Faculty:

• Dana Elmendorf, Program Director, M.A., ATR-BC, LPC
• Patti Ghubril, M.A., ATR-BC, LPC, ATCS
• Danielle Moss, D.A.T., ATR-BC, LPC, ATCS, NCC

The Master of Arts in Art Therapy with Specialization in Counseling is designed to teach students the skills necessary for the effective practice of art therapy and counseling in a variety of environments (educational, clinical, and rehabilitative) and from a variety of theoretical perspectives. A strong foundation in applied psychology is coupled with an in-depth exploration of art therapy theory and practice.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Art Therapy with Specialization in Counseling, students:

1. Critically analyze research literature and field-related research, its application to practice, and evaluation of services.       
2. Conduct case-conceptualization and treatment planning that integrates a biopsycho-ecological perspective.
3. Integrate theory and current approaches from art therapy, counseling, and family systems to develop effective assessment, diagnostic processes and corresponding treatments.
4. Apply strategies of ethical and legal reasoning, including ethical standards of the art therapy and counseling professions to arrive at principled decisions.
5. Critique how theories, methods and the intersectionality of power, privilege and oppression either help or hinder practicing anti-oppressively.
6. Create effective therapeutic relationships with attention to visual, verbal, behavioral and metacommunication between the therapist, client(s) and artwork.
7. Identify, examine, and address self-of-the-therapist issues as they arise.
8. Distinguish among the therapeutic benefits of a variety of art processes, media potentials, therapy structures and therapeutic environments adapted to personal, family, group, and community concerns.
9. Design and deliver art therapy programs that include a focus on interprofessional collaboration along a continuum of care.
10. Complete and evaluate self-directed participation in professional organizations, extra-curricular training and service activities to enhance lifelong professional identity development and learning.

Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification, State Counseling Licensure

Students who have completed the art therapy program and a stipulated number of post-education supervised experience hours may apply for Registration (ATR) and qualify for Board Certification (ATR-BC) with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) and may apply for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. Students interested in obtaining counseling licensure in states other than Pennsylvania are encouraged to research the education, experience, and examination requirements needed to obtain a license in their state of choice. The Seton Hill program is designed specifically to meet the educational requirements for counseling licensure in Pennsylvania.

Accreditation

The Seton Hill Art Therapy with Counseling program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements include completion of admissions application, official copies of undergraduate transcripts, and an interview with the art therapy faculty.  The applicant is also asked to demonstrate proficiency in art making through submission of a visual portfolio. 

Qualifying for Advanced Standing

The Master of Arts in Art Therapy with Specialization in Counseling is a 63 credit graduate program. Students entering with a master’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, counseling, social work) may receive a maximum of 30 credits of advanced standing based on comparability of course requirements. All students are required to complete a minimum of 33 credits in residence at Seton Hill University in Art Therapy.

Program Prerequisites:

In addition to the requirements for admission to the graduate program, applicants to the Master of Arts in Art Therapy must provide evidence of completion of 18 credits of studio art, including classes in drawing, painting, and clay sculpture, and advanced studio coursework in at least one medium. Applicants must also provide evidence of completion of 6 credits in foundational theories in psychology which include developmental and abnormal psychology.  Clearances must be obtained in order to complete field experiences in several classes in the program. Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, ACT 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and P.P.D. (TB)Test. For instructions on obtaining clearances see ” Art Therapy Clearances Policy for Fieldwork/Internship”.