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  - Course Outline
  • In the first two years, students attend classes one evening a week and also attend several weekend intensive courses.
  • In the third year, the training takes place through a mixture of evening and weekend classes

The weekends intensive courses include training in the various arts therapy specialties, such as:
  • Visual Arts Therapy
  • Dance/Movement Therapy
  • Creative Writing and Poetry Therapy
  • Voice Therapy
  • Drama Therapy
  • Clown Therapy
  • Music Therapy
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.