reserve the right to determine eligibility for registering for online courses, for continuance of participation in enrolled coursework, and removal from course participation when warranted. Upon request, professionals must show evidence of identity and credentials including master's level or higher mental health license [preferred] or professional board certification/registration from a nationally recognized certification/registration agency in one of the creative arts therapies, counseling or play therapy, or equivalent experience. Participants may be asked show evidence of enrollment in a master's level or higher or equivalent course of study before beginning courses. Continuing education credits are available to individuals holding a master's level or higher degree, and a mental health license and/or professional board certification/registration from a nationally recognized credentialing board in the creative arts therapies, counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, medicine, or play therapy.

Purchasing Courses

Once you purchase your course,  you will receive an email with information on how to begin and access the course site.   We use buyer-protected, standard encryption  PayPal  to allow secure electronic payments. You do not need to have a PayPal account in order to register or pay for your courses and will be given that option when you enter the PayPal website after you place your order.  

Register Here for Online Courses at Our Learning Center

phd expressive arts therapy online

Follow Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest

phd expressive arts therapy online

Follow Trauma-Informed Practices on Facebook!

Copyright © 2012-2021

Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. All Rights Reserved. Material [text, concepts, branding and original artwork] on this site may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief text quotations (under 300 words) for non-commercial purposes only, are permitted providing that full proper credit and citation accompanies them. Statements on this website do not constitute professional or medical advice or psychiatric recommendations. Some links on this website direct the visitor to websites controlled by others and any responsibility for such other sites is specifically disclaimed.

Privacy Policy . If you request to be on our mailing list or register for one of our educational programs we may use your email address to send you related notices (including any notices required by law, in lieu of communication by postal mail). We may also use your contact information to send you marketing messages. If you don’t want to receive these messages, you can opt out by following the instructions in the message. If you correspond with us by email, we may retain the content of your email messages, your email address and our responses. We do not sell or distribute your email address or personal information at any time.

  • Scroll to top

Your professional education in expressive arts  therapy begins here.

logo

EGS Phd Prep

expressive arts therapy degree

The EGS Ph.D. Program is for those students who already have completed a master’s degree in human services or fine arts. In order to apply to EGS, the student needs to have had some arts based training or may obtain this training through the Institute.

For those who wish to do the Institute Expressive Arts training , the San Diego portion is similar to the master’s level training. The CAGS acceptance is based upon the academic admission requirements of EGS, along with the student’s demonstrated facility in expressive arts modalities and familiarity with expressive arts theories.

The EGS CAGS requires two low residency 22 day summers, in Switzerland. Students wishing to pursue the PhD must first complete the CAGS, then make a proposal of a dissertation topic to an approved advisor. 

Download Application Materials

Recommendation form, “inspired. inspirational. judith coaxes the soul into being when she teaches. being her student was nothing less than life changing.", online course, introduction to expressive arts therapy & coaching.

Founding Director Judith Greer Essex, Ph.D. uses her 25+ years experience to help you rediscover dance, music, drama visual art and poetry as resources for living a richer, more rewarding life. Live like you mean it!

expressive arts therapy intro course

Your professional education in expressive arts therapy begins here!

Help us to get to know you better, we're here to answer your questions..

phd expressive arts therapy online

How did you hear about us? European Graduate School IATA Google Search Facebook Instagram Referral Other

Want to talk to someone?

Call us at 619-239-1713

Text us at [email protected]

Visit our website

www.expressiveartsinstitute.org

Ready for your bright future to begin? Apply by March 15!

Quick Links

What are you looking for, suggested searches.

  • Academic Programs
  • Community Health Clinics

Expressive Arts Intensive

Master of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapy

Embracing the power of the arts for healing, growth, and social change.

In this Section

Program overview, 3 - 5 years, 60 (mft) or 69 (lpcc), our approach.

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy is a BBS-approved, part- or full-time low-residency degree program for California residents. The pedagogy provides an engaging online, hybrid curriculum that weaves multimodal expressive arts, such as visual and digital arts, music, dance and movement, poetry, spoken word, and drama, into all courses.

Our program utilizes the strength of the arts as implements for human development and healing, social change, and empowered self-agency. Our emancipatory perspective explores individual, group, couples, and family therapy practices.

The program works on the innovative Scholar-Artist-Practitioner model that focuses on uniting academic knowledge, clinical practice, and community engagement. Throughout the program students engage with peers and faculty in a collaborative, liberation-focused, arts-based environment. We place a premium on co-learning between students and faculty by creating opportunities for rich, playful, and diverse conversations and experiences.

Career Paths

CIIS’ Expressive Arts Therapy program integrates a rigorous education in theories and methods of psychotherapy with intensive training in expressive arts therapy and counseling psychology. 

  • Schools and education-based settings
  • Community mental health, arts, and social justice organizations
  • Hospitals and residential treatment programs
  • Consulting and coaching
  • Private practice

The training for this program meets the educational requirements for California's Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) license and California's Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license. This program is also designed to meet the educational requirements to become a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA).

Hands-on learning through experiential coursework is emphasized. In the first and second years of study, students have the opportunity to integrate theoretical and expressive arts into practice through volunteering or incorporating these basic principles into their current job/vocation. Third year students engage in a year-long, supervised practicum, gaining direct client work experience. 

Classes are taught online in asynchronous and virtual synchronous formats. Students are expected to attend an in-person, one-week intensive that is held at the start of each fall and spring semester in the San Francisco Bay Area. Students work in clinical practice dyads and small groups to deliver collaborative assignments.

Intensive Arts-Based Seminar     Students, faculty, and advisors come together in residential seminars to engage in extensive, experiential, and intermodal arts-based learning. Up to a third of the coursework for the semester is completed in person, with the remaining coursework delivered in combined asynchronous, and occasional virtual synchronous learning formats to support clinical skill development.

Ongoing Arts Practice     Throughout the program, all students commit to ongoing engagement with new or existing arts practices. First semester courses allow students to employ modalities with which they are familiar, and provides exposure to new modalities as well. At the end of the first semester, each student outlines a practice plan that will promote their learning and preparation to become an expressive arts therapist. Plans are flexible and adaptive to respond to a student’s growth and changing needs over their time in the program. Expressive Arts Therapy courses offer frequent opportunities for art-making, response art, and arts-based inquiry through which students can apply their arts practices and experiment with new ones.

Students have the freedom to choose less formal, self-guided practices and/or those involving more structure, including guided training, presentations, publication, performances, and more. All costs and materials involved with a student’s individual arts practice are the sole responsibility of the student.

Personal Therapy Requirement

Students are required to complete 50 hours of personal psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional (ideally an Expressive or Creative Arts Therapist).

License Ready

The Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy meets the educational requirements for MFT licensure in the state of California, and LPCC in the state of California with additional optional units. After graduation, students must complete a number of supervised client contact hours and pass the MFT licensing examination before becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist. This process takes, on average, 3 to 5 years post graduation.

Curriculum Highlights

EXA 5501 Psychotherapy Theories & Practice (3 units) This is an introduction to traditional and contemporary theories and practices of psychotherapy. We begin by situating the field in relation to its sociocultural, historical, and Indigenous roots. We go on to examine psychodynamic, Jungian, existential-humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and collaborative approaches integrating feminist and multicultural perspectives, addressing intersections with the recovery model. Creative arts-based case examples for various approaches are woven into the fabric of the class.

EXA 6020 EXA & Trauma (3 units) This advanced-level class focuses on developing an understanding of what trauma is and how it functions on individual, community, and collective levels. You will critically explore theories and practical responses to the affective, cognitive, behavioral, neurological effects associated with trauma and crisis counseling. You will develop an advanced understanding of DSM definitions of trauma, differential diagnosis, and evidenced-based treatment strategies. You will additionally learn how to explore the ways that expressive arts and somatic psychotherapies can be effective as interventions in helping clients to recover from trauma.

MCPE 5606 & MCPE 6606 Family & Couples Dynamics I & II (3 units) This two-part course surveys a broad range of contemporary theories and practices within the field of family and couples therapy and their application in working with LGBT and heterosexual couple and family constellations across diverse cultures. You will be introduced to major contemporary approaches within the field, including structural, strategic, narrative, solution-focused, symbolic-experiential, EFT, and the Gottman Method. The course includes modules addressing issues related to blended families, interpersonal violence, migration stressors, divorce and separation, addiction, and illness. You will learn how to integrate the use of visual arts, music, movement, drama, and the language arts in family and couples therapy practice.

Hybrid MFT Track (60 units total)

Semester 1 | Fall

EXA 5501 Psychotherapy Theories and Practices (3 units)

EXA 6036 History and Foundations of EXA Therapy (2 units)

MCPE 6604 Multicultural Counseling and the Therapeutic Relationship (3 units)

EXAL 5602 Therapeutic Communication Lab (1 unit)

MCPE 5201 Human Development and the Family (3 units)

Semester 2 | Spring

EXA 6064 Psychological Assessment and Creative Arts Therapy (3 units)

EXA 6088 EXA Approaches: Module I (1 unit)

MCPE 5634 Group Dynamics and Therapy (3 units)

MCP 5108 Psychopathology & Psychological Assessment (3 units)

MCP 6106 Human Sexuality (1 unit) OR MCP 6102 Assessment and Treatment of Addiction Disorders (1 units)

Semester 3 | Fall

EXA 6089 EXA Approaches: Module II (1 unit)

MCPE 5606 Family & Couples Dynamics I (3 units)

MCPE 6403 Research Methods (3 units)

MCP 6502 Child Therapy (2 units)

MCP Intro to Community Mental Health & Recovery Model (2 units)

Semester 4 | Spring

MCP 5105 Professional Ethics and Family Law (2 units)

EXA 6055 The Arts in Therapy (3 units)

EXA 6618 EXA Approach: Narrative Expressive Arts and the Family (2 units)

MCPE 6606 Family & Couples Dynamics II (3 units)

MCP 6101 Human Sexuality (1 unit) OR MCP 6102 Assessment and Treatment of Addiction and Disorders (1 unit)

Semester 5 | Fall

MCPE 7604A Supervised Clinical Practicum Group (3 units)

EXA 5993 Expressive Arts Therapy Integrative Seminar I (1 unit)

EXA 6090 EXA Approaches Module III (1 unit)

EXA 6020 EXA & Trauma (3 units)

Semester 6 | Spring

MCPE 7604B Supervised Clinical Practicum Group (3 units)

EXA 5994 Expressive Arts Therapy Integrative Seminar II (2 units)

EXA 6853 Professional Development (1 units)

EXA 609 EXA Approaches Module IV (1 unit)

Entry Requirements

Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the non-refundable $65 application fee.

Degree Requirement: An undergraduate degree (B.A., B.S., or B.F.A.) from an accredited college or university.

Minimum GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. A GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant. CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.

Transcripts : Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. If transcripts are being mailed to CIIS, they must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts from institutions outside the US or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES); CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) .

Short Essay Responses: Please write a series of brief responses, one for each of the following prompts in the order that they appear:

  • Why are you interested in applying to CIIS specifically to study Expressive Arts Therapy? (350 words maximum)
  • Describe the creative arts modalities you would bring with you into the Expressive Arts Therapy program. (350 word maximum)
  • Please describe the direct human services experiences you have had in either employment  and/or through volunteering. (200 word maximum)
  • What internal and external strengths and resources do you draw from to help you cope in your daily life? What social supports does this include? (200 word maximum)
  • Our graduates are expected to be able to work with people from very diverse social, cultural, sexual/affectional preference, gender and socioeconomic backgrounds. What is your experience of relating across dimensions of difference? (200 word maximum)
  • The low-residency program requires a high level of self-directed, autonomous work in addition to the ability to work in groups. Please describe your experience in: a.) working individually, and b.) working collaboratively in a group to meet a deadline. (200 word maximum)
  • Due to the hybridized nature of our education delivery format, students must demonstrate the ability to work with/navigate online learning formats. Please describe a challenge you have encountered in working in an online learning environment and how you overcame (or imagine overcoming) the challenge. (200 word maximum)

Two Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation will be accepted from academic advisors, professors, professional supervisors, or someone able to attest to your ability to undertake the work required for your program. Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information - name, email, phone number, and mailing address. 

Academic Writing Sample: A five-page sample of a piece of your academic writing (typed, double-spaced) that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate-level writing abilities. You may submit copies of previous work, such as a recent academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities. The selected sample must be five consecutive pages. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations. Please include the reference pages from this writing sample. (The reference pages are not included in the five-page limit.)

A Current Curriculum Vitae detailing your educational and professional experience.

Have the arts ever helped you through an emotional or life crisis? Have you ever used activities such as creative writing, painting, pottery, singing, dancing, or improvisational acting to feel a greater sense of aliveness? Are you looking for a career where you can integrate your passion for the arts with your desire for personal, relational, and systemic healing and social change?

At CIIS, we encourage you to combine academic rigor with personal experience to craft your own identities as Expressive Arts Therapists.

  • Malchiodi, C. A. (Ed.) (2005).  Expressive Therapies . New York, NY: Guilford Press. Dr. Cathy Malchiodi is a prominent voice in the field of Expressive Arts Therapies. Her publications have made these concepts and research in our field widely accessible to practitioners and the general public. Her most recent works focus on the healing principles of EXA when working with clients who have experienced trauma. This text offers a very helpful, efficient introduction of the major creative and expressive arts therapy disciplines.
  • Bailey, S. (2021),  Careers in Creative Arts Therapy Careers: Succeeding as a Creative Professional . Routledge. This is a collection of essays written by and interviews with registered drama therapists, dance/movement therapists, music therapists, art therapists, poetry therapists, and expressive arts therapists. The book sheds light on the fascinating yet little-known field of the creative arts therapies – psychotherapy approaches which allow clients to use creativity and artistic expression to explore their lives, solve their problems, make meaning, and heal from their traumas. Featuring stories of educators in each of the six fields and at different stages of their career (including CIIS EXA faculty, Danielle Drake, PhD and Phil Weglarz, PhD), it outlines the steps one needs to take in order to find training in one of the creative arts therapies and explores the healing aspects of the arts, where creative arts therapists work, who they work with, and how they use the arts in therapy.   This book illuminates creative arts therapy career possibilities for undergraduate and graduate students studying acting, directing, playwriting, creative writing, visual arts, theatre design, dance, and music. 
  • Afuape, T. (2011).  Power, Resistance and Liberation in Therapy with Survivors of Trauma: To have our hearts broken . New York, NY: Routledge. Dr. Taiwo Afuape's work is foundational to the pedagogy of the EXA Program. She has reconceptualized the concepts of power, resistance and liberation as co-creative acts that take place in therapy and in life for both clients and practitioners alike. Through liberation psychology, Dr. Afuape outlines a vision for co-create healing practices that honor the wisdom and agency of all involved in healing processes.
  • Menakem, R. (2017).  My Grandmother’s Hands.  Las Vegas, NV: Central Recovery Press. This recent publication by Mr. Resmaa Menakem shifts the focus of racism to the body. This ground-breaking text is part of the required reading for the Family Systems course sequence in the EXA program.
  • Hooks, b. (1994).  Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom.  New York, NY: Routledge. A classic in the field of education, Womanist activist/scholar/educator bell hooks' treatise on teaching as an act of rebellion in the name of freedom informs the foundational pedagogies of the Expressive Arts Therapy program. As a community of learners, we are all gathered together to become contributing Scholar/Artist/Practitioners in the wider field of Expressive Arts Therapy.
  • International Expressive Arts Therapy Association 
  • Expressive Therapies Summit 
  • Critical Pedagogies in the Arts Therapies 
  • The National Organization for Arts in Health 
  • Creative Arts in Education and Therapy

Before entering the world of Expressive Arts Therapy as a graduate student, we recommend that you get involved in the community. Practical experience in human services and local arts are important early steps of the learning experience. Below are examples of how to gain experience:

  • LGBTQ Support -  The Trevor Project 
  • Youth Support -  List of Teen Helplines 
  • Seniors and Mental Health -  National Coalition on Mental Health & Aging  
  • OR, contact local agencies in your area to inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline Information  
  • Domestic Violence Hotline Information  
  • OR, contact your local DV agency to inquire about hotline training opportunities.
  • Attend arts performances, lectures, movies, or cultural events (please practice safety measures during COVID-19 - many events have gone online!)
  • Ask a friend from a spiritual practice other than your own if you may worship with them
  • Take a class that teaches you about cultures other than your own locations of identity
  • Read books (see above for some suggestions)
  • Study forms of art that are unfamiliar to you. If you are a singer, study painting. If you are a ceramicist, study singing. If you are a poet, study improv. The sky is the limit!

The professional practice of counseling is a regulated occupation in the state of California. Coursework in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at CIIS and each of its five programs is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to fulfill educational requirements toward the marriage and family therapist license (LMFT).

Students also have the option to take additional coursework to fulfill the educational requirements of the professional clinical counselor license (LPCC). Students seeking the LPCC licensure also take courses for the MFT, enabling them to pursue either license and to work with couples, families, and/or children as an LPCC.

Students seeking licensure in California as an LMFT or LPCC must register with the BBS after graduation and successfully complete additional post-graduate supervised clinical associate hours and written examinations. See the BBS’ Statutes and Regulations PDF for additional information.

In many cases, our coursework and training is very similar or entirely portable to many states. However, each state has their own specific licensure requirements that include both academic coursework and clinical practicum hours that may differ from CA’s requirements.

In cases where this program does not meet the requirements for another state, additional coursework or practicum hours may be required. While licensure may be possible in another state, it is not guaranteed. Luckily, you will have the full support of the Director of MCP who will help you understand the specific licensing requirements.

Lastly, you should consult the licensing boards of the appropriate state of country for the most up-to-date licensing information outside of California.

Our Department in Action

Fall23_EXARetreat_Explorations-3

Expressive Arts Therapy: Online Info Session

A Free Online Info Session with Shoshana Simons

Application Workshop — School of Professional Psychology and Health

Application Workshop — School of Professional Psychology and Health

An Online Event with Kelson Pamarang and Ishan McCarthy

Person standing in a forest

Admissions Office Hour

Online with Ishan McCarthy

CIIS Expressive Arts students

Take the Next Step

For over 50 years, CIIS has been at the forefront of education that integrates rigorous science, innovative scholarship, and social justice. You will learn from faculty at the forefront of their fields, local artists and activists, and a community of peers as passionate and dedicated as you. There’s never been a better time to be here – let’s build a healthier and more equitable world.

  • Online Trainings

Online Expressive Arts Therapy Courses with Cathy Malchiodi, PhD

phd expressive arts therapy online

Online Coursework with the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute . Looking for distance coursework on sensory-based, embodied and brain-wise approaches to expressive arts therapy and trauma-informed practice? Or do you want to just learn more about arts-based approaches, play therapy, creative intervention, and the expressive arts therapies that are applied in counseling, psychotherapy and integrative healthcare? The courses are designed for master's and doctoral level mental health professionals, coaching professionals, arts facilitators, educators and graduate students. 

Most courses are designed to meet continuing education requirements in the US and are 6 hours or 12 hours in length. This means that a 6 hour course should take learners approximately 6 hours to complete the readings, assignments and final exam or short paper. Our participants say that our courses take a little longer to complete than other online offerings because of hands-on assignments and the extensive material that is included in each course offering. We try to make your learning interesting by including not only standard quizzes and short answer questions, but also creative arts and play-based activities and podcasts, films and videos so that you can learn first hand about trauma-informed, creative interventions.

In 2020, Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute began offering online training and supervision opportunities in two tracks-- one for psychotherapy professionals [EXAT or Expressive Arts Therapist- Trauma-Informed] and another in coaching and education [EXA-CE or Expressive Arts Coach-Educator-Trauma-Informed]. Please visit the website at www.trauma-informedpractice.com for more information on these opportunities for certificates of completion and online course catalogues.

Expressive Arts as Healing Engagement

This segment is part of a more extensive course on innovative approaches to trauma treatment provided by PESI online. Go to this link for registration information and details .

phd expressive arts therapy online

Please note: This course has been greatly enhanced by the different perspectives and knowledge bases from the following: Ed Tronick, Martin H. Teicher, Cathy Malchiodi, Stephan Wolfert and Tarana J. Burke. Part of the proceeds will support the Trauma Research Foundation.

Intensive Trauma Treatment Course

phd expressive arts therapy online

  • Scroll to top

Strategic Plan 2022-2027

  • Request Info
  • OUKS Campus 785-521-3818
  • OUAZ Campus 855-546-1342
  • Online & Evening 855-774-7714
  • Refer Friends

Expressive Arts Therapy Concentration

Studying Expressive Arts Therapy at Ottawa University, you can take an arts-based approach to counseling and psychotherapy that integrates various expressive disciplines to assist individuals in self-expression and self-discovery. Expressive arts therapy for children and adults has been effective when traditional counseling may not reach certain individuals.

Designed for practicing professionals who wish to become a licensed professional counselor, our expressive arts therapy courses will teach you how to use artistic experiences to aid health, healing, human growth and development with a wide variety of populations and ages. A background in the arts is an entry requirement for this program. 

Expressive therapy skills in visual arts, movement, drama, music and writing can be powerful tools when used to foster deep personal and community development.

Ottawa University offers Expressive Arts Therapy as a concentration within the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), or as a certificate of advanced graduate studies, designed to help you pursue the art therapy career you want. Upon completion, you may seek jobs that require art therapy certifications, such as:

  • Art therapist
  • Psychotherapist
  • Social worker

For more information on our CAGS in Expressive Arts Therapy or any of Ottawa University's certificate programs,  contact us  today.

Requirements for art therapy certifications/licenses vary state to state. Students are responsible for checking the requirements for their respective states.

View detailed information about our Expressive Arts Therapy program .

       

Expressive Arts Therapy is offered at the following locations.

  • Overland Park, Kansas
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Brookfield, Wisconsin

Expressive Arts Therapy Concentration Courses

Expressive Arts Therapy |   Examines theories, techniques and applications of play, art, music, dance and other expressive therapeutic approaches. Applications and Integration of Expressive Arts |  Integration of counseling foundational coursework and art applications and approaches. Content from individual and group counseling, human development, multicultural awareness, abnormal behavior, assessment and professional ethics and practice. Multi-arts expressions include, but are not limited to, art, play, music, dance/movement, drama, and writing. Principles, Techniques, and Practice in Expressive Arts Therapy |   Examines principles and techniques for clinical practice of art therapy in residential, out-patient and private practice settings. Includes potential in art for the development of emotional, social, perceptual and cognitive strengths in children and adults. Clinical Issues in Expressive Arts |   Advanced study of Expressive Arts Therapy assessment, treatment planning and techniques as applied to selected client disorders and issues in education and clinical practice. Advanced Special Topics in Counseling |   Advanced elective graduate topics in the field of Counseling.

Master of Arts in Counseling Required Courses

Graduate Counseling Seminar in Clinical Foundations |   Provides an overview addressing necessary foundations in the content areas of abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and theories of personality. Introduction to APA style and format. Counseling Theories |   Examination of theories of personality development and therapeutic processes. Consideration of techniques for counseling applications and professional consultation. Social/Cultural Concerns in Counseling |   Study of social, cultural and gender differences and issues related to counseling clients with various backgrounds, beliefs and concerns. Includes multicultural counseling techniques. Counseling and the Helping Professions |   Examines counseling process, instruction and practice in communication skills in counseling, history, development and practice of counseling as a profession, and how and where counseling is provided. Human Growth and Development |   Examination of psychological, social, intellectual, and physical influences on the development of personality and behavior patterns in children, adolescents and adults. Group Counseling and Dynamics |   Theories of group counseling. Includes techniques of observation, assessment and leadership in therapeutic groups. Methods and Models of Research |   Examination of models of research and application of scientific methods to investigate, analyze, and develop solutions relative to current issues in the field. Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling |   Study of ethical, legal and professional concerns in the practice of counseling. Psychological Testing |   Examines use of standardized tests to study individuals, including test development, selection, administration and interpretation. Includes educational and mental health applications. Life Planning and Career Development |   Focus on theory, research, techniques and tools used in life planning, transitions and career development. Theory/Techniques in Marriage and Family Counseling |   Examination of traditional and contemporary theories of family systems and approaches to marriage and family counseling. Advanced Psychodiagnostic and Treatment Planning |   As a preparation for Clinical Internship, students will expand their knowledge of the multi-axial system, DSM-5 diagnostic categories, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Emphasis will also be placed on the clinical interview and other initial assessment techniques, as well as skills critical to selecting and evaluating treatment options. Intro to Substance Addictions and Related Disorders |   Introduction to patterns, causes, assessment and treatment of substance abuse and other addictive disorders. Student begins preparation of required portfolio. Internship |   900 hours and seven semesters.

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission .

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
  • National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

  • Colleges of Distinction 2021-22
  • GOLD Military Friendly School 2021-22

Why Choose Ottawa Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

 alt=

Master of Arts in Counseling (45 unit)

Our vision imagines a region and world in which everyone has access to an inspiring education and the psychological tools and support to propel them toward flourishing lives of meaning, purpose and connection.  our education is characterized by strong values, social justice, transformative, diverse community..

The 45-unit MA in Counseling program is for students who wish to pursue work in which they will use counseling skills in a non-mental health setting but that still requires a Master’s degree. Examples of such work include career counseling, academic counseling in a college setting, behavioral health counseling in a medical setting, or pastoral counseling as a minister or lay person.  Students should be aware that such a degree will not make them eligible for licensure as an MA-level psychotherapist, nor can they transfer courses to a licensure-track program at a later date (per state regulations). Graduates of this program have found work in a variety of fields, including serving as an academic counselor in the community college system, a career counselor or doing student life work in a wide range of college settings. This degree is also appropriate for students preparing for doctoral work in Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology. Students in this program also have the option of taking courses centered in one of our emphasis areas.

MA in Counseling Highlights

  • Classes held both in-person and online
  • 2 year full-time program (part-time available), start in any term
  • Emphases  available
  • $726/unit tuition, with over $2 million in Scholarships  available.

Curriculum & Electives

Emphases & concentrations.

We offer five specialized interest areas. Our four emphases function like a minor. Students who don't choose an emphasis may choose from a variety of electives. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concentration is similar to the emphases, but requires additional elective coursework.

A focus on culturally and linguistically appropriate counseling experiences centered on a deep understanding of Latino culture, ethnicity, acculturation, and immigration.

Apply psychology to issues of well-being, stress and stress management, the modification of health behaviors, health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention.

Offering training in the application of counseling to issues of gender, diversity in sexual identity and expression, oppression, discrimination, and acculturation, among other topics.

Graduates work in community and law enforcement agencies, private practice, schools, correctional institutions, mental health and rehabilitation facilities, and group homes.

Students will be trained to develop greater proficiency in supporting children, teens, and young adults. Coursework will focus on: issues in early intervention and infancy; issues in school-based settings; developmentally-appropriate interventions; working with disabled children and youth; trauma- informed care; evidence-based approaches to working with children and youth, including short term therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, expressive arts therapy, family therapy, and much more.

One Column

"After having just graduated from UC Berkeley, I was seeking a program that would provide me both a community and a solid academic foundation. And today I am so grateful to say that SCU’s Counseling and Psychology program gave me exactly that. It’s because of the relationships, the knowledge, and the practice I received from this program did I then have the opportunity to become the type of therapist I had sought out to be."

 - Kimberly Panelo, ’10, Counseling Psychology

phd expressive arts therapy online

phd expressive arts therapy online

Expressive Arts Therapy

Nature-based expressive arts therapy live webinar series january-february 2024.

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy with Elizabeth Warson PhD, and Cathy Malchiodi, PhD; five Live Webinar sessions on January 4, 11, 18, 25, and February 1, 2024; 15hrs of CE/PD; early registration until December 28, 2023; December 29th, 2023, price goes to $319

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series 2024!

Five-Session Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Nature-Based and Expressive Arts Approaches Starting January 4, 2024; 15 CE or Professional Development Hours

art work by Cathy Malchiodi PhD-- collage about nature and mountain trails

Course curriculum

Let's get started.

▶️ ZOOM LIVE format: notes and tips!

Walkthrough this Live Webinar Site and Its Features

About Your Instructors

Equine-Assisted Expressive Arts Therapy | An Introduction to Dr. Warson's Work

Syllabus, Goals and Objectives of this Course

Special Note About Materials and Expressive Arts Assignments!

Supplies for This Full Webinar Series

Introduce Yourself Here!

Nature Images for Collage and Course Experientials

More Nature Images for Collage and Contemplation

Regarding the Use of Material in this Course

Session One: Introduction to the Principles of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

▶️ ZOOM Link and Supplies!

What is Expressive Arts Therapy? A Review or an Introduction!

The MSSS Model of Expressive Arts and Nature-Based Approaches: Cultural, Psychotherapeutic, Counseling, and Educational Perspectives

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy: An Introduction

Nature-Based Approaches: Ecotherapy

Ecotherapy and Nature-Based Therapy: Definitions of Terms

Efficacy of Nature-Based Therapy

Resensitizing the Body Through Expressive Arts

Attention Restoration Theory: A Positive Psychology, Nature-Focused Concept

Continuum of Expressive Arts Therapy and Ecotherapy and Nature-Based Practices

How Might Contact with Nature Promote Human Health? A Mini Overview

Nature Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy

The Privilege of Nature During a Pandemic

Climate Grief and Collective Trauma

Therapeutic Landscapes

Indoor Gardening and Art

Thoughts on the Environment and How We Can Become Transformative

Warson References

Warson } PPT | Session 1

Replay Session One Part One

Replay Session One Part Two

Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---*Required

Survey: Experiences with the Living Journal

Session Two: Engaging the Senses through Nature-Based Approaches

A Review: What is Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy? An Integrative Approach to Trauma and Restoration of the Self via Psychology Today

Film Presentation: Foundations of Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi

The Five Sense Benefits of Nature: A Chart

Releasing Stress Through Music: The Role of Nature Sounds

Nature Sounds Research: Evidence for What Supports Wellness

Be Your Own Researcher -- Sound Senses Number One: River Sounds

Sound Senses Number Two: Winds Sounds

Sound Senses Number Three: Singing Birds

Evidence: Processing Sensory Experiences to Address Posttraumatic Stress

Somatic Awareness Measure

Measuring Somatic Awareness: Research

Dysregulation Measurement

Visual Journaling Research

Visual Journaling | Health Promotion

American Indian Medicine and Expressive Arts Therapy

Equine-Assisted Nature Based Therapy

Sunkawakan ta Wounspe: The Power of Teachings from the Horse

Biomarker Research in Art Therapy

Bilateral Movement & Artmaking

Native Dancers at Red Rock Canyon | Grass Dance

Replay Session Two Part One

Replay Session Two Part Two

Definition of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

A Continuum of Nature-Based Expressive Arts

Warson PPT | Session 2

Session Three: The Awe of Nature and the Nature of Awe

A White Paper on the Experience of Awe

The Positive Impact of Awe

Film Presentation: The Art and Science of Awe and How Culture Shapes It

10 Indigenous Holistic Healing Practices What Can Western Psychotherapy Learn from First Nation Practices?

The Calm and Connection Theory: The Instorative Impact of Nature

What is Oxytocin? A Summary!

Nature and Social Connectedness: Evidence

Spirituality in Nature

Spirals | Universal Miracle of Nature

Nature Connectedness

Nature and Self-Regulation

Add Your Fractal Poems Here! Optional!

Share and Discuss Your Fractal Poems Here -- Optional!

The Great Reindeer Migration | An Awe Experience

Replay Session Three Part One

Replay Session Three Part Two

Replay Session Three Part Three...Just a Little More!

Living Journal | "Prompts"

Living Journal Check-In

Warson PPT 3

Film: Awe Experiential

Session Four: Cross-Cultural Approaches to Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

Forest Bathing: A Somatosensory Bath in Nature

Evidence: Forest Bathing and Therapeutic Value

Indigenous Nature Connection

Indigenous Wellness and Animal Assisted Therapy

Are There Nature Archetypes? Evidence for 10 Types

A Cultural View of the Elements of Nature: An Infographic

Exploring the Concept of Mandala within Nature-Based, Expressive Approaches

Nature-Based Drama Therapy from a South African Perspective

Spirit of the Horse

Trans-Species Art | Exploring Intersectional Views of Ecology and Environment

Special Journal Issue on Nature-Assisted Arts Therapies

Open Access to Special Journal Issue on Nature-Assisted Arts Therapies

Maria's Story | Clay Reconnection

The "Arts Based Research" and Field Notes Templates

Replay Session Four Part One

Replay Session Four Part Two

Warson PPT 4

Session Five: Expressive Arts Therapy and Nature-Based Interventions : Supporting Mental Health and Restoration of the Self

Six-Step Model of Nature-Based Therapy Process

5 Ways Mental Health Depends on Nature and "Green Scenery"

Unplug that Plasma Screen, Take Two Doses of Nature, and Call Me in the Morning

Can Simulated Nature Support Mental Health?

Nature-Based Guided Imagery: Evidence

Editorial | Dance Movement Therapy & Ecotherapy

Music Therapy and Climate Crisis

Community Ecotherapy

Trees don’t rush to heal from trauma and neither should we...thought-provoking article on trauma healing and recovery

Transpersonal Eco Arts

Warson PPT 5

Replay Session Five Part One

Replay Session Five Part Two

Replay Session Five Part Three

Bonus Materials: Bringing It All Together and Additional Readings and Resources

Nature Connected Art Therapy Pedagogy

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Resource

Related EXAT Facebook Groups

Final Steps: Completing the Live Webinar Series

Final Steps to Your Certificate

Course Evaluation

Final Questions

Instructor(s)

phd expressive arts therapy online

Institute Faculty

Elizabeth Warson, PhD

Lead Institute Faculty

phd expressive arts therapy online

Cathy Malchiodi PhD

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate Program

Complete Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy and You Are On Your Way!

Required Trainings :

1) Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series 

2) Advanced Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Webinar Series: Healing Trauma and Loss with Nature 202 3) 

3) Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Foundation Course [online study] OR Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Level One Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series OR Level Two (Circle of Capacity) Live Webinar Series

Also Required--Chose Any Two of the Following Trainings:

1) Annual Expressive Arts Therapy Retreat In-Person Training in New Mexico 

2) Equine-Assisted Expressive Arts Therapy In-Person Training in Fort Collins, Colorado [offered again in 2023]

3) Bilateral Stimulation and Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series 

4) Expressive Arts Therapy and the Circle of Capacity [Level Two] Live Webinar Series `

5) Polyvagal-Focused and Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series

Visit this link to register for this program: https://expressive-arts-therapy.thinkific.com/courses/nature-based-expressive-arts-certificate-program  

Complete the Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate

$75.00 nature-based expressive arts practitioner certificate program, frequently asked questions about this live webinar series.

Yes-- we record the lecture portions of the events for replay and you can watch them for 45 days after the event. We do not post the experiential portions of the event where participants are sharing experiences to protect participants' confidentiality.

January 4, 2024 from 12 noon-3:00 pm, January 11, 2024 from 12 noon-3:00 pm, January 18, 2024 from 12 noon-3:00 pm. January 25, 2024 from 12 noon-3:00 pm February 1, 2024 from 12 noon-3:00 pm All times are US Eastern Time/New York Time

Once you complete all the required sections of the course site, you will automatically receive a Certificate of Completion for "Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series --a pdf downloadable on your Thinkific course site." 15 hours of approved NBCC Continuing Education credits/Professional Development hours (3 hours specific to multicultural content)

Nature-Based approaches are increasingly becoming part of work with trauma survivors as well as other individuals with various challenges. Gaining a deeper understanding of these approaches is important to all practitioners who work with individuals with traumatic stress. Various approaches found in Polyvagal Theory, sensorimotor and bilateral stimulation methods, and expressive arts therapy are foundational to this form of treatment.

Yes, of course! This is great opportunity to add to your knowledge of how expressive work can be integrated with nature-based work and understand the principles that support this integration.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education Information

Please note:  This course includes  total of 15 Continuing  Education credits/ Professional development Hours, 3 hours of which are of "multicultural content" related to applications of nature-based approaches in counseling and psychotherapy. This will be indicated on your certificate for credential or license renewal.

phd expressive arts therapy online

International Expressive Arts Therapy Association [IEATA].  Many participants go on to apply for the REAT or REACE credential with IEATA and use our expressive arts therapy coursework to do so. Please check with IEATA to make sure you are meeting their current requirements for registration and let us know if you need additional information to help you qualify.

Psychotherapy and Counseling Fedration of Australia [PACFA] . Many of our Australian participants indicate that these hours are accepted by PACFA---Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia. Please check with PACFA to verify this and let us know if you require any additional information for this organization to qualify your professional development hours.

Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association [CCPA] . Many of our Canadian participants indicate that these hours are accepted by CCPA for certain professional development requirements. Please check with CCPA to verify this and let us know if you require any additional information for this organization to qualify your professional development hours.

CPD hours [Professional Development] are currently in the application stage. We also welcome teachers to this course; please contact us for additional information.

Video: Entrainment, Synchrony, and Trauma

A Nature-Based Approach to Regulation and Restoration

Apply This Course Toward EXAT or EXA-CE Designations

This Live Webinar Series is offered as a continuing education course and also as hours if you are completing the EXAT or EXA-CE designations with our Institute. See  https://expressive-arts-therapy.thinkific.com/pages/exat  for details.

Photo by Cathy Malchiodi PhD

Add Your Email to the Mailing List to Get the Latest Updates on Our Courses

Please enter a valid email address

Oops, something went wrong. Please try again with a different email address.

You May Be Interested In...

Online Home Study Courses

All Courses, Online Home Study Courses

Expressive Arts Therapy | Contemporary Approaches to Practice

phd expressive arts therapy online

Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy | History and Foundational Practices

phd expressive arts therapy online

Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy: Foundation Course*

phd expressive arts therapy online

Resilience, Posttraumatic Growth and Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy (Part One)

phd expressive arts therapy online

phd expressive arts therapy online

IEATA International Expressive Arts Therapy Association ®

EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY RESOURCES

(Multi- Modal)

Certificate Programs

*Please note this information is not being updated. A new education and training directory is being created with  searchable function to view: ​ https://ieata.memberclicks.net/profession

North America

APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy  

Appalachian State University offers a Post Master's Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. Individuals who hold a master's degree in counseling or other mental health related area or a master's degree in an arts therapy field are eligible to apply. In addition, students pursuing a master's degree in the Human Development and Psychological Counseling Department or related helping disciplines may pursue the Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy in addition to and in conjunction with their master's degree. The Graduate Certificate In Expressive Arts Therapy requires 18 hours of coursework. At this time, we do not offer low residency or online options for completing the certificate. Intensive Institutes are offered each summer providing continuing education and training for professionals in the field. Please visit https://expressivearts.appstate.edu/program/graduate-certificate-expressive-arts-therapy for more information.  

Karen Caldwell, PhD

Professor and Coordinator of the Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate

email and phone should be changed to  [email protected]

828-262-6045

CREATIVE CLINICAL CONSULTING LLC

GROVE, IL (Western Suburbs of Chicago)

Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy  

Flexible entry (new students may enter at any time)

Courses offered nights, weekends, and week-long summer sessions for working professionals and students.

Azizi Marshall, MA, RDT/BCT, LCPC, Expressive Arts Therapist, Founder & CEO

847-477-8244

[email protected]

www.creativeclinicalconsulting.com

FIVE BRANCHES UNIVERSITY

SAN JOSE, CA

Certificates in: Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts: Foundations and Advanced Practice Levels; Expressive Arts in Healthcare and Mind-Body Medicine: Foundations and Advanced Practice Levels CONTACT

Laury Rappaport, Ph.D., MFT, REAT, ATR-BC, 408-260-0208

[email protected]

www.fivebranches.edu/extension/mind-body-medicine/2033

EXPRESSIVE ARTS FLORIDA INSTITUTE

SARASOTA, Florida

A 2-level Certificate Program in Intermodal Expressive Arts 

Intensives in January, April and October

Flexible entry

Online mentoring and supervision

Creative Wisdom: Introductory Online Training in Expressive Arts CONTACT

Kathleen Horne, MA, LMHC, REAT, REACE

[email protected]

www.expressiveartsflorida.com

JOHN F KENNEDY UNIVERSITY

PLEASANT HILL, CA

Certificate in Expressive Arts  

CONTACT Helena Marsala;  [email protected] , 925-969-3153

www.jfku.edu/Programs-and-Courses/Continuing-Extended-Education/Expressive-Arts.html

LESLEY UNIVERSITY

CAMBRIGDE, MA  

CAGS in Expressive Therapy  (36 credits):

www.lesley.edu/gsass/exp_cags.html  

Certificate of Expressive Therapy

for Mental Health Professionals  (15 credits):

www.lesley.edu/gsass/exp_certificate.html

CONTACT Mitchell Kossak, 877-453-7539, 617-349-8167

[email protected]  or  [email protected]

SOFIA UNIVERSITY

PALO ALTO, CA Certificate in Creative Expression: G-MATP Pathway

http://www.sofia.edu/academics/certificate-in-creative-expression-g-matp-pathway/

CONTACT Nancy Rowe, PhD

[email protected]

650-493-4430

FLEMING COLLEGE

HALIBURTON, ONTARIO, CANADA

Multi-modal applied learning experience designed to complement the professional skills people already have (8 credits) CONTACT

Shelley Schell

866-353-6464 ext 6730

[email protected]

https://flemingcollege.ca/programs/expressive-arts

SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY FOR INTEGRATIVE STUDIES

SAN DIEGO, CA

Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy CONTACT

Christina Versari, PhD, 619-297-1999

[email protected][email protected]

www.sduis.edu

Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute

SEATTLE, WA

Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy via our Professional Training Program CONTACT

Main Contact: Sibel Golden, PhD, LMHC, REAT Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute [email protected] 206-784-9276

https://seattlearttherapy.org/  

Expressive Arts Institute

SAN DIEGO since 1998

Master's Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy in cooperation with European Graduate School

Professional Diploma for Master's level therapists

Coaching Certificate

All classes online during the COVID-1 pandemic.  In-person to resume when safe!

Judith Greer Essex PhD

< [email protected] >

INTERNATIONAL

MERIDIAN UNIVERSITY

Person-Centered Expressive Arts Certificate Program

This unique PCEA Certificate Program for 2015/2017 combines the person-centered philosophy and experiential learning with the enhanced interplay of movement, art, writing, improvisation, and sound to foster creativity, self-exploration, self-empowerment, mind-body awareness, personal growth, and healing. Participants come from around the globe to use expressive arts in counseling, teaching, mediation, social action and group facilitation, and/or to awaken personal growth and creativity.

CONTACT Sue Ann Herron,  [email protected]

Terri Goslin-Jones, [email protected]

Complete dates and course descriptions  www.personcenteredexpressivearts.com

WISDOM UNIVERSITY

Multiple locations  

Certificate in Arts and Healing

2-year multi-modal program integrates both didactics and art-making. The University of Creation Spirituality, founded by Matthew Fox, became Wisdom University in 2005, and the Art and Healing program was established in 2007.  

CONTACT Bruce Silverman,

Director of Masters Studeies and Director of the Art & Healing Program

[email protected]

Claire Ryle Garrison, Program Coordinator

415-388-2114

[email protected]

www.wisdomuniversity.org

CELA - Center for English Language & Creative Arts

1) ICAF - Intermodal Creative Arts Facilitator

prepares candidates to facilitate individual and group sessions using intermodal Creative Arts approaches  

2) ICAT - Intermodal Creative Arts Therapist

facilitate individual and group intermodal Creative Arts Therapy sessions.

CONTACT Roselle O’Brien, REAT, REACE

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.celaonline.com

EL COLECTIVO MACONDO

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Certificate Program in Multimodal Expressive Arts

Programa de Formacion en las Artes Expresivas con Diploma

(Available In English and Spanish!)

Ofrecemos Todo Nuestro Programa de las Artes Expresivas con Diploma en Ingles y tambien en Espanol!

The program is composed of three parts: (1) a series of Multimodal Expressive Arts and Cultural Training Workshops offered in varied cities and communities in Mexico; (2) three (or more) Individually Designed Academic Courses via Distance Learning; (3) a Culminating Project; and (4) Students may also elect to do an optional Supervised Practicum or Supervised Fieldwork of 200-500 hours.

Ofrecemos Nuestro Programa completo en Ingles y tambien en Espanol Nuestro programa esta compuesto de tres partes (1) una serie de talleres de Las Artes Expresivas que toman lugar en varias ciudades y comunidades en Mexico, (2) Tres (o mas de tres segun la preferencia de la estudianta) Cursos Individualizados a la distancia de las teorias y los procesos de las Artes Expresivas Multimodal, (3) Un Proyecto final que es una sintheses de todas las experiencias del programa y los intereses especificas de la estudianta, (4) Segun las metas de la estudianta, se puede elegir participar en una practica con supervision de 200-500 horas.

CONTACT Wendy Phillips, Ph.D., LMFT, REACE;

404-798-1061

[email protected]

www.elcolectivo.diasporacitizen.com

www.blog.diasporacitizen.com

EUROPEAN GRADUATE SCHOOL

WALLIS, SWITZERLAND

CAGS as an Expressive Arts Trainer CONTACT

Paolo Knill, Faculty,

Provost of EGS,

+41 (0)27 474 99 17

[email protected]

www.egsuniversity.ch

Note: Affiliated with Appalachian State University (Keith M. Davis at [email protected]). Programs exchange/transfer academic credits. In Europe, affiliated with Hochschule fur Musik und Theater,

Hamburg, Germany (Gabriele Bastians at [email protected])  

UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA

Malaysia/ Brunei/ Indonesia

"Dialogue with The Arts” (Humanistic Creative-Expressive Arts Therapy )    Two year certification programs Affiliated with Universiti Utara Malaysia, conducted via face to face ( experiential learning) and online meeting with International experts (mainly REAT & REACE, IEATA). This two-year programs offering certificates with a concentration on creative-expressive arts therapies utilizing variety of practices under three main domain of visual arts therapy, expressive arts therapy and expressive-play therapy with wider International engagements and networking’s. Our approaches, namely "Dialogue with the Arts" refers to the use of creative-expressive arts & play materials or activities which provide additional language for conversation that are more visual and kinesthetic to assist peoples to understand and discover themselves in many different ways. Dialogue with the Arts emphasis on people`s perception, affection and cognition. "Dialogue with the Arts", emerged from scientific research outcomes, can be apply for human development, counselling and therapy, coaching, consulting, motivational, educational, parenting, as well as personal and professional changes. Dialogue with the Arts involves five stages of knowledge & skills practices: S1) Step the Avenue; S2) Connection Platform; S3) Relational Experiences; S4) Middle Pathway; and S5) Peak Vista. Our programs based on International perspective, knowledge and experiences, mainly follow IEATA`s guidelines and requirements as expressive arts therapist or educator.

Certificate in "Dialogue with The Arts”- Integrative Expressive Arts (8 Credits)   Certificate in Expressive Arts-Therapy (15 Credit)

Certificate in Expressive Play-Therapy (15 Credit)  

Coordinator : Dr Azizah Abdullah (  KB.PA ) Senior Lecturer Universiti Utara Malaysia

Registred Counsellor (Board of Counsellor, Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development, Malaysia)

Email:  [email protected]

Alternate Email:  [email protected]

The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association® (IEATA®) provides these resources as a courtesy for those interested in exploring the expressive arts. IEATA® assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of this information. IEATA® is not connected with any listed organization and does not endorse any educational institution as an official expressive arts training program. Individuals seeking a career in the expressive arts are encouraged to seek appropriate counseling from the institution of their choice. IEATA® and its representatives are not able to provide recommendations for any of these programs. If you know of a program or school that could be added to our listing, please contact the  Educational Resources Committee

to creative arts programs

phd expressive arts therapy online

Search form (GSE) 1

Clinical mental health counseling: dance/movement therapy.

  • Overview & Curriculum
  • Program Features
  • Program Costs
  • Apply Now Request More Info

Move people toward wellness.

Dance/movement therapy is a powerful, creative, and effective method of mental health treatment. At Lesley, investigate the power of dance and movement as a therapeutic outlet for individuals, groups, and communities. As you train to qualify as both a dance/movement therapist and licensed mental health counselor, be mentored by faculty who innovate in the field. From them, learn proven strategies for opening channels of expression and nonverbal communication.

Here, you’ll learn to address the emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual health of individuals using dance as a lens for observation, research, and intervention. Throughout your studies, you’ll increase your awareness of socio-cultural dynamics in yourself and others, and become skilled in intrapersonal reflections, integrating theory and practice, making connections with different populations, and building community. Our dance/movement specialization encourages you to become a critical thinker, creative and reflective practitioner, and instrument of therapeutic and social change. Your professors will be prominent therapists in the field, with specializations that include children, adolescents, adults, older adults, conflict resolution, trauma, family systems, somatic and spiritual development, and more.

Program Structure

3-Year Program, Full-Time; On-Campus or Low-Residency Formats

  • To enroll in this program, you’ll need to show proof of your: - Bachelor’s degree, preferably in your artistic discipline or psychology with a GPA of 3.0 or better - Expertise in at least two different dance or movement forms - Demonstrate an ability to move in a connected and kinesthetically informed way through video portfolio submission - Life experience and/or volunteer work related to human services - Anatomy and Kinesiology course with a grade B or higher - 6 credits of completed coursework in psychology with grades of B or better. Not all coursework must be complete before you apply. Contact Graduate Admissions for details.
  • Required dance/movement therapy courses in dance/movement therapy theory, body/movement observation, group work, research and evaluation, and more
  • Required core courses in expressive therapies theory, research, and practice, human development, and ethics
  • Field experience including clinical skills and applications coursework and supervised internship experiences

Program Goals and Learning Statement

Learn more about the expected program goals that our Expressive Therapies master's degree programs meet.

The goal of the Expressive Therapies master’s degree programs is to provide students the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to practice in a range of professional settings, including health care facilities, schools, community agencies, and private practices. The Expressive Therapies 60-credit programs meet the academic and field training requirements for mental health counselor licensure (LMHC) in Massachusetts. (Students intending to work outside of Massachusetts are advised to review their state's regulations to determine their eligibility for licensure.) Specialization tracks prepare graduates for certification or registration by their respective professional associations.  

The Expressive Therapies faculty established these program goals. Aligned with the mission of Lesley and the Graduate School of Arts & Social Sciences, they are also specific to the Graduate Expressive Therapies Department, with deep consideration of our program’s history and the contemporary landscape of expressive therapies and mental health counseling.

1. Dual Identity as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Expressive Therapist  

Students will demonstrate a dual identity as a clinical mental health counselor and expressive therapist, and an understanding of the ways in which the professions enhance and complement one another. 

2. Professional Orientation and Ethics  

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the counseling profession and their modality profession. Students will demonstrate the capacity to provide counseling services within the ethical codes of the counseling profession and their modality specializations, and with an understanding of legal issues. 

3. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Theory  

Students will gain substantial knowledge of core counseling theories as applied to individual and group processes, skills, and approaches. 

4. Human Development Across the Lifespan  

Students will assess and cultivate an understanding of human growth and development throughout the lifespan, including an understanding of arts-based development, and the connection between developmental theory, clinical issues. Students will be able to design interventions, as well as apply considerations of environmental, biological, and cultural factors. 

5. Clinical Skills and Helping Relationships  

Students will demonstrate counseling skills and techniques which exhibit awareness of self and other in the therapeutic relationship. Students will demonstrate the ability to document and evaluate progress towards treatment goals.  

6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  

Students will develop a critical multicultural lens of the sociocultural foundations in the counseling and expressive therapy process, including developing an awareness and knowledge of power, privilege, and oppression at the micro, macro, personal, and interpersonal levels. Students will develop strategies to identify and eliminate cultural barriers, prejudice, and discriminatory practices.  

7. Career Development  

Students will demonstrate knowledge of vocational counseling theory and apply career development methods to individual professional development. 

8. Group Process in Counseling and Expressive Therapies  

Students will develop a theoretical and embodied understanding of group process and dynamics, theory, skill, and approaches. 

9. Assessment  

Students will gain knowledge and skills in understanding and utilizing formal assessment instruments and information gathering techniques, used in case conceptualization, treatment planning. Students will also be able to analyze and critique assessment tools regarding ethical usage and multicultural competency.  

10. Research and Program Evaluation  

Students will develop the ability to locate, read, critique, and evaluate research to inform clinical practice. Through this activity, students will contribute knowledge to the profession of counseling and their modality specializations. 

11. Psycho-diagnostics and Treatment  

Students will gain an understanding of the broad spectrum of psychopathology and diagnostic criteria utilized in the current DSM 5 and ICD 10 to inform ethical clinical practice and evaluation within a diverse context. 

12. Trauma and Crisis Intervention  

 Students will demonstrate trauma-informed skills within clinical practice, including knowledge of crisis intervention, and risk and suicide assessment. Students will understand current research and application in how the arts are used in trauma-informed practice, including individual, community, cultural, and systemic complex trauma across the lifespan. 

13. Embodied, Experiential and Creative Clinical Practices  

Students will be able to articulate, embody, and apply the transformative nature of creativity and the arts intrapersonally, interpersonally, and clinically, demonstrating the integration of knowledge and skills within practice.   

14. Mental Health and Community Systems  

Students will demonstrate knowledge and apply skills associated with working in diverse communities and multi-disciplinary teams. Students will critically analyze methods of treatment, referral, and interdisciplinary collaboration from a global health perspective.  

15. Personal Growth, Insight, and Congruence  

Students will develop and engage in multifaceted processes which foster self-awareness, and awareness of others’ experiences with cultural sensitivity. Students will develop and begin to articulate and evidence, in their scholarship and clinical practices, their theoretical orientation.   

Students take courses in a scheduled sequence, where learning takes place in increments that align with their emerging competencies as clinicians. Following the program's course sequence ensures that students build upon knowledge and skills in a manner that maximizes their learning efforts, and that is appropriate and supportive, as they begin to practice in the field. 

expressive therapies music classroom

On-Campus Option

Become part of a community of artists and scholars in Cambridge while pursuing your degree. Gain in-person access to leaders in the field and benefit from Lesley’s professional network in and around Greater Boston and New England. Taking three to four courses per semester, immerse in rigorous study and complete your program within a three year sequence.

Best if you:

  • Live near Cambridge or are able to relocate
  • Enjoy the rigor of an intensive program and want to take advantage of internships in Greater Boston
  • Want face-to-face time with faculty and peers and to become integrated into campus life
  • Are not planning to work full-time during your studies

close up of hand drawing a mandela

Low-Residency Option

Participate in one 3-week summer residency per year on Lesley University’s Cambridge campus. Between residencies, continue your studies online with Lesley faculty and through supervised field experiences in your community. Your courses correspond with those of our on-campus program, and will be completed within three years.

  • Live at a distance
  • Enjoy the flexibility of online learning
  • Want to take fewer courses at a time
  • Would like to complete internships/research in your community

Lesley is not currently enrolling low-residency students who reside in Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, or Wisconsin. 

neusa araujo furtado dance therapy alumna

Neusa Araujo-Furtado ’17

For Neusa, traditional batuque dance is more than a means of staying in touch with her Cape Verdean roots. It’s a tool for educating and empowering others. Knowing full well the potential of dance to promote personal transformation, today she works with urban youth, using dance and movement techniques to facilitate healing, positive body image, and social skills.

Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to practice, and the licensure requirements within that state, there are different pathways toward licensure or credentialing that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, we strongly encourage prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts to visit the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing webpage and review the “Licensure Information for Students and Applicants” document for their specific program.

  • Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Public Schools
  • Therapeutic Schools
  • Residential Homes
  • Substance Abuse Clinics
  • AIDS Treatment Centers
  • Domestic Violence Shelters
  • Homeless Shelters

Hours you’ll spend turning theory into practice through field training and internships.

Athletics community members holding up a Lynx Nation sign

Remote Learning at Lesley University

Student talking in psychology class

Online Psychology Boot Camp

Vivien Marcow Speiser stands on South Campus

Fulbright Scholar to establish therapy program in Africa

Close-up of the architectural pillars on Lesley's campus.

Graduate Student Scholarships

Dance therapy program honored for innovation, of our 2019 graduating class is employed or furthering their education., a moving tribute to the iconic norma canner, gain professional credentials, ‘every grieving child needs support’, lesley dance/movement therapists win national recognition for contributions to the field.

Charles River with Boston skyline in the background

Discover Boston & Cambridge

Have questions about the expressive therapies master's program? View our frequently asked questions to find your answer.

When does the program start?  

The master’s program in expressive therapies only has one start term per year, which is summer. On-campus students have an online orientation course in July, with on-campus courses beginning in the fall. Low-residency students have an online orientation course in July followed by a 2-3 week on-campus residency, with online courses in the fall and spring. 

Do you offer the program online?  

Through the low-residency format, students attend an in-person summer residency each July on Lesley’s campus. In the fall and spring semesters, students continue their studies online with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous coursework. Field work is completed in their home community. The completion time for this model is 3 years (20 credits each year with 2-3 courses per semester). Internships take place in years 2 and 3, alongside coursework in the fall and spring semesters.  

Are the online courses in the low-residency program asynchronous or synchronous?  

Students in the low-residency program attend the on-campus residency each July. During the fall and spring semesters, students take their coursework online with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning.  

How do students in the low-residency programs stay connected as a learning community?  

During the 3-year program, students in the low-residency model come to campus each July for their residency. During this time, students and faculty make very strong connections that are fostered throughout the program. When learning online, students participate in both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Lesley’s Online Learning Platform also offers interactive tools that can be used for courses beyond just posting comments to a discussion board. You can use a collaborative tool to work on group projects, work with your class to find a time that works for everyone to video in to connect, instant message with faculty or peers, upload PowerPoint presentations and record yourself over the presentation as if you were giving it in person and faculty and peers can provide feedback. Faculty make the online work as engaging as possible and the in-person residency period is very hands-on and experiential! Students stay connected through email, phone, Zoom and social media as well! 

How is the on-campus model formatted?  

Our on-campus model has courses during the daytime, on weekdays, or in an intensive format as well (either a weekend-intensive course or a five-day intensive course). The completion time for this model is 3 years (20 credits each year with 3 courses per semester). Internships take place in years 2 and 3 alongside coursework in the fall and spring semesters. 

Can I continue to work full-time while in the program?  

We don’t typically recommend that students work full time while in the program. Our on-campus courses take place during the daytime as well as nights and weekends, and daytime courses cannot be avoided.  Please keep in mind that there are synchronous components to the low-residency model’s online coursework. Your place of employment would need to be flexible should you be required to attend your synchronous online course during regular business hours. 

In the low residency model, it may be possible to work full-time for the first year of the program, as long as you can take the required weeks off in July for residency. If you can find an internship site in your second year of the program that has nights and weekend hours, you may be able to complete the 15 hours/week that are needed and still work full time and come for residency in July.  The third year of the program, however, requires about 25 hours/week at your site, making it impossible to work full time, complete your coursework, and fulfill those hours.    

How do I submit my portfolio?  

Portfolios should be submitted on Slideroom.  Learn more about the portfolio requirements and how to set up an account with Slideroom .

If my GPA does not meet the preferred requirement of a 3.0 or higher, can I still apply?  

The program prefers that applicants have a GPA of a 3.0 or higher, however applicants with a lower GPA may still be reviewed. If you have a lower GPA and are concerned about it impacting your admissions decision, we recommend addressing this in your Written Personal Statement. You can address anything that may have affected your grades, or you can address why you believe you are prepared at this time to be successful in a graduate program. 

How do I select a writing sample?  

The Academic Writing Sample can be a previously written research-based paper from a college-level course. It should show your ability to think critically, synthesize information, and write at the academic level. Your submission can be on any topic and must be between 3 and 5 pages in length (double-spaced). If you have written a longer paper, you can submit an excerpt of 3-5 chronological pages (it is okay if the submission is out of context). If you do not have a paper from your previous studies, or if you graduated from college several years ago, you may choose to write a 3-5 page paper on a topic of interest. Please choose your best writing to submit for review.  

If admitted into the program, can I defer?  

If unexpected circumstances are preventing you from starting your Lesley graduate program in the term you were admitted, you may request to defer your enrollment for up to 1 year. You will be required to submit an enrollment deposit and deferral request form to hold your spot.  Learn more about the deferral process .

I am interested in more than one art modality. Can I apply to multiple programs?   

Although you can’t apply to more than one specialization, a unique aspect of our program is that you still get exposure to each of the art forms. Meaning, if you chose to pursue Drama Therapy, some of your core courses would still train you in the other expressive therapies in a therapeutic setting. This helps you down the road when you may be working with a client who may not respond to one specific modality. Theory and practice are interwoven into this program’s curriculum.  

Which prerequisites do I need in order to apply?

Art Therapy Program

Completed coursework in: Psychology (12 credits, including abnormal psychology and developmental psychology, with grades of B or better). Studio Art (18 credits, with grades of B or better). Not all coursework must be complete before you apply. Contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  Dance Therapy Program

6 credits of completed coursework in psychology with grades of B or better and Anatomy and Kinesiology with a grade of B or higher. Not all coursework must be complete before you apply. Contact Graduate Admissions for details.

Drama Therapy Program

6 credits of completed coursework in psychology with grades of B or better. Not all coursework must be complete before you apply. Contact Graduate Admissions for details.

Expressive Arts Therapy Program

3 credits of completed coursework in abnormal psychology and 3 credits of completed coursework in developmental psychology with grades of B or better. Not all coursework must be complete before you apply. Contact Graduate Admissions for details.

Music Therapy Program

6 credits of completed coursework in psychology with grades of B or better.

Principles and Practices of Music Therapy (3 credits) or a music therapy course that includes the history and survey of the profession, its theoretical approaches, and its application to various populations. Not all coursework must be complete before you apply. Contact Graduate Admissions for details.

How can I gain experience in the field of human services and learn more about Expressive Therapies?  

Prospective students can gain human service experience by pursuing community resources through volunteering and observation. This will greatly strengthen an application when ultimately applying to the program. Below are some resources for prospective students to explore: 

www.volunteermatch.com    

www.idealist.org  

Students may also learn about what types of work Expressive Therapists are doing in the field by exploring the resources below:    Art Therapy: American Art Therapy Association (AATA)     Expressive Arts Therapy: International Expressive Arts Therapy (IEATA)     Dance/Movement Therapy: American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)     Drama Therapy: North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA)     Music Therapy: American Music Therapy: American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)    

Voices  – An online journal that looks at social justice through the use of Music Therapy.  

Jessica Kingsley Publishers  – A publishing company that houses reading material for all creative arts therapies. 

Barcelona Publishers  – A publishing company “dedicated entirely to the field of music therapy” with the goal of expanding and moving the field forward.  

How can I schedule an appointment to learn more? 

Please click on the links below to schedule a time to meet with admissions or visit our campus.

Schedule an Appointment with a Graduate Admissions Counselor

Attend an Information Session or Campus Tour

  • Dance Therapist
  • Recreation Therapist
  • Creative Therapist
  • Activity Therapist
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Movement Therapist
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Mental Health Clinics
  • Psychiatric Clinics
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Correctional Facilities
  • Inpatient and Outpatient Facilities

faculty Valerie Blanc

Valerie Blanc

Assistant Professor/Coordinator of Dance Movement Therapy

Valerie Blanc, PhD, LMHC, BC-DMT, CMA, has been a part of the Lesley dance/movement therapy specialization faculty since 2011 and as a core faculty since 2018. She is currently the Coordinator of the Dance/Movement Therapy specialization working with a vibrant team of innovative educators. She teaches in both the on campus and hybrid low residency distance learning programs and was a part of the design team to create the low residency curriculum. Her teaching work includes the DMT Theories courses, Clinical Applications and Supervision, and the span of Body Movement Observation courses. She has been an integral part of curricular redesign in these courses, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the dance/movement therapy pedagogy both at Lesley and nationally.  

Currently, Valerie is a dance/movement therapist in private practice specializing in work with young children and their families as well as and clinical supervision. Her clinical experience has centered around work with children with a focus on work with attachment patterns and sensory integration work- especially with the deaf population. She has extensive experience in inpatient psychiatric work with children and adolescents as well as community mental health support. She worked for 13 years with the Boston Children’s Foundation implementing the Rainbowdance and CBI programs in acute trauma response and resiliency building utilizing the expressive therapies. She acted as a lead trainer in the Rainbowdance and CBI programs, traveling to Taiwan, Mississippi, and New Jersey in response to acute natural disasters in these areas.  

Valerie’s research interests center around the pedagogical practices of dance/movement therapy and building pedagogical theory in the field. Her recent research studies have explored the dance/movement therapy hybrid low residency student’s sense of embodied presence in their core courses as well as pedagogical practices of dance/movement therapy educators in ADTA approved programs. She was also part of the planning committee for the 2020 international Pathways to Practice: Conversations in Arts Therapies Education conference, as well as co-leading ongoing departmental workshops exploring pedagogical themes in the expressive therapies at Lesley. In collaboration with music therapy colleague she has also explored a critical perspective of the histories of dance/movement therapy and music therapy through a duo-ethnographic and arts based lens.  

With national and local leadership in professional organizations, she has acted on the American Dance Therapy Association’s Committee on Approval, collaborating with educators across the United States to assure educational standards for DMT education. She is also an active member of the ADTA Education Committee where she currently asks on several task forces addressing educational standards revision, critical examination of movement observation lenses in DMT, and revision of the application process for board certification in the field.  

Valerie grew up in Massachusetts where she now lives with her husband, two children, and pug. She is active in the arts community in Cambridge and dances with the Guardians of Isadora dance group who perform the repertoire of Isadora Duncan.   

Photograph of Wendy Allen smiling at the camera.

Wendy Allen

Associate Professor, Dance/Movement Therapy

Wendy Allen PhD, LPC, BC-DMT (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Graduate Expressive Therapies, Dance/Movement Therapy program.

Prior to coming to Lesley, Wendy was chair of the Somatic Counseling Department at Naropa University where she was a core faculty member from 2011-2022. From 2014-2021, Wendy was also the director of the Dance/ Movement Therapy program at Naropa. Wendy has taught at Illinois State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, and Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Wendy completed her PhD at Lesley University in 2019. Her current research explores the themes of power, oppression, and privilege by examining the somatic aspects of internalized domination and white body supremacy and their impact on empathy and attunement in the therapeutic movement relationship. As a clinician Wendy has worked with a variety of populations in state mental health facilities, residential treatment centers, and outpatient facilities. She specializes in group work with adolescents and recently co-authored two chapters on adolescents, dance/movement therapy, and social justice.

Wendy has served on the American Dance Therapy Association’s Committee on Approval and Education Committee since 2009. As a member of the Education Committee, Wendy has co-created and co-presented several seminars for educators on inclusivity and social justice in dance/movement therapy pedagogy at the annual ADTA Conference.

Wendy is deeply committed to the ongoing practice of examining and interrogating her privileged and marginalized identities and social locations. She is grateful to walk this path with others and is passionate about continuing to learn and grow while supporting students to become effective and ethical socially-just clinicians.

Faculty member Meg Change

Instructor of Dance/Movement Therapy

Meg Chang, EdD, BC-DMT, LCAT, NCC, is a board-certified and New York State licensed dance/movement therapist. Core faculty in the Lesley University Expressive Therapy Division, Meg coordinated the Dance/Movement Therapy program from 1993-1996. Recently she was adjunct faculty and in 2018-2019 was a visiting scholar in the Dance/Movement Therapy program. A certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher, she teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital Center For Mindfulness, in Worcester, MA for people with a range of medical and psychological concerns.

In addition to her clinical practice, Meg served as National Treasurer of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) for two terms and is a founding member of the Multicultural and Diversity Committee of the ADTA Board of Directors. She is a frequent presenter at the ADTA Annual conference where she was invited to present pre-conference training seminars. In 2018 she was the keynote speaker for the New England ADTA conference Traversing Cultural Differences and Challenges. A member of the NYC CATS of Color (New York City Creative Arts Therapists of Color), and Task Force member of the Critical Pedagogy in Arts Therapy (CPAT), she is also a lifelong dancer. She takes a creative dance class with Jack Wiener in New York City whenever she can and is collaborating on a retrospective interview series about her friend and mentor, the late Elaine Summers from the Judson Church movement.

She has taught in the dance/movement therapy program at Pratt Institute and The New School, both in NYC and served as Chair of the Somatic Psychology program and faculty at California Institute of Integral Studies. Publications include “Dance/Movement Therapists of Color in the ADTA: The First 50 Years,” in the American Journal of Dance Therapy (2016); and “Cultural Consciousness and the Global Context of Dance/Movement Therapy,” in The Art and Science of Dance/Movement Therapy: Life is Dance, 2 nd edition (2016), Chaiklin & Wengrower, (Eds); she co-authored “Mobilizing Battered Women: A Creative Step Forward,” in F. Levy, (Ed.) Dance and Other Expressive Art Therapies: When Words Are Not Enough. New York: Routledge, 59 – 82; 1995.

  • Low-Residency
  • Tuition $1,190/credit x 60 $71,400
  • Fees Field Experience Fees $2,180 Materials Fees $350 Registration Fees $320 MAP Tevera Fee $195 Activity Fees $180 Practicum Fees $140 Degree Completion Fee $75

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees , and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

  • Fees Field Experience Fees $2,180 Registration Fees $360 Materials Fees $350 Mental Health Field Placement and Licensure Software Subscription $195 Practicum Fees $140 Degree Completion Fee $75

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Next steps to apply

IMAGES

  1. Expressive Arts Therapy Training & Education

    phd expressive arts therapy online

  2. Expressive Arts Therapy Is a Culturally Relevant Practice

    phd expressive arts therapy online

  3. Online Course: Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy & Coaching

    phd expressive arts therapy online

  4. Expressive Arts Therapy Certification

    phd expressive arts therapy online

  5. Expressive Arts Therapy: Does It Work?

    phd expressive arts therapy online

  6. Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Louisville KY KMAC May 2020

    phd expressive arts therapy online

VIDEO

  1. "How to Master the Mesmerizing 'Moje More' Song on Piano| VAZICT

  2. Crisis

  3. Applying Laban Movement Analysis to Rapport Building in Expressive Arts Therapy

COMMENTS

  1. PhD Expressive Arts Therapy

    PhD in Expressive Arts Therapy. (two to four years, depending on Academic Study Plan and preparation of Doctorate Dissertation) Program established in 1994 includes multi-modal expressive arts and exploration of each modality. CONTACT. Elise Kert, Registrar, 800-806-0317, 808-573-7722 fax. [email protected] , [email protected].

  2. PhD in Creative Arts Therapies

    A Master's degree in art therapy, dance/movement therapy, music therapy or expressive therapies. GPA: Minimum Master's GPA of 3.5 or international equivalent. Research Education and Training: Documented graduate level research courses with a minimum grade of "B." Documentation of having conducted or collaborated on a research project.

  3. Expressive Therapies PhD

    REGISTER: PhD in Expressive Therapies Virtual Information Session. Lesley University's doctoral program in expressive therapies provides you with the opportunity for in-depth study, artistic growth, and professional development regardless of your arts therapy specialization. Guided by your own interests and experience, you'll conduct ...

  4. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Specialization in Expressive Arts

    The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the completion of 95 quarter units at the doctoral level. The student will develop an individualized program of study by completing the core Psychology requirements (35 units), the core Expressive. Arts requirements (35 units) and selecting 15 additional units from the Expressive Arts curriculum and/or ...

  5. Expressive Arts Therapy

    Therefore, Expressive Arts processes are used successfully in almost all psychotherapeutic contexts, ranging from working with the severely disturbed to the facilitation of human potential and growth. Masters Program: 45 Credits. (30 Credits in Required Courses, 15 Credits in Electives) Doctorate Program: 90 Credits.

  6. Expressive Arts Therapy

    The online Expressive Arts Therapy specialty seamlessly integrates into each CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling concentration, both online and in person. Emphasis. Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 60 Credit Hours. Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. 60 credit hours.

  7. Ph.D. in Art Therapy

    Program Overview. Adler University's Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Art Therapy program prepares researchers, educators, and scholars to train the next generation of clinical art therapists—and use human creative expression as a powerful catalyst for change. Taught by renowned experts, our curriculum emphasizes the potential of art therapy ...

  8. Expressive Art Therapy and Art Therapy Online & Live Courses

    Looking for distance coursework that provides learning about expressive arts therapy and trauma-informed practice? Or do you want to just learn more about arts-based approaches, play therapy, creative intervention, and the expressive arts therapies that are applied in counseling, psychotherapy and integrative healthcare?

  9. Cathy Malchiodi PhD

    Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT holds a doctorate in psychology and is an expressive arts therapist specializing in the treatment of traumatic stress.For the last three decades Cathy has worked with traumatized children, adolescents, adults, and families, expanding the range of understanding of non-verbal, sensory-based concepts and methods.

  10. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Art Therapy

    She joined Lesley in 2013 as a core faculty member of the Department of Graduate Expressive Therapies, in the Art Therapy Program. Prior to joining Lesley, Raquel was a 2010/2011 Fulbright Scholar to Estonia, where she taught in the Department of Applied Creativity at Tallinn University and continues to teach as a visiting guest lecturer.

  11. Expressive Therapies

    Launch Gallery. Get a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Expressive Therapies. Study Art Therapy, Dance Therapy, Drama Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, or Music Therapy.

  12. EGS Phd Prep

    The CAGS acceptance is based upon the academic admission requirements of EGS, along with the student's demonstrated facility in expressive arts modalities and familiarity with expressive arts theories. The EGS CAGS requires two low residency 22 day summers, in Switzerland. Students wishing to pursue the PhD must first complete the CAGS, then ...

  13. Art Therapy Online Degree & Certification Programs 2024

    Online PhD in Art Therapy programs provide art therapists the chance to contribute to their field through quality research. Some PhD Art Therapy programs may entail about 48 credits, a practicum, and a dissertation. The requirements may include interdisciplinary courses, research methods, artistic knowledge, and practical application.

  14. Expressive Arts Therapy

    The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy is a BBS-approved, part- or full-time low-residency degree program for California residents. The pedagogy provides an engaging online, hybrid curriculum that weaves multimodal expressive arts, such as visual and digital arts, music, dance and movement ...

  15. PhD in Art Therapy & Graduate Programs 2024+

    A PhD in Art therapy program is a highly creative field that combines the use of psychology and arts, including dance, visual arts, music therapy, and poetry, to help all types of individuals manage various mental and physical challenges. Art therapy combines creative arts therapies with applying principles in healthcare and psychotherapy to ...

  16. Online Expressive Arts Therapy Courses with Cathy Malchiodi, PhD

    In 2020, Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute began offering online training and supervision opportunities in two tracks-- one for psychotherapy professionals [EXAT or Expressive Arts Therapist- Trauma-Informed] and another in coaching and education [EXA-CE or Expressive Arts Coach-Educator-Trauma-Informed].

  17. Expressive Arts Therapy Certification

    Ottawa University offers Expressive Arts Therapy as a concentration within the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), or as a certificate of advanced graduate studies, designed to help you pursue the art therapy career you want. Upon completion, you may seek jobs that require art therapy certifications, such as: Art therapist; Psychotherapist ...

  18. Expressive Therapies CAGS

    She joined Lesley in 2013 as a core faculty member of the Department of Graduate Expressive Therapies, in the Art Therapy Program. Prior to joining Lesley, Raquel was a 2010/2011 Fulbright Scholar to Estonia, where she taught in the Department of Applied Creativity at Tallinn University and continues to teach as a visiting guest lecturer.

  19. Counseling Program

    Students who plan to seek admission to a PhD program are advised to take multiple quarters of 331 (Field Experience) and to conduct supervised research and complete a formal 6-unit, two quarter MA Thesis (CPSY 399). ... cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, expressive arts therapy, family therapy, and much more. ...

  20. Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

    Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series January-February 2024. Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy with Elizabeth Warson PhD, and Cathy Malchiodi, PhD; five Live Webinar sessions on January 4, 11, 18, 25, and February 1, 2024; 15hrs of CE/PD; early registration until December 28, 2023; December 29th, 2023, price goes to $319

  21. Certificate Program in Expressive Arts Therapy

    Certificate in Expressive Arts TherapyCONTACT. Christina Versari, PhD, 619-297-1999. Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy via our Professional Training ProgramCONTACT. Main Contact: Sibel Golden, PhD, LMHC, REAT Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute [email protected] 206-784-9276.

  22. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy

    Wendy Allen PhD, LPC, BC-DMT (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Graduate Expressive Therapies, Dance/Movement Therapy program. Prior to coming to Lesley, Wendy was chair of the Somatic Counseling Department at Naropa University where she was a core faculty member from 2011-2022.

  23. Expressive Arts Therapy Natalie Rogers

    Expressive Arts Therapy in Action is destined to be a classic in the psychotherapy training libraries of the future, and we can all learn from this master clinician who both exemplifies and extends the essence of the Person-Centered Approach."-- Dale G. Larson, PhD, Professor, Department of Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University