Kutenai Art Therapy Institute

KATI 6: Art Therapy: Group Dynamics and
Therapeutic Skills

39 Hours, 3 Credits
(for each year, 1^st & 2^nd)

Description:

The focus of this course is on the development of therapeutic skills required in the practice of art therapy. The principles of group therapy will be explored in the context of art therapy. Students will have an opportunity to create art and to practice the role of the art therapist in dyads, triads and small groups. The opportunity to enact the client, the therapist and the observer will provide an opportunity to integrate art therapy theory and practice. The focus of this course is to practice art therapy and to have an opportunity for constructive feedback. It will be an interactive and dynamic process. An introduction to this course is required before starting any clinical practica.

Instructor: Monica Carpendale

Format: Seminar, discussion, experiential art making and role-play.

Learning Objectives:

Year 1

To demonstrate good art therapy skills of exploring the art (concrete, metaphorical and self-reflective questions).
To develop skills in perception, observation, listening, reflection and dialogue within the art therapy context.
To demonstrate appropriate therapeutic presence and awareness of the dynamics in a safe therapeutic relationship.
To examine principles of group therapy.
To practice different art therapy approaches and techniques: drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, masks, murals, etc.
To demonstrate the ability to conduct a phenomenological assessment an art therapy session, discussing the art, the process and the issues.

Year 2

To observe, identify, analyze and apply appropriate therapeutic skills through giving and receiving feedback.
To examine the art and the art making process within a framework of symbolic interpretation.
To observe and examine how theory is reflected in the practice of art therapy.
To demonstrate the ability to facilitate a group or workshop.
To identify group dynamics and respond appropriately.
To respond therapeutically in a culturally sensitive manner.

Texts:

Carpendale, Monica. (2008) Essence and Praxis in the Art Therapy Studio. Nelson: KATI Press.

Riley, Shirley. (2001) Group Process made Visible: Group Art Therapy.Philadelphia: Brunner-Routledge.

Schaverien, Joy. (1992) The Revealing Image: Analytical Art Psychotherapy in Theory and Practice. New York: Tavistock & Routledge.

Assignments and Evaluation:

Year 1:

2 session reports (40%) participation (60%)

Full participation is required in: art making; working in triads or dyads; and giving feedback. Verbal evaluations will occur on a regular basis.

Session reports: The client session report can be from an individual or group session. The focus is on presenting and discussing a single session. The idea here is to communicate what you would think about after a session. This report can be done in an outline and point form style if presented clearly. Footnote any sources used. Be clear and succinct. Don't fabricate what you don't know; therapy is a process of discovering. Include all your theoretical reflections. Include a copy of your client notes that would go in the file for this session.

The report should include a description and discussion of the following:

1) Give a brief description of the client, presenting problem, underlying issues, needs and goals. (Some of the background may be appropriate to include.)

2) Phenomenological description of the art (significant aspects – synthesize). Describe significant aspects of the art making process, noting the associations and comments made by the client. (Including dialogue brings the session alive.)

3) Describe the behaviour and interactions of the individual (look for strengths as well as areas of concern).

4) Discuss the art with regards to: symbolism; colour; developmental level; shape; line; & defense mechanisms.

5) Psychodynamic hypothesis based on applicable theories (use references).

6) Note client strengths, changes in affect or insight; benefits of art therapy; & therapeutic concerns.

7) Discuss any transference and/or counter transference feelings.

Year 2:

2 session reports (40%) proposal for a group (20%); facilitating a workshop (20%); participation (20%)

1. Workshop facilitation: Submit an outline of the proposed session to discuss with your instructor 2 weeks prior to the scheduled Studio. The outline should include:

A description of the activity and any pertinent references to theory;
A timeline & how it will be explored, processed or debriefed;
Therapeutic precautions or concerns.

2. Proposal of a Group: Write an art therapy proposal for a group. Use the model for designing a group in the manual. Outline the objectives explaining the underlying developmental theories that would inform your approach. Cite appropriate references. This assignment can be discussed in small groups but each student is required to submit one proposal. Include a glossary of terms.