GARTH-MAJOR - Art Therapy and Counseling (MA)

Analyze the historical and theoretical components of Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling as individual professions, and subsequently create and embody the professional identities of Artist/Art Therapist and Clinical Mental Health Counselor in such a way as to nurture and maintain personal health and well-being, and apply them as a foundation for contemporary Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling professional practice.

Exhibit skills in clinical interviewing, recognition of body language and behaviors, distinguishing therapeutic benefits of a variety of art processes and media applicability, and development of productive therapeutic relationships in order to respond to clients in an appropriate client centered manner in individual, group, and family formats.

Apply responsive practices of multicultural perspective, based upon a continuously- informed understanding of cultural and social issues with recognition of the impact of oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and privilege on access to mental health care along with adherence to federal and state laws and professional ethics, to the practice of Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Responsive practices include, understanding professional roles and responsibilities and their relationship to involvement, advocacy and collaboration both within and among professional and community organizations in regard to, empowerment, advocacy, and social justice. Ethical responsibility includes the ability to recognize and respond appro

Implement the basic diagnostic process using culturally and developmentally appropriate methods and resources incorporating the evaluation of creativity, symbolism and metaphor along with lifestyle choices to recognize communication challenges, strengths and promotion of growth and well-being as related to major categories and criteria of mental disorders, corresponding treatments, and commonly implemented clinical responses including pharmacology and referral networks.

Incorporate principles of human development, artistic and creative development, human sexuality, lifestyle and career development, gender identity development, family life cycle, ability, and psychopathology, toward the assessment and treatment of clients across a variety of conditions including, mental health and wellness, life transitions, trauma and violence, and substance use and abuse treatment within mental health and medical treatment centers, schools, wellness and neighborhood centers, correctional facilities, veterans and community agencies, and non-profit settings.

Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based practice including research, client centered treatment, and clinical expertise utilizing best practices, continuing education, clinical supervision, and implementation of research within ethical and cultural considerations to inform clinical practice and advancement of the fields of art therapy and counseling.