Degree Course Descriptions

Below are descriptions of all the courses in the degree programs. Courses are listed in alphabetical order and do not reflect the sequence of coursework for each program.

Creative Modalities/Electives AT 500-level  (2 units each) These courses explore expression in art, drama, movement and music. Students learn to use their creativity for self-awareness and personal growth. The courses introduce basic facilitation skills using creative modalities. (Required for all programs)

Theories of Art Therapy CN/AT 510  (4 units)- This course provides an overview of the profession of art therapy. Included are origins of the field, differentiation of art therapy from other mental health and educational approaches, major theories and practical applications. (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Applied Theories of Human Development CN/AT 522  (4 units) – This course focuses on the psychosocial, cognitive, bio-social and spiritual theories which help us understand the nature of human development over a person’s life span. Students are encouraged to utilize the theories in understanding and promoting their development and transformation as well as to consider the application of each theory to the professions of counseling and art therapy. Prerequisite: Developmental Psychology (Required for all programs)

Consciousness I: Cultivating the Healing Power of Presence CN/AT 530-3  (4 units) – Building on the resources of self-acceptance, self-love, and self-care practiced in Psychology of Altruism I, students learn how to embody presence as a transformational interpersonal skill. As part of this process, students will explore the multidimensional nature of consciousness, how it is experienced within the individual and collective reality, and how it manifests micro- and macrocosmically. (Required for all programs)

Consciousness II: Cultivating the Healing Presence of Love CN/AT 531-3  (4 units) – Building on the topics of presence, power, and expanded states of awareness covered in Consciousness I, students have an opportunity in this course to think about love as an action which assumes responsibility and accountability.  Prerequisite: CN/AT 530-3 (Required for all programs)

Counseling Theory and Practice CN/AT 542-2  (4 units) – This course introduces the counseling process. Students study theories of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, systems and transpersonal viewpoints. Through experiential learning, students develop self-awareness, basic helping skills and the ability to give and receive feedback. Prerequisite: Abnormal Psychology (Required for all programs)

Group Dynamics CN/AT 543  (4 units) – This course examines the relationships among individuals and their influence on group interaction. The class is a laboratory for studying groups and group dynamics. Distinctions among types of groups are examined including therapy, process and support groups. Prerequisite: CN/AT 542-2 (Required for all programs)

Hermeneutics of Self: Transformation and Healing through Imaginal Ways of Knowing CN/AT 524  (4 units) – Hermeneutics is the interpretation of sacred text. In this course, the class becomes a dynamic laboratory where the sacred text of the self may be interpreted via creative processes and practices. Through this self-exploration, personal understanding of transformation and healing can be examined and defined. Using various approaches for personal exploration and group engagement including creative expression, imaginal ways of knowing, dialogue, felt sense, and tracking energetic cues, students will engage in transformative healing processes applicable in mental health counseling, art therapy, and leadership. Prerequisite: CN/AT 522  (Required for all programs)

Addiction Assessment and Treatment CN 550 (3 units ) – This course focuses on understanding the nature of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies. Topics include assessment and intervention strategies at various stages of the recovery process and the impact of chemical dependency on others, including the therapist. Prerequisite: CN/AT 542-2

Multicultural Issues in Counseling CN 577  (4 units) – This course explores the impact of cultural diversity on the counseling process. Students examine their cultural assumptions and learn how to work effectively with clients of different racial backgrounds, cultural traditions, gender identities and sexual orientations.

Psychopathology CN/AT 581  (3 units) – This course explores the nature of psychopathology as a creative response to madness. Five theoretical perspectives for explaining the origins of pathology are examined. Students study the psychopathologies present in a variety of creative personalities. Prerequisite: Abnormal Psychology (Required for all programs)

Art Therapy Techniques: Studio Art  AT 592-2 (4 units) – In this course, students learn various art therapy techniques and interventions. The course examines art therapy processes and approaches appropriate for different diagnostic and presenting problems. Prerequisite: AT 630-3, 643-2 (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Independent Study CN/AT 595, 695  (variable units) – Students design and complete their own independent course of study with the supervision and approval of a faculty member.

Multicultural Art Therapy with Diverse Populations AT 596  (4 units) – This is a study of the practice of art therapy in the context of cultural diversity. Students learn about various assessment tools, therapeutic strategies and creative interventions appropriate for different populations. (Required for Art Therapy)

Foundations in Human Science Research CN/AT 598-2  (4 units) – This course introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research methods as they are applied in counseling and art therapy. (Required for all programs)

Creative Modalities/Electives AT 600-level  (2 units each) –  These courses provide students with an introduction to work with specific populations using art, movement or drama. Art Therapy students are recommended to take select courses taught by registered art therapists. (Required for all programs)

Career and Life Development CN/AT 625   (4 units) – Career development theory, assessment and practice are set in the context of adult life development. Client career issues and transitions bring to the surface many counseling issues vital for exploration and transformation. (Required for all programs)

History of Art Therapy: Founders & Foundations AT 630-3  (2 units) – This course identifies the major individuals and programs that have contributed to the development of art therapy as a profession. It covers the history of art therapy from the turn-of-the-century to the present, including the formation of national professional associations and the advent of credentialing. (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

History of Art Therapy: Current Trends AT 643-2  (2 units) – This course covers current professional issues impacting the profession of art therapy. Students examine contemporary theories developed by art therapy educators and clinicians and develop an overview of contemporary art therapy. Prerequisite: AT 630-3 (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Advanced Counseling I: Diagnostic Skills, Techniques and Practicum, CN 650  (5 units) – This course examines psychopathology and diagnosis, the counseling process and the nature of the therapeutic relationship. Students complete a minimum of 20 hours of practicum. They receive supervision of their practicum activities in class. (Required for Counseling)

Advanced Counseling II: Group and Relationship Counseling Techniques and Practicum CN 651  (5 units) – This course examines group and relationship counseling. Students complete a minimum of 20 hours of practicum which is presented and critiqued in class. Prerequisite: CN 650 (Required for Counseling)

Advanced Counseling I: Standards of Practice, Individual Art Therapy AT 652-2  (3 units) – This course examines the nature of the therapeutic relationship in working with various client populations using art therapy. The course emphasizes brief counseling skills, crisis intervention and individual counseling. Co-requisite: AT 652-2L (Required for Art Therapy/Counseling)

Individual Practicum: Standards of Practice AT 652-2L  (2 units) -This is a supervised practicum comprised of at least 20 hours of individual art therapy. Students receive supervision of their practicum activities in class. Co-requisite: AT 652, (Required for Art Therapy/Counseling)

Advanced Counseling II: Group and Relationship Art Therapy AT 653  (3 units)  – This course examines group and conjoint art therapy. The course emphasizes brief counseling and referral skills in a group setting. Prerequisite: AT 652-2, Co-requisite: AT 653L, (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Group and Relationship Practicum, Art Therapy AT 653L  (2 units) – This is a supervised practicum comprised of at least 20 hours of group and relationship art therapy. Students receive supervision of their practicum activities in class.  Co-requisite: AT 653, (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Professional Ethics CN/AT 660-2  (4 units) –  This course explores the philosophical origins and clinical applications of professional ethics. Students examine professional guidelines for art therapists and counselors. (Required for Counseling)

Theory and Practice of Family Counseling CN 663-2  (3 units) – A review of systems theories and family counseling. Students develop the ability to map family systems and to practice interventions used to promote system-wide change.

Assessment in Art Therapy AT 664  (4 units) –  In this course, students become more familiar with diagnostic criteria as they relate to the art image. The course introduces art therapy assessment tools as part of clinical diagnostic profiles.
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Assessment in Counseling CN 664-2 (4 units) –  An introduction to the process and methods of clinical assessment. Students examine various assessment tools used in counseling, including objective and projective measures of personality, interests, aptitude and intellect.

Addiction Assessment and Treatment in Art Therapy AT 665-2  (3 units) – This is a review of the forms of diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders used in the field of art therapy. (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)  

Clinical Skills CN 667 (3 units) –   This course presents in-depth coverage of one approach to the counseling process. Examples of different approaches are object relations, gestalt therapy, jungian analysis, cognitive behaviorism and psychosynthesis. (Required for Counseling)

Applied Models of Counseling CN 672p  (3 units) –  In this course, practicing professionals present applied models of counseling and psychotherapy enabling the student to develop and articulate a personal model of counseling.
Prerequisite: CN 651 (may be taken concurrently) (Required for Counseling)

Clinical Art Therapy with Families AT 697-2  (2 units) –  In this course students acquire a working knowledge of family art therapy and key issues in its practice. Students explore a variety of models of family therapy and learn methods and techniques experientially. (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Art Therapy Internships AT 698-2, AT 698-3L ( 6 units) – Students gain professional experience in supervised clinical settings. Art Therapy students complete 350 hours in each internship experience. Prerequisite: Completion of all coursework, Co-requisite: AT 698-2 or AT 698-3  (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Counseling Internships CN 698-2L, CN 698-3L  (6 units) –  This is an intensive professional experience in mental health counseling. Students select a professional setting where they complete 300 hours of supervised practice in each internship. Prerequisite: Completion of all course work,  Co-requisite: CN 698-2 or CN 698-3 (Required for Counseling)

Professional Seminar in Art Therapy: Case Consultation AT 698-2   (2 units) –  This course is taken concurrently with the internship. Students receive advanced training and supervision in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention using art therapy with clients. Co-requisite: AT 698-2L (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)

Professional Seminar in Counseling: Case Consultation CN 698-2  (2 units) –  This course is offered concurrently with the internship. Supervision of the intern’s caseload provides advanced training in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Co-requisite: CN 698-2L (Required for Counseling)

Professional Seminar in Counseling: Professional Orientation CN 698-3  (2 units)  – This course is offered concurrently with the internship. It provides an understanding of legal aspects of providing client care as well as continued case supervision. Prerequisite: CN 698-2 Co-requisite: CN 698-3L (Required for Counseling)

Professional Seminar in Art Therapy: Professional Orientation AT 698-3  (2 units)- This course is taken concurrently with the internship. Students develop advanced knowledge of ethics, interventions and occupational credentialing as applied by the art therapy profession through continued case supervision. Prerequisite: AT 698-2, Co-requisite: AT 698-3L (Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)