Contact

Jennifer DeLucia
102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-396-8411
jmdeluci@syr.edu

Faculty

Jennifer DeLucia, Emily Goldstein Nolan, Rochele Royster

Program Description

Art therapy uses visual and symbolic expression to circumvent the limitations of language, giving voice to experiences and providing opportunities to understand complex situations, illuminate new questions, and create alternative and innovative solutions to problems. Grounded in the healing potential of making, viewing, and engaging with art, The College of Visual and Performing Arts graduate art therapy program trains students to use art-based interventions with counseling when working with diverse populations in a range of clinical and community-based settings. Our 60-credit Master of Science in art therapy is a hybrid program that engages students in an integrated approach to learning that includes one required on-campus residency per academic year and participation in a dynamic on-line learning program. Experiential learning is employed throughout the curriculum to support students’ engagement with academic material while providing opportunities to use the ‘tools of the trade’ to integrate theory with practice as students prepare for clinical art therapy practice. Our small cohort size promotes a supportive and collaborative learning experience among students and faculty.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the historical development of Art Therapy as a profession, Art Therapy theories and techniques, as a foundation for contemporary Art Therapy professional practice.
2. Distinguish among the therapeutic benefits of a variety of art processes and media, strategies and interventions, and their applicability to the treatment process for individuals, groups, and families.
3. Know federal and state laws and professional ethics as they apply to the practice of Art Therapy.
4. Develop culturally appropriate, collaborative, and productive therapeutic relationships with clients.
5. Recognize and respond appropriately to ethical and legal dilemmas using ethical decision-making models, supervision, and professional and legal consultation when necessary.
6. Recognize clients’ use of imagery, creativity, symbolism, and metaphor as a valuable means for communicating challenges and strengths and support clients’ use of art-making for promoting growth and well-being.
7. Apply principles of human development, artistic and creative development, human sexuality, gender identity development, family life cycle, and psychopathology, to the assessment and treatment of clients.
8. Continuously deepen self-understanding through personal growth experiences, reflective practice, and personal art-making to strengthen a personal connection to the creative process, assist in self-awareness, promote well-being, and guide professional practice.
9. Recognize the impact of oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and privilege on access to mental health care, and develop responsive practices that include collaboration, empowerment, advocacy, and social justice action.