WELF 7001 Clinical Studies (Art Therapy)

Credit Points 20

Legacy Code 101784

Coordinator Sheridan Linnell Opens in new window

Description This subject aims to develop clinical practice skills for students enrolled in the Master of Art Therapy. The subject will involve preparation for the field placements and group supervision of casework and issues arising from the placements. The subject involves 375 hours of clinical placement working under the guidance of a clinical supervisor.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Counselling

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 20cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Pre-requisite(s) CART 7004 AND
CART 7005 AND
CART 7010 AND
WELF 7009 OR
WELF 7029 AND WELF 7032

Assumed Knowledge

Knowledge of art therapy theory and practice and counselling theory and practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Demonstrate their ability to relate theoretical knowledge to the placement setting
  2. Demonstrate appropriate clinical, ethical and cultural competencies for a trainee practitioner within the placement setting.
  3. Begin art therapy clinical practice with individuals and/or groups
  4. Observe an agency at work and gain an understanding of agency philosophy, policies and practices
  5. Participate appropriately as a member of a professional team alongside experienced employees of the host organisation.
  6. Accept, reflect on and respond reflexively to feedback from on and off-site supervisors.
  7. Demonstrate their ability to critically and constructively reflect upon their clinical and placement experiences.
  8. Conduct a focussed reading project around a particular client group, problem or issue relevant to the student�fs placement agency, and doc

Subject Content

  1. 375 placement hours comprised of orientation, observation, art therapy practice, supervision, participation in relevant meetings and professional development
  2. Consideration of how the trainee art therapist can best work within the management structure, philosophy and approach of the organisation
  3. Working collaboratively and accountably as part of a team
  4. Beginning to practice art therapy with clients with direction, guidance and support from onsite and university supervisors
  5. Development of clinical skills in practice: therapeutic skills, maintaining the frame of therapy, observation of appropriate boundaries, adherence to ethical practices, cultural responsiveness, engagement and assessment of issues with clients, use of supervision, presentation skills, report writing, record keeping, maintaining art materials, safe and sustainable art therapy studio and clinical practice.
  6. Understanding the issues affecting service users, and the role of art therapy as part of the range of services the organisation can offer

Special Requirements

Legislative pre-requisites

Special Requirements - NSW Health Legislative Prerequisites Pre-requisites

Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements

Prior to enrolling in this subject, students must have submitted a Student Undertaking Form and undertake to apply for a National Police Check, which is required to be submitted before placement, and a Working with Children Check Student Declaration. Use the link to the Special Requirements webpage below for more information.

To be eligible to enrol in this subject and complete any required health-related placements or experiences, students must meet Western Sydney University program requirements as well as any special, legislated, or policy-mandated requirements.

Western Program Requirements

Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your program.

Special Requirements

Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements

To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your program, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet.

NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet

Please ensure that you

  1.  Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one
  2.  Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history
  3.  Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements
  4.  Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.

International students have additional requirements; the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.

School Requirements

Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as

  • If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements
  • If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.
  • NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire program.
  • Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire program - approved program providers can be found at the Government Training website
  • http://training.gov.au
  • Other non-health related requirements.

Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page (NSW students only)

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/learning_futures/home/placements_hub/placements_hub/student_compliance

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Participation Weekly throughout 1H S/U Y Individual
Professional Placement Performance 375 Hours S/U Y Individual
Case Study 3,500 words S/U Y Individual

Prescribed Texts

None

Teaching Periods

1st Half (2024)

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Sheridan Linnell Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window