CAT 280-289 A-Z - Special Topics

Semester Hours: 1-4

Periodically
Specific courses designed to explore emerging topics in creative arts therapy. As individual subjects are selected, each is assigned a letter (A-Z) and added to the course number. Specific titles and course descriptions for special topics courses are available in the online class schedule. Any course may be taken a number of times so long as there is a different letter designation each time it is taken.

Current Special Topics

CAT 281D - Understanding Art Therapy from a Neurological Perspective

This interactive course will explore the natural relationship of art therapy and neuroscience, and how art therapy can aid in the treatment of multiple medical diagnoses. Students will begin by exploring and understanding specific areas of the brain, their functions, and how changes in the brain occur during a medical illness. Students will then investigate how art therapy can be used to stimulate areas of the brain compromised by a neurological concern, and how the process of art making can foster positive coping skills, promote both physical and emotional wellness, and instill a sense of control over a diagnosis. Classes will include lectures, art therapy and neuroscience research efforts, group discussion, and tactile/kinesthetic experiential activities.

CAT 281R - Therapeutic Applications of Music

The course explores music therapy clinical practice and how it relates to other creative arts therapies. The historical, theoretical foundations, and approaches of music therapy will be explored. A range of experiential of music therapy interventions will be provided and processed as a group and in individual pairings. The course will also examine the use of music in art therapy.

CAT 283A - Play Therapy: History and Applications for Art Therapists

This course is designed to promote an understanding of various play therapy frameworks from which an effective art therapy program can be built. Attention is given to variables that require consideration when working with different developmental needs and populations. Play will be used as a basic framework for all therapeutic interventions. Students will view play therapy techniques from established play therapists and discuss ways to integrate these with creative arts therapy theory. The interface of art and play will be explored though case studies and experiential learning. This course also focuses on cultural diversity, institutional and ethical issues in clinical practice.

CAT 284C - Sand Tray: Jungian Sandplay Therapy

Students will study the foundations and history of Jungian sandplay therapy. Overview of Jungian theory and various sub-theories applicable to sandplay and art therapy practice will be examined. The relationship of sandplay to creative art therapy will be considered through case study and individual process. Students will be taught theories of personality, symbolization and the individuation process with relation to creative arts therapy. This course also focuses on cultural diversity, institutional and ethical issues in clinical practice.

CAT 286Z - Special Topic: Art Therapy Applications

Examines the human spirit with regard to body and psyche when affected by illness, hospitalization and institutional medical culture. Concepts such as family and person centered care, cultural implications and concepts of illness, liminal space, physical boundaries and the body as container will be addressed with a focus on the interface of Child Life philosophy and Art Therapy.

CAT 288B - Grief and Loss Applications in Art Therapy

The study and practice of art therapy for use with clients who have experienced loss. This course will include–but is not limited to–loss through death (natural, violent, suicide, or prolonged illness, etc.), divorce, miscarriage or abortion, abandonment, acts of war, natural disasters, complicated or disenfranchised grief, and the impact of concomitant trauma. The use of the creative arts in the exploration, healing and memorializing of these losses will be examined. Issues related to developmental stages and cultural and gender concerns will be considered, as well as how to work with these differing populations. The works of fine artists will be viewed, to see how their losses are reflected in their creations, music, videos, literature and storytelling. This course is open only to students with a background in art therapy and with the permission of the program coordinator.

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