Program Overview

Introduction to the Creative Arts Therapy Counseling Program

The Creative Arts Therapy Counseling (CATC) program at Hofstra University awards students a Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling. This program is license-eligible through New York State (NYS) and approved by the American Art Therapy Association.

Program Overview

The program is part of the Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions in the School of Health Sciences, allowing students to take elective courses in related licensure programs while enrolled in the CATC program. The curriculum anticipates current creative arts therapy counseling trends, with new courses and additional programs continually being developed.

Key Features of the Program

• The program offers a varied education of excellence, responsive to the diverse backgrounds and intentions of future art therapists.
• Students have the opportunity to take elective courses in clinical expressive therapies (drama, movement, music, poetry, dance, play, and sandtray).
• Courses such as grief and loss, systemic approaches, and neurological considerations in art therapy are also available, along with a study abroad option in Ireland.
• Individualization is encouraged and strengthened by the diverse faculty members and active student club activities.

Program Mission

The Creative Arts Therapy Counseling graduate program seeks to prepare competent entry-level art therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains who can practice effectively with individuals and groups in a variety of settings and environments.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Display the best practices, values, and ethics of the profession. Graduate students should demonstrate personal and professional growth and self-awareness, a strengthened sense of self and appreciation of the unique worth and contribution.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge base considered requisite for the practice of art therapy. Specifically, graduate students should understand and apply knowledge in areas such as social and cultural foundations, human growth and development, theories in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling, group dynamics and counseling, assessment and appraisal of individuals and groups, research and program evaluation, professional orientation, and ethical and legal standards of practice.
3. Effectively express, communicate understanding of, apply knowledge and contribute to the professional practice of the art therapy counselor. Graduates should comprehend and apply the creative and aesthetic process in the context of creative arts therapy theory and practice, and have attained role and skill development in the art therapy counseling process.
4. Exhibit cultural competency by promoting the mental health and personal efficacy of individuals and groups. Graduates should contribute to the improvement of culturally sound social and educational systems and possess a commitment to advocacy and being a change agent.
5. Demonstrate analytical thinking and application of knowledge. Graduates should have attained knowledge in testing, assessment, measurements, appraisal, and action research, and should be able to use these acquired skills to write and speak about current issues of art therapy.

Philosophy

The Creative Arts Therapy Counseling graduate program uses a theory-based, application-oriented approach that prepares master's degree students to become highly competent, culturally sensitive practitioners. The program integrates counseling strategies and creative expression to foster personal and professional development through diverse clinical experiences, rigorous supervision, quality research, a commitment to self-awareness, reflective practice, and interprofessional collaboration.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared to work effectively in hospitals, agencies, rehabilitation centers, adult facilities, day treatment centers, mental health centers, schools, with individuals who have experienced mental and physical illness, trauma, addictions, and changes in living, as well as those who seek personal development.