Art Therapy MFT Program
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Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology with an Emphasis in California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) has expanded its master's level training programs to include a Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy. We are also offering a 30-unit post-master’s certificate program and a 12-unit certificate elective program in Art Therapy for mental health professionals or graduate students. Art psychotherapy is a masters’ level mental health profession that incorporates “the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship for people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self & others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art” (American Art Therapy Association, 2010). |
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Our art therapy programs offer the following advantages:
- Knowledge of systemic individual, couple and family therapy
- Expertise in non-verbal expressive modes of therapy, specifically art therapy
- Enhanced clinical training with two required traineeships
- Advanced scientific knowledge in the following areas:
- The neuroscience of social relationships and child development
- Applied interpersonal neurobiology topics (e.g., attachment and affective based therapies)
- Foundations of behavioral health psychology specifically as it relates to stress disorders
- In-depth academic learning though the completion of a Masters research project or program design
- Exposure to multi-national cultures through residential international intensives and studying with national faculty and cohort
- A hybrid face to face and distance learning format that will afford students the advantages of in-depth studies in well as real-time and by self-paced online learning
The program design and implantation meets WASC and BBS Master’s level educational
standards, clinical proficiencies and BBS licensure requirements for LMFTs and LPCCs.
The education provided by this program is designed to meet the education standards
of the American Art Therapy Association and graduates are eligible for registration
and board credentialing as an Art Therapist (ATR, ATR-BC).
Hybrid Programming: A Combination Of In Class And Distance Learning
The program is designed in such a way as to take advantage of both teaching methodologies. Coursework such as Marriage and Family Therapy Theories and Techniques, Studio Art Therapy and Practicum courses in the classroom and/or in the clinic. These courses require face to face experientials and social interaction and collaboration. Distance learning offer academic flexibility and the opportunity for comprehensive studying. Away from the time pressures of a classroom, many students find that on-line learning facilitates in-depth reflection, participation and time to read, synthesis and present innovative work. With technological advancements, communication appears to increase in distance education, expert national teachers can be available and students develop a solid learning. Online-based interactions offer support through ongoing and regular access to their instructors and other students. Students can review their lessons more than once according to their need. They can focus on their weaker knowledge areas while scanning information that can easily learn. Our students will for most semesters attend school for one a day week. Courses start at noon and end in the evening. For most semesters we also require one executive format teaching experience such as all day meetings which further augments and consolidates learning. Student may also take a full semester of coursework in Mexico City. Depending on curricular planning one course will also be offered in Mexico city.