Course overview
Counselling with expressive and creative arts therapies is an area of specialised competencies that requires an advanced person-centred perspective. Expressive and creative arts therapies involve flexible application of skills and knowledge to the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. This course will introduce theory, research and skills in a range of strength-based modalities that utilise the creative arts. Expressive therapies skills and approaches are designed to provide highly flexible, individualised and evidence-based ways of supporting a wide range of clients across the lifespan, who present for counselling with a variety of presenting issues. Expressive therapies can be most valuable in support of the development of emotional regulation, self-reflection, self-awareness and self-discovery.
Presented in a seminar format, this course introduces students to a range of modalities, that include the use of metaphor, symbol work, art, therapeutic writing, music in therapy, and somatic-focused activities. Reviews of recent research, and the use of non-verbal, creative arts-based activities will be integrated into a highly experiential skills-based program.
Course learning outcomes
- Outline knowledge of the underlying theories, core concepts, and therapeutic stages of key creative arts modalities as applied to counselling and psychotherapy across the lifespan
- Critically appraise research studies related to the clinical application of various creative arts modalities
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practical application of expressive therapies, the structure of counselling sessions, developmental stages in therapeutic alliances
- Analyse and apply a variety of techniques to specific counselling populations; techniques may include therapeutic writing, use of art and music, sandplay therapy and symbol work, somatic and dance/movement activities, and their application within integrative models
- Demonstrate practical knowledge of common counselling issues presented by clients of all ages, and the application of an integrated use of expressive therapies in response
- Recognise and respond to issues of trauma, cultural diversity and individual differences, including trans-cultural therapeutic support, and learning styles in the application of expressive therapies
- Synthesise and apply intervention skills for working with clients to reduce distress
- Appraise resources to support continuous learning regarding the application of expressive therapies in counselling and psychotherapy