Credit Points 20

Legacy Code 101303

Coordinator Patricia Parish Opens in new window

Description This subject explores theories and practical experiences relevant to art therapy. Consideration is given to the major theoretical frameworks of art therapy, its historical development and group processes. There is a major experiential component which provides practical experience in exploring the process of art therapy by working in a group situation led by an experienced art therapist/s. The process will be explored and examined in relation to the self, to the self as artist and to therapeutic practice.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Creative Arts, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 20cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Incompatible Subjects LGYA 7428 - Art Therapy Theory and Practice 1 LGYA 9676 - Art Therapy Theory and Practice 2

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4595 Master of Art Therapy or 4617 Master of Social Science. Refer to the subject Outline for attendance requirements for experiential group sessions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Examine the histories and practices of art therapy and its development as a profession, with particular critical attention to the postcolonial Australian context.
2. Describe and compare the major theoretical frameworks of art therapy.
3. Explore and analyse the connections between theory and practice in art therapy
4. Practice art making skills and techniques and reflectively analyse the centrality of, and demonstrate an understanding of their significance within art therapy.
5. Show awareness of the self in one's own art making and reflectively analyse the centrality of this to the practice of art psychotherapy.
6. Recognise and investigate the processes in art therapy in groups.
7. Practice and reflect on interpersonal sensitivity and self-awareness in the experiential training group.

Subject Content

1. Historical overview of the development of art Therapy in Australia, Europe & North America
2. The history of art therapy and its relationship to psychiatry, education and the visual arts
3. Analysis of art therapy in a neocolonial context
4. Consideration of art therapy as clinical practice
5. The relationship between theory and practice
6. Exploration of the relationship between art practice & art therapy
7. Exploration of art therapy group process
8. Art making practice within a group experiential learning context