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How difficult is an art therapy masters?
I'm a freshman in college and have already taken my first art therapy course, as well as some arts and psychologies.
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Niloofar’s Answer
Hi there dear freshman,
First of all, I'd like to congratulate you for taking the beginning steps in continuing your education. I appreciate your proactivity in seeking more knowledge in academic planning. It's wonderful that you've already taken an undergraduate class in art therapy as they are rather rare since most art therapy programs center around graduate level coursework. I am finishing up my first year as an art therapy/mental health counseling program and to answer your question the difficulty is always rewarded with passion. Well now, everyone has a unique description of what that word means; for me it simply has been about finding motivation to stay on top of the coursework in a part-time low residency masters program. Besides that, the fear of intellectual inadequacy under the umbrella term of imposter syndrome creeps in at times. So, I would say like any other novel task that we begin, graduate school comes with its own set of worries and work but it's mostly a time for personal reflection. This academic program is still very young however coupled with counseling theories, it enlightens your outlook on life and your personal growth. There are graduate level studying which consists of mostly reading well-researched academic papers, textbooks, but not only that, I would say that anything can be a resource, even a simple short video packed with wisdom--it's about how you see things and how you let it change you. There are term papers, weekly reflections, group work, group discussion boards and the logistics of how to approach future therapy intake forms. You'll learn how to write professional reports and how to regard future clients in third person with respect. Depending on your program, while receiving your masters level education you also begin to work on your field training which involves working with individuals on sites with supervision of course. I am currently getting close to this stage. Also, depending on the program or your future preference, you'll eventually decide whether to apply for a mental health counseling license. That can differ from LPCC licensed professional clinical counselor, LMFT licensed marriage and family therapist, and more in addition to passing an exam for art therapy association which gives you ATR as for registered art therapist. The program and how its laid out will give you opportunities to learn, gather information, engage in self-reflective expression, be an avid critical thinker, cultivate your own unique voice, write cohesively in grad school level, understand the power, privilege and oppression built upon the social political system, get to know and respect yours and everyone else's intersectionality (the factors that constitutes them, where their gender, gender expression, age, [dis]ability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status and more come together at an intersection.) This is a path for you if you enjoy going deep and first of all getting to know yourself. The artistic side of this education will open you up to the expressive arts, in basically how to connect to various forms of creativity to evoke and express different feelings, thoughts, body memories and more.
My best regards and well wishes,
Niloofar
The American Art Therapy Association has a list of credited schools nationwide that offer art therapy masters. https://arttherapy.org/
Please double check with the school's program to see whether the credits can be transferred to fulfill licensing requirements at your state
Many programs recommend their grad students to receive therapy while in school. This is crucial for anyone who is planning on being in the helping profession.
Plan ahead, be perseverant, but also as they taught us in our orientation day, "don't let graduate school happen to you. " So, also try to be present and give yourself pats on the back for being passionate about something as unique as art therapy.
Realize the power of "yet;" if you are not there yet, doesn't mean that you won't in the future.
First of all, I'd like to congratulate you for taking the beginning steps in continuing your education. I appreciate your proactivity in seeking more knowledge in academic planning. It's wonderful that you've already taken an undergraduate class in art therapy as they are rather rare since most art therapy programs center around graduate level coursework. I am finishing up my first year as an art therapy/mental health counseling program and to answer your question the difficulty is always rewarded with passion. Well now, everyone has a unique description of what that word means; for me it simply has been about finding motivation to stay on top of the coursework in a part-time low residency masters program. Besides that, the fear of intellectual inadequacy under the umbrella term of imposter syndrome creeps in at times. So, I would say like any other novel task that we begin, graduate school comes with its own set of worries and work but it's mostly a time for personal reflection. This academic program is still very young however coupled with counseling theories, it enlightens your outlook on life and your personal growth. There are graduate level studying which consists of mostly reading well-researched academic papers, textbooks, but not only that, I would say that anything can be a resource, even a simple short video packed with wisdom--it's about how you see things and how you let it change you. There are term papers, weekly reflections, group work, group discussion boards and the logistics of how to approach future therapy intake forms. You'll learn how to write professional reports and how to regard future clients in third person with respect. Depending on your program, while receiving your masters level education you also begin to work on your field training which involves working with individuals on sites with supervision of course. I am currently getting close to this stage. Also, depending on the program or your future preference, you'll eventually decide whether to apply for a mental health counseling license. That can differ from LPCC licensed professional clinical counselor, LMFT licensed marriage and family therapist, and more in addition to passing an exam for art therapy association which gives you ATR as for registered art therapist. The program and how its laid out will give you opportunities to learn, gather information, engage in self-reflective expression, be an avid critical thinker, cultivate your own unique voice, write cohesively in grad school level, understand the power, privilege and oppression built upon the social political system, get to know and respect yours and everyone else's intersectionality (the factors that constitutes them, where their gender, gender expression, age, [dis]ability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status and more come together at an intersection.) This is a path for you if you enjoy going deep and first of all getting to know yourself. The artistic side of this education will open you up to the expressive arts, in basically how to connect to various forms of creativity to evoke and express different feelings, thoughts, body memories and more.
My best regards and well wishes,
Niloofar
Niloofar recommends the following next steps:
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Makana’s Answer
It's no more difficult than any other program if you are interested in it. So, moderate.
Just stay on top of your work. Make sure you have a good grasp on your class topics for tests and projects and you'll do just fine.
Just stay on top of your work. Make sure you have a good grasp on your class topics for tests and projects and you'll do just fine.