Q: What is Clinical Art Therapy and what does this type of therapist do?
A: Clinical Art Therapy is a discipline within the field of mental health. It is a psychotherapeutic method for gaining awareness, reality testing, problem solving and revealing unconscious material. Art Therapy is also a process for working with family systems and interpersonal relationship issues. The clinical art therapist offers the client a variety of techniques with consideration to subject matter, and media specifically designed to meet the needs and therapeutic goals of the family or individual.
Q: What is being done to increase job opportunities?
A: Loyola Marymount University does considerable public relations about family art therapy for the mental health community. Students in their field placements have shown institutions the benefit of Art Therapy. In addition, faculty and alumni are part of a Speaker's Bureau which provides professional Art Therapy presentations to staff members of various institutions and academic settings. The reputation of our program is outstanding. Institutions often contact the school requesting our graduates to fill new positions which are being created. Finally, the department sponsors an Alumni Job Line which is frequently updated with art therapy job openings.
Q: Does the American Art Therapy Association review schools for "accreditation?"
A: Yes. In l979 this procedure was instituted. The American Art Therapy Association has granted our program "Approval." It was one of the first schools in the United States to be awarded this status. This fact guarantees graduates a full l0 points towards certification as a registered art therapist. This is the highest number of points which may be awarded upon graduation on the master's degree level.
Q: What is the tuition at Loyola Marymount University?
A: Tuition is $985 per unit beginning August 2011. Tuition is subject to change.
Q: Must students take courses in a certain order?
A: Yes. The program is purposely sequentially designed. Each course builds upon the foundation of a previous course. This gives the student a progressive and total education.
Q: Do you require personal therapy for your students while they are in the program? If so, why?
A: Yes. It is a requirement for the first two semesters (and the second two semesters for part-time students). The program places a great emphasis on this form of experiential learning. Students have reported the value of gaining a greater understanding of how they function and their reaction to other people. Oftentimes, the psychotherapist will act as a quasi-supervisor when the student begins her/his field placement since countertransference and other difficulties may be tied into previous perceptions and experiences. Upon request, the program will list clinics and competent psychotherapists who are willing to treat our students at a reduced fee.