Art therapy uses a combination of art activities and verbal interaction to support mental health by creating a positive environment for people and groups to express themselves through art.

Art therapy is not just a collection of techniques, but a planned intervention which attempts to create a safe environment for the client to express themselves.

Art therapy draws on psychodynamic theory, Jungian analytical psychology and developmental theory, cognitive and humanistic psychotherapies for its theoretical framework. It incorporates concepts about creativity as well as a range of contemporary therapeutic approaches and methods.

To meet ANZACATA and PACFA standards, you'll need to complete at least 800 hours of art therapy placement during the program. The ongoing commitment is approximately 2 days per week each semester. You'll also need to work with at least two different client groups throughout the program.

The Art Therapy field of study includes a compulsory 1 week residential full-time block of workshops. Remote students can attend weekly classes online with an art therapy tutor via Zoom.

We recommend that Art Therapy students have some experience of personal therapy, either prior to or during your Master of Mental Health – Art Therapy training. This enables you to become more aware of your personal motivation for becoming a therapist and to identify any potential areas of difficulty.

To enrol in the Master of Mental Health – Art Therapy, you'll need to satisfy entrance standards in the areas of Academic Capacity, Art Practice and Clinical Experience.

If eligible, you'll be invited to undertake an art making group experiential as the next step towards acceptance into the program. Potential applicants will be notified one week after attending the group art-making experiential session if you've been accepted in the program.

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Depending on which field you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Art therapist
• Counsellor
• Mental health services manager
• Community mental health practitioner
• Mental health clinician
• Psychosocial community support worker
• Patient assessor
• Health and well-being consultant

Professional memberships

When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.

• The Australian Association of Family Therapy Inc
• Australian and New Zealand Arts Therapy Association