Arts Therapy

Subject Overview

Art is a form of psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups in which the participants engage in artistic processes within a therapeutic relationship. It is a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical conditions. This subject examines the diversity of art therapy models and methods.

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the history, philosophy and practice of art and music therapy in health care
• Review the application of art and music therapy situations
• Design a therapeutic experience

Content and Structure

Music therapy:

• Context, history, methods and research base
• Physiological, psychological, social and spiritual roles of music
• Medical and psychotherapeutic models
• Improvisation
• Controversies

Art therapy:

• Visual and performing arts
• Theoretical frameworks and historical development
• Group processes
• Therapeutic approaches and their application with different client populations
• Therapy and spirituality

Art and music therapy in practice:

• Contemplation
• Drawing
• Meditation
• Indigenous art

Subject Structure

This subject runs for five weeks, with the following structure:

Week 1: Pre-reading of prescribed texts
Week 2:  Digital Intensive Classroom (5 days x 8 hrs/day)
Weeks 3 – 5: Submission of assessments online