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Concordia University

Creative Arts Therapies Courses

CATS Courses

Description:

This course provides an introduction to the foundations and primary concepts of dance/movement therapy and explores their relevance and applications to other creative arts therapies modalities through experiential, somatic, and theoretical approaches.

Description:

This seminar introduces creative arts therapists to the various psychopathologies, their symptomatologies, etiologies, current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic criteria, and treatments.

Notes:


  • Credit received for CATS 610 cannot be applied towards a graduate program in Psychology.

Description:

This course introduces basic skills and practices of counselling and psychotherapy for creative arts therapists. It provides the opportunity to explore, develop, and practice the skills required for effective therapeutic interventions across varied theoretical orientations and treatment approaches. The course focuses on the therapeutic relationship and the therapeutic frame.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: ATRP 613; ATRP 614. Permission of the Department is required.

Description:

With the Department’s approval and in agreement with a faculty supervisor, additional practicum experience is offered on an individual basis to students in special circumstances. A case study is required.

Notes:


  • This course may be repeated as CATS 631B, 631C, etc.

Notes:


  • This course may be repeated as CATS 637.

Description:

This course provides experiential learning in the clinical application of creative projection techniques through a methodology based on exploring character in myth and fairy tale. The creative process is examined through readings, discussions, masks, movement, music and drama.

Description:

This course presents cross-cultural competence as an ethical obligation, providing an overview of multi-cultural counselling theory. Students explore challenges and opportunities arising in creative arts therapies clinical practice within an environment of cultural diversity as it relates to both the therapist and the client.

Notes:


  • This course is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Description:

Students develop skills with a variety of studio media and processes in their own creative arts discipline, while experiencing the media and creative process of an allied discipline. Commonalities and factors unique to each are examined for their potential in interdisciplinary practice.

Description:

This course covers ethical standards and requirements for clinical practice as established by both professional mental health and creative arts therapies associations. Students become familiar with expectations of professional and personal conduct as well as models for ethical decision-making. Students also gain an understanding of their personal value systems in relation to their work as creative arts therapists and how those values may inform ethical decision-making within their clinical practice.

Notes:


  • This course is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Description:

This course covers ethical standards and requirements for research as established by both professional mental health and creative arts therapies associations. Students become familiar with expectations of professional and personal conduct with respect to research in the field, including research protocols for both the Department of Creative Arts Therapies and Concordia University.

Notes:


  • This course is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Description:

Family systems theory is introduced and specific theories and practices of family therapy are considered. Indications for the use of family therapy and its integration with the creative arts therapies are explored, as are specific methods of assessment and intervention.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: CATS 691. Students develop their proposals for this paper as a course requirement for CATS 691, to be submitted for approval to the Research and Ethics Committee in the winter term of their first year in the program.

Description:

The research paper is the formal culmination of graduate studies in the creative arts therapies. This paper includes a literature review, and may also include methodology, specific procedures, research population or sample, data collection and analysis, as appropriate to the topic approved by the Creative Arts Therapies Research and Ethics Committee. The Committee will then assign one faculty member in the Department to supervise each paper.

Notes:


  • The nine-credit component appears on the student record only once the final version of the research paper has been submitted to the Thesis Office and the Graduate Grade Activity Report Form, granting a grade of PASS, has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Description:

This course presents an overview of qualitative research, theory and methodology, and their application to the creative arts therapies. Students develop critical reading skills and explore ethical issues involved in research.

Description:

The student chooses this option to further explore specific pilot project reports, feasibility studies, creative research designs utilizing media intrinsic to the creative arts therapies, or to undertake research with artistic, photographic or video documentation relevant to the creative arts therapies. All applied projects must include a written component and be presented as a public seminar upon completion.

Description:

An oral/written comprehensive case study examination must be taken to demonstrate integrative aspects of learning and knowledge in the study of drama therapy or art therapy.

Component(s):

Thesis Research

Art Therapy Courses

Description:

This course provides grounding in significant schools of psychological thought and their relevance to art therapy. It also promotes advanced knowledge and understanding of the therapeutic relationship and process from a psychodynamic perspective. Studied psychotherapeutic models include: psychodynamic, object relations, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, as well as theories of trauma.

Description:

This course emphasizes an understanding and experience of the purpose and process of various assessments in art therapy. The theory and practice of art therapy assessment in both clinical work and research are reviewed within the context of different populations.

Description:

Through experiential art workshops and readings, symbols and the symbolic/metaphoric function are examined with reference to various psychological models, including Freudian psychoanalysis, Jungian analytical psychology and Hillman’s archetypal/imaginal psychology. Students develop an understanding of art therapy methodology by exploring personal imagery.

Description:

This course provides a dialectical, experiential and practical examination of the major approaches to group dynamics, including psychodynamic, humanistic, systemic, and theories of communication. Stages, theories and clinical applications of group art therapy processes are explored.

Description:

In this course, students acquire skills in the implementation of the principles of psychotherapy within the practices of art therapy with a selected population. Students learn observation and assessment procedures, treatment planning, skills in establishing and maintaining the therapeutic relationship, on-going evaluation, methods of clinical documentation, and professional reporting in multidisciplinary teams. Individual and group supervision are provided. A minimum of 150 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: ATRP 613.

Description:

This course is a continuation of ATRP 613. A minimum of 200 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Description:

This course is designed to refine students’ clinical skills and deepen understanding of the practice of art therapy from a psychodynamic perspective. Through role-play experience and clinical discussion in a seminar format, therapeutic issues which students encounter during their fieldwork are explored.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: ATRP 613 and ATRP 614.

Description:

This course is designed to promote the consolidation of students’ abilities in the practice of art therapy, to further develop clinical skills, and deepen psychotherapeutic understanding. Individual and group supervision are provided. Case presentations, readings and clinical analysis of therapeutic issues are integral to this course. A minimum of 200 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: ATRP 613; ATRP 614; ATRP 623.

Description:

This course is a continuation of ATRP 623. A minimum of 250 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Description:

This course promotes an understanding of the theory and practice of art therapy with children and adolescents. Clinical applications of art therapy within diverse child and adolescent populations are examined with reference to the systemic, psychodynamic and cognitive models. Appropriate use of artistic media and play techniques are studied.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: CATS 691.

Description:

This course is designed to foster the acquisition of knowledge and methodological tools in arts-based, qualitative and quantitative methods relevant to the field of art therapy. Emphasis is placed on the use of the practical tools necessary to conduct reliable and valid research.

Drama Therapy Courses

Description:

This course provides grounding in significant theoretical theories of drama therapy and correlating schools of psychological thought and their relevance to drama therapy. It also promotes advanced knowledge and understanding of the therapeutic relationship and process from several drama therapy, psychodynamic, and psychotherapeutic perspectives. Studied psychotherapeutic models include: psychodynamic, object relations, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, as well as theories of trauma. Drama therapy models include: role theory, projective techniques, therapeutic theatre, the use of story, and performance techniques.

Description:

This course focuses on developing skills in adapting methods of dramatic improvisation for the purpose of therapy, including exploration of projective, playback and psychodramatic techniques. Attention is given to the theory of distancing in terms of therapeutic process and dramatic form.

Description:

This course provides a dialectical, experiential and practical examination of the major approaches to group dynamics, including psychodynamic, humanistic, systemic, and theories of communication. Stages, theories and clinical applications of group drama therapy processes are explored.

Description:

In this course, students acquire skills in the implementation of the principles of psychotherapy within the practices of drama therapy with a selected population. Students learn observation and assessment procedures, treatment planning, skills in establishing and maintaining the therapeutic relationship, on-going evaluation, methods of clinical documentation, and professional reporting in multidisciplinary teams. Individual and group supervision are provided. A minimum of 150 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: DTHY 613.

Description:

This course is a continuation of DTHY 613. A minimum of 200 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Description:

This course is designed to promote the consolidation of students’ abilities in the practice of drama therapy, to further develop clinical skills, and deepen psychotherapeutic understanding. Individual and group supervision are provided. Case presentations, readings and clinical analysis of therapeutic issues are integral to this course. A minimum of 200 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: DTHY 613; DTHY 614; DTHY 623.

Description:

This course is a continuation of DTHY 623. A minimum of 250 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Description:

Sociodrama and psychodrama practices are examined for their use as treatment modalities in drama therapy. Seminars and experiential methods of instruction integrate their practice into the aims and principles of drama therapy.

Description:

This course focuses on the methodologies, processes, and assessment techniques as they relate to drama therapy, play and play therapy with children and adolescents, and their families.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: DTHY 644.

Description:

This course explores assessment tools developed in the field of drama therapy, including those based on such dramatic media as storytelling, role-plays, puppets and masks. The theory and practice of drama therapy assessment in both clinical work and research are reviewed within the context of different populations.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: CATS 691.

Description:

This course is designed to foster the acquisition of knowledge and methodological tools in arts-based, qualitative and quantitative methods relevant to the field of drama therapy. Emphasis is placed on the use of the practical tools necessary to conduct reliable and valid research.

Music Therapy Courses

Music Therapy Graduate Diploma Courses

Description:

This course introduces students to basic materials, methods, and skills used to engage people in music therapy. These include improvisation, performance, leadership, group management, and appropriate repertoire/materials development for various ages and populations. Participation in varied experiences include, but are not limited to, vocal and instrumental improvisation, drumming circles, movement, melodic instruments, assistive technology, integrated arts, and songwriting.

Description:

This course provides an introduction to phenomena involving music and human behaviour, including physical, acoustical, perceptual, psychological, neuropsychological, and pedagogical aspects.

Description:

This course provides in depth coverage of music therapy clinical practice with diverse adult populations. This includes assessment techniques, intervention methods and strategies, improvisation, counselling skills, and an overview of the various populations.

Description:

This course provides in depth coverage of music therapy clinical practice with diverse child and adolescent populations. This includes assessment techniques, intervention methods and strategies, improvisation, and an overview of the various populations.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed concurrently: MTHY 503.

Description:

This practicum course with adults is one in a series of practica that cumulatively fulfills the requirements of the 200-hour preclinical and the 1,000-hour supervised clinical internship requirements, as stipulated by the professional program approval associations (the Canadian Association for Music Therapy and the American Music Therapy Association). Students develop as professional music therapists within a social, political and cultural context. Students acquire skills in the implementation of the principles and practices of music therapy within adult populations, including observation and assessment procedures, treatment planning, evaluation, and reporting in multi-disciplinary team settings. Students have the opportunity to explore, develop, and integrate academic and practical knowledge and skills within a clinical setting. A minimum of 300 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed concurrently: MTHY 504.

Description:

This practicum course within children and adolescent populations is one in a series of practica that cumulatively fulfills the requirements of the 200-hour pre-clinical and the 1,000-hour supervised clinical internship requirements, as stipulated by the professional program approval associations (the Canadian Association for Music Therapy and the American Music Therapy Association). Students develop as professional music therapists within a social, political and cultural context. Students acquire skills in the implementation of the principles and practices of music therapy within child and adolescent populations, including observation and assessment procedures, treatment planning, evaluation, and reporting in multi-disciplinary team settings. Students have the opportunity to explore, develop, and integrate academic and practical knowledge and skills within a clinical setting. A minimum of 300 practicum hours is required.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: MTHY 510 and MTHY 511.

Description:

This practicum course with diverse populations is the final in a series of practica that cumulatively fulfills the requirements of the 200-hour preclinical and the 1,000-hour supervised clinical internship requirements, as stipulated by the professional program approval associations (the Canadian Association for Music Therapy and the American Music Therapy Association). Students develop as professional music therapists within a social, political and cultural context. With a greater focus on clinical work in this practicum, students have the opportunity to specialize in a clinical population of their choice, preparing for future careers and/or graduate studies in music therapy. A minimum of 600 practicum hours is required. Students are also required to attend classes which may be offered as weekend intensives.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term

Description:

This course explores the basic applications of clinical improvisation processes in therapy and assessment. The specific focus is determined by identified student strengths and needs, and may include Nordoff and Robbins techniques, advanced piano techniques, analytical music therapy, and others.

Music Therapy MA Courses

Description:

In this course, students examine music therapy and related literature in order to deepen their understanding of the influences on their own clinical and conceptual work. Cultural, musical, and theoretical frameworks are analyzed; these include psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive behavioural, and other frameworks. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theory and music therapy process, assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practice.

Component(s):

Online

Description:

Examination of current theories and practices in clinical music therapy supervision and in university teaching and learning. Through lectures, demonstrations, and applied practice, students develop the necessary advanced professional competencies for clinical supervision and for excellence in teaching and learning. Topics include, but are not limited to, learning styles, teaching strategies, infusion of technology in instruction, and the creation of effective learning communities.

Component(s):

Online

Description:

This course explores the applications of clinical improvisation processes in therapy and assessment. The specific focus is determined by identified student strengths and needs, and may include Nordoff and Robbins techniques; advanced piano techniques; analytical music therapy; and others.

Component(s):

Online

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: MTHY 602, or equivalent.

Description:

Advanced study in clinical improvisation techniques in music therapy. The specific focus is determined by the identified student experience, strengths, and needs, and may include Nordoff and Robbins techniques; advanced piano and vocal techniques; analytical music therapy; and others.

Component(s):

Online

Description:

This course offers advanced clinical experience in the students’ areas of specialization. Close individual and group supervision for students are provided. Case presentations, readings, discussion of ethical issues related to students’ work are integral to this course.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term; Online

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: MTHY 623.

Description:

This course provides further advanced clinical experience in students’ areas of specialization. Close individual and group supervision for students are provided. Case presentations, readings, discussion of ethical issues related to students’ work are integral to this course.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term; Online

Description:

This course introduces students to the Guided Imagery and Music method (GIM) through demonstrations, theoretical discussion and personal experiences. Specific topics covered include: the role of music in GIM, relaxation techniques, types of imagery and basic guiding techniques, and the implementation of GIM in assessment. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

Description:

This course offers advanced clinical experience in the students’ areas of specialization, with a required minimum of 100 placement hours. Close individual and group supervision for students are provided. Case presentations, readings, discussion of ethical issues related to students’ work are integral to this course.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term; Online

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: MTHY 633.

Description:

This course provides further advanced clinical experience in students’ areas of specialization, with a required minimum of 100 placement hours. Close individual and group supervision for students are provided. Case presentations, readings, discussion of ethical issues related to students’ work are integral to this course. As part of this capstone course in the Advanced Music Therapy Practice option, students complete a public presentation which reflects a major integration of their practical work.

Component(s):

Practicum/Internship/Work Term; Online

Description:

This course is designed to foster the acquisition of knowledge and methodological tools in qualitative and quantitative methods relevant to the field of Music Therapy. Particular emphasis is placed on acquisition of the practical tools necessary to conduct reliable and valid research to prepare students for the development of future research papers/projects in Music Therapy.

Component(s):

Online

Description:

This course involves completing an advanced capstone project on an approved topic directly related to the discipline, profession, and/or practice of music therapy. With guidance from faculty members within the context of relevant core courses, students produce a paper and culminating presentation that reflects a deep and applied understanding of the topic.

Notes:


  • This course is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: CATS 691 and MTHY 693.

Description:

The thesis topic is chosen in consultation with the thesis supervisor, and is approved by the thesis advisory committee. Students conduct an inquiry, produce the thesis, and present it orally to their thesis advisory committee. Guidelines for the thesis are described in Thesis Preparation and Thesis Examination Regulations available from the School of Graduate Studies and the Research Handbook of the Creative Arts Therapies Department.

Component(s):

Thesis Research

Play Therapy Graduate Certificate Courses

Description:

This course introduces the history, major models, and processes of play therapy. The basic model of child-centered play therapy, which evolved from the humanistic psychotherapy model, is explored through both theory and practice. Topics such as trauma, negative life experiences, the impact of these experiences on the brain and the child’s development are introduced and will continue to be explored in other course material. This course introduces students to the four structures which contain a play therapy session. Evaluation and assessment in play therapy is addressed. The course covers common themes in play therapy acknowledging the cultural diversity of clients, record-keeping, preparation for the ending of the therapy relationship and the essential materials for an effective and culturally responsive playroom.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following course must be completed previously: PLTH 501.

Description:

This course focuses on the theories and techniques that inform cognitive behavioural therapy and their application in play therapy. Topics include the cognitive model and cognitive behavioual therapy assessment and evaluation, session structure, and directive interventions in play therapy.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: PLTH 501; PLTH 502.

Description:

This course emphasizes the philosophy and rationale for group work with children and pre-adolescents. Focus is on the goals of group therapy, the role of the play therapist, screening and selection of group members, play and activities at various developmental levels, and planning and structuring sessions. Building on PLTH 502, this course covers when to integrate cognitive behavioual therapy into child-centered group play therapy.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: PLTH 501; PLTH 502; PLTH 503.

Description:

This course focuses on the history, theoretical foundations, research, and practical applications of relational and filial play therapy. In particular, students examine the techniques and models to work with parents including the Guerney, VanFleet and Landreth models based on attachment and self-regulation theories. Students learn techniques to support the attunement of parents to their children and facilitate a more secure attachment and the strengthening of family bonds.

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

The following courses must be completed previously: PLTH 501; PLTH 502; PLTH 503; PLTH 504.

Description:

This course covers neurobiological attachment theories within child-centered play therapy. This course focuses on understanding how trauma impacts neurological development and the treatment of trauma using child-centered play therapy.

 
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