Program Structure

The training program consists of four components:
  1. Classes and intensives
  2. Practicum
  3. Expressive Arts therapy
  4. Studio work

1. Classes and intensives
  • In the first two years, students attend classes one evening a week and also attend several weekend intensive workshops.
  • In the third year, the training takes place through a mixture of evening and weekend classes

The weekends include training in the various arts therapy specialties, such as:
  • Visual Art
  • Dance/Movement
  • Theatre
  • Poetry
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  • Voice
  • Drama
  • Clown
  • Music
Each year begins with a gathering of the whole program for an Intensive Community event; and the third year ends with a Graduation Weekend. Two weekends per year are devoted to the sharing of Studio Work.

2. Practicum
  • Total over the three years - 600 hours
  • 250 hours are spent in direct client contact.
  • 350 hours are spent in * supervision, planning, presentations and other activities related to the placement.
* 80 hours of supervision must be completed within the 600 hours. 

For more information on Practicum click here.

3. Expressive Arts Therapy with a therapist approved by the Training Directors.
  • 90 hours of therapy are required for completion of the three year program.
For those entering the program with a strong therapy relationship in place, CREATE offers a transition time of 30 therapy hours to stay with that therapist before completing the remaining required hours with an intermodal expressive arts therapist.
For all others, a minimum of 90 hours of individual therapy must be with an intermodal expressive arts therapist.

4. Studio Work
Students pursue studio work in the arts and present this work to the community once a year.
  • a total of 300 hours are required to complete the three year program.

Course Outline

_Year One
ART BASE

  • Learning basic concepts in Expressive Arts Therapy
  • 
Finding comfort in/with the arts
  • 
Understanding of/experience with intermodal approach



COMMUNITY
  • 
Learning basic group functioning
  • 
Understanding of group dynamics through the arts

  • Communicating well with others




BRIDGE TO THE WORLD

  • Establishing a good connection in the practicum
  • 
Beginning to apply basic skills at sites

  • Finding support in class and in the program for practicum work



SELF DEVELOPMENT
  • 
Establishing a strong connection to personal psychotherapy
  • 
Exploring the impact of group/training on oneself
  • 
Regular journalling as a means of reflection

_Year Two
ART BASE
  • 
Articulating the experience of Expressive Arts Therapy
  • 
Connecting through the arts with other disciplines
  • 
Developing presentational skills



COMMUNITY

  • Understanding the arts help build community
  • 
Relating to other organizations, both locally and internationally

  • Fostering a more inclusive viewpoint



BRIDGE TO THE WORLD 

  • Interacting with people with other world-views 

  • Arts-based exploring of psychological and counseling theories
  • 
Deepening of practicum experience 



SELF DEVELOPMENT

  • Continuing to cultivate self-reflection
  • Exploring psychopathology
  • 
Deepening the capacity for aesthetic response to others
Year Three
ART BASE
  • Building a strong intermodal practice
  • Articulating and expressing clearly the concepts of Expressive Arts Therapy
  • Increasing familiarity and comfort with various arts approaches

COMMUNITY
  • Developing the group as a resource for the future
  • Contributing to the larger community
  • Serving as a model for other students and taking on leadership roles

BRIDGE TO THE WORLD
  • Completing practicum training
  • Establishing post-training work sites
  • Preparing for professional practice



SELF-DEVELOPMENT
  • More fine-tuning understanding and use of oneself
  • Bringing one’s own style into focus
  • Increasing ability to reach out to others
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