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Art therapy students creating artwork

What is Art Therapy Counseling?

Art therapy counseling combines the therapeutic uses of art making with the skills of a professional counselor to provide multiple levels of communication within a therapeutic relationship.  Art therapy counseling is helpful for people who experience illness, trauma, mental health issues, challenges in living, as well as for those who seek personal insight and change.

Art therapy counselors are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They come into the field with a strong background in art and psychology, and study therapeutic uses of art and counseling skills at the master’s level. Art therapy counselors work with people of all ages: children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, groups, and communities. They provide services in settings that include mental health centers, hospitals, rehabilitation, forensic institutions, community outreach program, wellness centers, schools, nursing homes, open studios and independent practices.

Art therapy student holding up finger painting

Why Study Art Therapy Counseling at SIUE?

SIUE has several things that are unique compared to other art therapy counseling programs in the country.  Between the number of graduate assistantships available, state school tuition rates, faculty/student ratio, and number of visiting art therapists, SIUE offers a quality education at a fraction of the cost of other programs.

Graduate Assistantships

One of the biggest advantages to study at SIUE is the number of graduate assistantships available for students.  Graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of approximately $397/month.  In a typical year there are 8-10 art therapy counseling graduate assistantships in Head Start for first year students, and 4-6 graduate assistantships available for 2nd or 3rd year students.  Other graduate assistantships are available throughout the campus.

Students playing with puppets made at fall conference

State School Tuition Rates

When students move to Illinois from other states, within 6 months students can apply for residency and receive in-state tuition.  Missouri residents who take 6 hours or fewer are also eligible for in-state tuition. 

Faculty/Student Ratio

The faculty/student ratio meets the requirements set forth by the American Art Therapy Association.  SIUE limits its incoming class to 10 students per year.  With 3 full-time faculty members and 3 adjunct faculty, students receive individualized attention and are exposed to a variety of approaches to art therapy.

Conferences And Workshops

The art therapy counseling program invites nationally known speakers to the campus each spring for the annual Art Therapy Counseling Conference and each fall for the Fall Workshop.  These events offer art therapy students and area art therapists an opportunity to explore current topics in the field with noted art therapists.

SPRING CONFERENCES

  • 1984      Bob Ault
  • 1985      Lew Shupe and Gary Barlow                   
  • 1986      Mildred Lachman Chapin
  • 1987      Gussie Klorer & Floyd Smith
  • 1988      Don Jones
  • 1989      Janie Rhyne
  • 1990      Dean Frantz
  • 1991      Laurie Wilson
  • 1992      Arthur Robbins
  • 1993      Pat Allen
  • 1994      Linda Gantt
  • 1995      Michael Franklin
  • 1996      Randy Vick
  • 1997      Judy Rubin
  • 1998      Josie Abbenante
  • 1999      Cathy Moon
  • 2000      Cathy Malchiodi
  • 2001      Janis Timm-Bottos
  • 2002      Patricia Isis
  • 2003      Robin Goodman
  • 2004      Michael Maloney
  • 2005      Cathy Moon
  • 2006      Linda Chapman
  • 2007      Bruce Moon
  • 2008      Shaun McNiff
  • 2009      Lynn Kapitan

FALL WORKSHOPS

  • 1998      Laurie Neustadt
  • 1999      Michael Franklin
  • 2000      Ruella Frank
  • 2001      Joy Seidler
  • 2002      Cheryl Doby-Copeland
  • 2003      Deborah Koff-Chapin
  • 2004      Don Seidan
  • 2005      Pat Allen
  • 2006      Josie Abbenante
  • 2007      Lani Gerity

In addition, the Department of Art and Design has many special activities that students may find stimulating.  These include the Visiting Artists Workshop, an Exhibitions Program, and a Summer Arts Festival.





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