What You’ll Learn In Art Therapy Course

The powerful benefits of Art Therapy are fast becoming well known, many people are starting to learn just how transformative this type of psychotherapy can be across a wide range of problems.

This type of therapy involves the encouragement of free self-expression through art such as painting, drawing or modelling. Art Therapy uses art media and the creative process to help in areas such as coping skills, stress management , and strengthened sense of identity. Art Therapy has provided mental health treatment for clients who have experienced trauma, grief & loss, depression, chronic illness, substance abuse, and more.

Course Syllabus
What will I learn on the course?

Module 1 – Introduction to Psychology and Neuroscience
8 parts

• Introduction
• Part 1: What is Psychology?
• Part 2: The Development of Mental Health Treatment
• Part 3: Mental Health Treatment Today
• Part 4: Neuroscience
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 1 Assessment

Module 2 – Introduction to Basic Principles of Art Therapy
6 parts

• Part 1: How did Art Therapy Develop?
• Part 2: The Basic Concepts of Art Therapy
• Part 3: How is Art Therapy Practised?
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 2 Assessment

Module 3 – Creative Therapy
7 parts

• Part 1: Art Therapy: Two Main Approaches
• Part 2: Principles and Types of Art Therapy
• Part 3: Dance, Drama and Music Therapy
• Part 4: Expressive Arts Therapy
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 3 Assessment

Module 4 – Mindful Creativity
5 parts

• Part 1: Art and Mindfulness
• Part 2: Mindfulness and Meditation
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 4 Assessment

Module 5 – Colour and Creation
6 parts

• Part 1: How Art Therapy Works
• Part 2: Colour Therapy
• Part 3: Latest Colour Research
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise

Module 5 Assessment

Module 6 – Art Therapy for Children
7 parts

• Part 1: Art Therapy and Child Development
• Part 2: Child Brain Development
• Part 3: Interpretation by Therapists
• Part 4: Art Therapy vs Play Therapy
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 6 Assessment

Module 7 – Illness and Art
5 parts

• Part 1: Art Therapy and Mental Health
• Part 2: How Art Therapy in Psychiatric Services has Developed
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 7 Assessment

Module 8 – Art Therapy with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
6 parts

• Part 1: What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
• Part 2: Therapeutic Mechanisms
• Part 3: Therapy Methods
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 8 Assessment

Module 9 – Art Therapy with Older Clients
5 parts

• Part 1: Changes Related to Ageing
• Part 2: How Art Therapy Can Help Older Clients
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 9 Assessment

Module 10 – Playtime!
6 parts

• Part 1: Art Therapy Techniques
• Part 2: Happiness, Gratitude and Self-Awareness
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Resources
• Module 10 Assessment

Who Would Benefit from This Course?

If you are a social worker, coach, teacher, therapist, parent, counsellor, psychologist, or anyone with a desire to learn and understand a new discipline and form of communication, then an Art Therapy education can help.

This course is ideal for complete beginners to the field of Art Therapy. If you are considering making a career change to become an Art Therapist, this course will give you an insight and understanding of the subject that will help you to make an informed decision on whether to pursue a qualification that can lead to employment, and give you a solid base of knowledge from which to build.

Art Therapy as a Career
To work as an Art Therapist you will need to complete a postgraduate course approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You can also gain further qualifications from the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) although this is not mandatory. You will also need paid or voluntary experience gained from working in areas such as mental health, education, special needs, or social services.