Expressive Arts Therapy Course Descriptions

 

(Please note: All Doctoral coursework (600 courses) involve more advanced research and in-depth study.)

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REQUIRED CORE COURSES

EXT 500   Individual and Group Process of Expressive Arts Therapy
This course gives an overview of how to utilize the Expressive Arts Therapies in both individual sessions and group therapy. Basic psychotherapeutic principles are reviewed, then the implementation and synthesis of Expressive Arts Therapies in a clinical setting is the major focus. 

 

EXT 501   Diagnosis and Treatment with Expressive Arts Therapy 
This course presents Expressive Arts approaches to diagnosing mental disorders.  Once an accurate assessment has been made, treatment plans and recommendations are explored that can stand on their own as Expressive Arts interventions, or adjuncts with other forms of therapy.

 

EXT 510   Human Development
The course of development of a human being has a broad range, from personality, intelligence, to social and political activities. This range of human development leads towards adjusted behavior, or contrarily, to maladjustment.  This course covers the various aspects of the development, both normal and pathological.

 

EXT 570   Professional and Ethical Issues
Every field has its own unique ethical concerns as well as universal moral dilemmas.  This class explores the professional and ethical issues concerning clinicians, and also how it relates to the field of Expressive Therapies. Client-Patient confidentiality, Dual-Role relationships, are a factor for all clinicians, but also, is it ethical to show a client’s artwork?

 

EXT 580   Practicum in Expressive Arts Therapy 
The student is required to obtain a practicum site to train and practice Expressive Arts Therapy for a completion of 500 hours. The practicum site must have a supervisor of either an Expressive Arts Therapist or a therapist in one of the modalities to obtain 50 supervised hours.

 

EXT 581   Practicum in Specialty Arts Media
The student must obtain competency in an area of art of their choice.  Fifty hours of instruction in a medium of the student’s choice to develop artistic competency, integrity, and the fundamentals of art which will propel them to excel at the Expressive Arts Therapies.

 

EXT 590   Master’s Thesis Project
A Masters level thesis is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair.  Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing.  This project will be a culmination of the student’s knowledge, making a significant contribution to the field of Expressive Arts Therapy.

 

EXT 600   Principles and Practice of Expressive Arts Therapies
This course is an overview of basic principles and philosophical approaches to Expressive Arts Therapies.  Arts practice as intrinsically healing (Art as Therapy) is one aspect of Expressive Arts Therapies, drawing on historical healing traditions.  Implementing arts interventions during clinical practice (Art in Therapy) is another widespread approach, drawing on the arts’ ability to cultivate insight and bring the unconscious to consciousness.  Lastly, historically the arts have been an integral part of all major spiritual traditions, in and of themselves, they are a catalyst towards spiritual growth (Arts as a Spiritual Path).  From the drawings and poetry of William Blake, to the composing of Hildegard Von Bingen, how the arts are utilized towards man’s spiritual progress is explored.

 

EXT 612   Principles and Practice of Psychotherapy
A basic knowledge of psychotherapy is indispensable to the Expressive Arts Therapist, offering fundamental principles and approaches to the clinician, gaining greater versatility to conduct and participate in a wide range of therapeutic settings.  Freudian Psychoanalysis, Jungian Psychodynamic Therapy, Rogerian Client-Centered Therapy, and other core approaches are explored, giving the student a foundation of counseling and psychotherapy in which to draw upon when utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy.  In addition, gaining skills such as, rapport building, and trust building will be crucial to cultivate in any therapeutic relationship, especially if one is to expect a client to ‘perform’ artwork, drumming, or dancing in a personal setting.

 

EXT 613   Theories of Personality
An overall look of the various theories of how personality develops, and in what shapes a human character may take is introduced.  After viewing them individually, our view zooms out to look at them all, discovering great continuity amongst the seeming scatter of variations, and an ultimate unified theory of personality will emerge.

 

EXT 614   Human Development, Intelligence, and Consciousness
This course explores in detail the Neurocircuit Model of Human Development, Intelligence, and Consciousness.  The Neurocircuit Model is based on eight stages of development that appears to be universal amongst human beings, and seems to recapitulate the growth and evolutionary process of living beings on the planet.  Beginning with the most fundamental ability to move and eat, climbing towards more evolved systems of communication and linguistics, and ending with…spiritual potentials, perhaps.

 

EXT 615   Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis
An overview of psychopathology, disorders and syndromes, that one may find in clinical practice.  The student will become familiar with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, with its system of psychodiagnosis, which can offer a clinician a suggested course of treatment possibilities. Understanding that the DSM-IV-TR is not a labeling manual, but a dictionary of terms and descriptions of the many facets of the human condition.

 

EXT 670   Professional and Ethical Issues
Every field has its own unique ethical concerns as well as universal moral dilemmas.  This class explores the professional and ethical issues concerning clinicians, and also how it relates to the field of Expressive Therapies. Client-Patient confidentiality, Dual-Role relationships, are a factor for all clinicians, but also, is it ethical to show a client’s artwork?

 

EXT 680   Practicum in Expressive Arts Therapy
The student is required to obtain a practicum site to train and practice Expressive Arts Therapy for a completion of 500 hours. The practicum site must have a supervisor of either an Expressive Arts Therapist or a therapist in one of the modalities to obtain 50 supervised hours.

 

EXT 681   Practicum in Specialty Arts Media
The student must obtain competency in an area of art of their choice.  Fifty hours of instruction in a medium of the student’s choice to develop artistic competency, integrity, and the fundamentals of art which will propel them to excel at the Expressive Arts Therapies.

 

EXT 690   Dissertation Research Project
A doctorate level dissertation is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair.  Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing.  This project will be a culmination of the student’s knowledge, making a significant contribution to the field of Expressive Arts Therapy.

  

 

 

ELECTIVE COURSES

Elective courses may be recommended by the university to ensure the student receives a well-rounded education. Students are encouraged to take electives that focus on their core areas of educational interest. Alternative electives to the courses below may be designed by students and submitted to their mentor and the university for approval, truly giving students to opportunity to customize their education. In addition, with prior university approval, students can receive course credits for certain relevant workshops and conferences attended.

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EXT 601   Catharsis and Ritual
The practice of Expressive Arts Therapy lends itself to therapeutic use of rituals.  This course goes over the structure of constructing rituals for the purpose of therapy, their historical context, cathartic reactions and benefits, as well as employment and integration of the various modalities. 

 

EXT 602   Spontaneity and the Creative Process
Having an expanded role repertoire increases behavioral options and provides a richness of problem solving.  The Expressive Arts Therapy provides an avenue for increasing spontaneity, creativity, and self-expression.  This course explores the academic as well as the practical applications of these elements.

 

EXT 603   The Arts As Therapy
The therapeutic approach of Arts (As Therapy) is explored, defined, and put into practice as one of the many tools of the Expressive Arts Therapist.  Art in and of itself has many therapeutic applications, one in which the student will identify, as well as master, to implement positive change.

 

EXT 604   The Arts In Therapy
The psychological approach of Arts In Therapy is explored, defined, and put into practice as one of the many tools of the Expressive Arts Therapist.  Psychotherapy has its foundations in bringing the elements of the unconscious to conscious awareness, this course demonstrates the role the various arts play in bringing about this positive change.

 

EXT 605   The Arts As A Spiritual Path
This specific approach of Arts As A Spiritual Path is explored, defined, and put into practice as one of the many tools of the Expressive Arts Therapist.  Historically, the arts were primarily used as a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment.  This course sets the foundation for the student to implement the arts to facilitate spiritual growth and expansion of consciousness. 

 

EXT 606   Expressive Arts Hands-on Exploration

Effective training in expressive arts therapy and related clinical practices goes beyond theory — it requires direct, embodied experience. This experiential course provides a practical foundation in the “how-to’s” of expressive arts facilitation, integrating creative techniques, movement, and sensory-based learning. Students will gain hands-on skills and applied methods essential for working with clients through art, sound, and somatic expression in therapeutic and educational settings.

 

EXT 607   Clinical Models
Expressive Arts Therapy has been adapted by just about every major therapeutic model.  The student is requested to select their clinical model of choice, ranging from anything from Freudian Psychoanalysis, Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Psychotherapy, and possibly Cybernetic Systems Approach.  The student then arranges with the expertise of the mentor, to explore the integrative approach the Expressive Arts offers in the preferred model, to catalyze and enhance their clinical training, transforming psychotherapy into Expressive Psychotherapy.  This elective can be taken multiple times with different clinical models.

 

EXT 610   Body Language and Applied Kinesiology

This course examines the deep connection between body, mind, and behavior, exploring how physical movement reflects and influences thought, emotion, and personality. Students will study the principles of body language interpretation and applied kinesiology to enhance awareness of nonverbal communication, posture, and energy flow. Emphasis is placed on understanding the body as an expression of consciousness and a valuable tool for personal growth, counseling, and integrative healing practices.

 

EXT 611   Dance/Movement Therapies

This experiential course introduces the principles and practices of Dance/Movement Therapy — the therapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, physical, and spiritual integration. Students explore how conscious movement can facilitate personal growth, self-expression, and healing. Emphasis is placed on developing embodied awareness, somatic connection, and creative techniques that support transformation in both individual and group settings. Ideal for students in expressive arts therapy, transpersonal psychology, and holistic wellness studies.

 

EXT 620   Hypnotic Language Patterns

This course explores the art and science of using language to facilitate emotional, cognitive, and behavioral change. Students examine how specific linguistic structures, tone, and suggestion influence perception and response. Drawing from hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), and therapeutic communication, the course provides practical tools for guiding clients toward insight, relaxation, and transformation. 

 

EXT 621   Poetry Therapy

This course introduces the theory and practice of Poetry Therapy; the intentional use of poetry, journaling, and creative writing to foster emotional healing and personal growth. Students explore how language, metaphor, and rhythm can help express complex feelings, promote self-awareness, and support cognitive and behavioral transformation. The course emphasizes practical techniques for integrating poetry into counseling, expressive arts therapy, and transpersonal psychology settings.

 

EXT 630   Fairy Tales, Myths, and Metaphors

This course explores the timeless wisdom embedded in fairy tales, myths, and symbolic stories, examining their relevance to psychological and spiritual development. Students learn how archetypal narratives and metaphoric language can awaken inner resources, inspire transformation, and deepen self-understanding. Through discussion and experiential activities, participants discover how these ancient stories can be applied in counseling and expressive arts therapy, and transpersonal education to support personal and collective growth.

 

EXT 631   Storytelling in Therapy

This course offers practical training in the therapeutic use of storytelling as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and transformation. Students explore how creating and sharing personally meaningful stories can foster insight, emotional release, and problem-solving. Through experiential exercises, participants learn techniques for constructing narratives that empower clients, reframe challenges, and promote psychological integration.

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EXT 640   Biological Synchronization and Entrainment
Fireflies twinkling in unison is but one example of a naturally occurring entrainment, i.e. the synchronization of pulsing bodies. This course delves into the phenomenon of entrainment through sound and its effects upon the biological organism, ranging from affecting breathing, heart rate and thinking. 

 

EXT 641   Music Therapy

This experiential course introduces the principles and practices of Music Therapy through the intentional use of sound, rhythm, and musical expression to promote emotional healing and psychological transformation. Students explore how music can influence mood, cognition, and body awareness while learning techniques for integrating sound-based interventions into therapeutic and educational settings. The course emphasizes creativity, active listening, and intuitive engagement to support personal growth and holistic well-being.

 

EXT 650   Imagery and Healing

This course explores the transformative power of visual imagery in the healing process. Students examine how color, form, and composition influence the body and mind (affecting the nervous, immune, and circulatory systems). Through both theory and experiential practice, participants learn to use imagery as a tool for emotional regulation, stress reduction, and holistic wellness. The course integrates concepts from art therapy, mind-body medicine, and transpersonal psychology to deepen understanding of the connection between creative expression and healing.

 

EXT 651   Art Therapy

This course explores the principles and practice of Art Therapy, emphasizing the therapeutic use of visual arts for self-expression, emotional healing, assessment, and psychological treatment. Students gain hands-on experience with creative techniques and materials used in clinical and educational settings, learning how art can enhance mental health, communication, and personal growth. The course integrates theory with practical application to prepare students for effective use of art-based interventions in professional practice.

 

EXT 660   Shamanism

This course explores both historical and contemporary perspectives on Shamanism as a system of healing and spiritual practice. Students examine the role of the Shaman as a facilitator of trance and altered states of consciousness, learning how these states have been used across cultures for healing, insight, and transformation. Emphasis is placed on understanding shamanic methods and rituals as precursors to modern therapeutic approaches, and how altered states of consciousness can serve as valuable tools in therapy.

 

EXT 661   Psychodrama

This course introduces the theory and practice of Psychodrama, an experiential therapeutic method that uses role play, dramatization, and group interaction to explore emotional and psychological issues. Students learn how to apply psychodramatic techniques that foster spontaneity, creativity, and insight within therapeutic and educational settings. Emphasis is placed on integrating action-based methods with other expressive and humanistic therapies to promote healing, self-awareness, and personal growth.

 

EXT 662   Drama Therapy

This course explores the theory and practice of Drama Therapy, an experiential and creative arts therapy that uses dramatic enactment, role play, and storytelling as tools for psychological healing and personal transformation. Students engage in practical exercises that involve recreating and reimagining personal and collective histories, gaining insight into how dramatic expression can facilitate emotional release, self-awareness, and growth. The course emphasizes the integration of creative performance techniques within therapeutic and educational settings to promote healing through imagination and transformation.

 

EXT 663   Playing and Reality
The two worlds of Subjective Reality and Objective Reality often meet.  This course analyzes concepts and models of playing in relation to reality.  How is it that a wolf in the wild can nip at his brother and the playmate will “know” it is only play and not to bite back aggressively?  If I pretend to have confidence, how does that effect my neuro-muscular system?  These and more questions are explored with the end result being a knowledge of how to maximize play for therapeutic change.

 

EXT 664   SandPlay Therapy

This course provides an exploration of SandPlay Therapy, a symbolic and experiential therapeutic approach that uses the sandtray as a visual representation of the client’s inner world. Students learn how miniatures and sandtray scenes can reveal both conscious and unconscious processes, offering powerful insights into emotional and psychological dynamics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Jungian foundations of SandPlay, its application in trauma therapy and developmental psychology, and its role in fostering healing, integration, and self-discovery.

 

EXT 665   Jungian Approach to Expressive Arts Therapy 

This course examines the profound influence of Carl Jung on the field of Expressive Arts Therapy, exploring how his concepts of archetypes, myths, mandalas, and the collective unconscious inform creative therapeutic practices. Students study key elements of Jungian psychology and their application in art, movement, and symbolic expression within clinical and personal growth contexts. Participants engage with art-making and expressive techniques to understand and apply Jungian principles.

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EXT 666   Breathwork

This course delves into conscious breathing techniques that can initiate relaxation, promote self-awareness, emotional processing and release, and give rise to altered states of consciousness. Various breathwork modalities such as Pranayama, Holotropic Breathwork, and Rebirthing will be explored. Experiential work with a trusted and experienced professional is encouraged.