The field of creative arts therapy is now widely recognized as an essential component of health care in our society. Creative arts therapists integrate modalities of music, drama, the visual arts, and dance/movement into the practice of psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. These include psychiatric, rehabilitation, and general hospitals; nursing homes; group homes; outpatient psychotherapy clinics; special education; and private practice.
The New School's certificate program in Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) is both didactic and experiential, grounded in the latest developments in psychology and mind-body healing. Our curriculum is unique in that it encourages students to work in more than one artistic modality in developing therapeutic insight and mastery. It integrates mind-body techniques such as creative visualization, guided imagery, mindfulness meditation, and therapeutic touch with more traditional arts therapy and psychodynamic approaches. Fieldwork opportunities are available in diverse clinical settings.
The New School certificate attests to completion of the program of study
described below. It is not a professional certification or
registration. Professional credentials are awarded only by the
several art therapies associations. The New School does not currently
offer job placement services. Our graduates commonly find employment in
recreation/activity therapy programs and other mental health services
positions.
Louise Montello, Coordinator
More Information
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The Certificate Curriculum
The Certificate in Creative Arts Therapy is awarded for successful completion of a nine-course sequence in one of four tracks, culminating in a clinical fieldwork experience. Each track emphasizes a particular modality—Art, Music, Drama, or Dance/Movement therapy. Students are required to take at least two courses in other modalities outside their track for an enriched learning experience.
Courses can be taken for certificate approval on either a non-credit or undergraduate credit basis. When registering, you must specify your certificate status in order for a course to count toward completion of the certificate. Non-credit students who register for certificate status receive grades of AP (Approved) or NA (Not Approved). Certificate approval for credit students requires an acceptable letter grade. Academic requirements may vary from course to course but are always the same for non-credit and credit students registered for certificate status. Transcripts are available in either case.
The certificate program is intended to be a two-year program (two courses per term, including one summer term), but this time frame may be modified with permission from the coordinator. All courses must be taken at The New School for Public Engagement. The HEGIS code is 5299.00.
See Certificates for general policies governing New School certificate programs. View course descriptions of the current Creative Arts Therapy curriculum (PDF); select "Creative Arts Therapy Certificate" in the Bookmarks menu).
Individual courses may be taken by students not enrolled in the certificate program if space if available.
Program of Study
Required Psychology Courses: Theories of Personality (NPSY3401) and Abnormal Psychology (NPSY3501). Both courses are prerequisites for the clinical fieldwork.
Creative Arts Therapy Courses (see the course descriptions below)
- Choose a track: Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy, or Dance/Movement Therapy
- Take four courses in your track, including the introduction training course (parts 1 and 2, if set up in two parts)
- Take two CAT electives chosen from courses in the other three tracks
Faculty
The distinguished faculty of the CAT
certificate program includes internationally recognized leaders in the
fields of art, music, drama, and dance therapy. Scroll to the bottom of
the Visual and Performing Arts faculty page for
biographical information about our faculty members.
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Fall CAT Courses
Introduction to Music Therapy 1
Liberal Arts
This introductory two-semester course includes an overview of music therapy, theoretical concepts of music therapy with reference to different patient populations, and information about further training and job opportunities in the field. There is also an experimental component, in which students participate in clinically tested music therapy techniques such as Guided Imagery and Music, group music therapy, and clinical improvisation. As the term progresses, students are guided in developing fieldwork opportunities in the New York area.
Performance Wellness Seminar
Non Liberal Arts
This course offers musicians, music therapists, and other creative arts therapists a deeper understanding of the implications of stress in performance, as well as practical tools for allowing the body-mind to become a more resilient "instrument" in the face of stressful situations. The seminar also provides training in body-mind awareness techniques, cognitive restructuring, behavioral rehearsal, and specially designed music therapy techniques that directly address key performance issues. Students keep daily logs to monitor changes in their own stress levels over the course.
Rhythm and Role: Unmasking the Essential Self
Liberal Arts
This intensive course, which is of interest to creative arts and mental health practitioners, performers, and educators, integrates concepts and techniques from music, art, movement, and drama therapy. The course includes shamanic ritual, psychodrama, storytelling and improvisation. Readings from the creative arts and psychoanalytic literature are required, as is journal-keeping to frame the process.
Drama Therapy Methods and Techniques
Liberal Arts
This two-semester course offers a complete orientation to the theory and practice of drama therapy. Various drama therapy techniques are explored in the classroom. Students are assisted in obtaining fieldwork experience and offered career counseling.
Introduction to Art Therapy I
Liberal Arts
This course will introduce students to the use of art in therapy. Theoretical models that build the foundation for the use of art in therapeutic situations are examined, and the history of the profession is outlined. Case presentation and artwork is studies in class to illustrate assessment and treatment methods.
The Dynamics of Art Materials
Non Liberal Arts
Students explore making art for the purpose of self-expression, using a wide range of art materials. Various art therapy techniques, the stages of group therapy, and prescriptive use of art medium will be the focus. The bridge between art and psychology is explored for students who come from a background in either area.
Introduction to Dance/Movement Therapy
Non Liberal Arts
In this course, students learn about dance therapy practice with diverse populations such as patients with eating disorders, chronic pain, and schizophrenia. Various techniques are demonstrated and discussed in relation to prevention and rehabilitation. This introduction to the field includes the history of the profession, theoretical concepts, information on further training, professional standards, and employment opportunities.
The Dance of Life: Body/Mind Relationships
Non Liberal Arts
This course examines how mental/emotional states are reflected in breathing, body tension, postures, and gestures, and how awareness opens the door to personal growth. Students learn movement meditations and explore issues of engagement, identity, competition, leadership, boundaries, and separation.
Dance Therapy with Children
Liberal Arts
Focus on treating children with developmental delays/learning disorders; latest developments in neuroscience/mother-infant relationship/emotional development.
Spring CAT Courses
Mind-Body Healing Through the Art
This four-part lecture series featuring a leader in each creative arts therapy modality per week is a great introduction to the field of CAT.
Introduction to Music Therapy 2
Liberal Arts
Music Therapy in the medical realm.
Music as the Way
Non Liberal Arts
This experiential music therapy course offers a number of clinically tested exercises that can help clients reclaim their essential music intelligence – the innate ability to use music/sound as a source of healing and self-transformation. Students keep a music-sound awareness journal to frame the process.
Introduction to Art Therapy and Practice Methods
Liberal Arts
This course will explore the use of art therapy in practice within specific treatment situations. Various theoretical approaches specific to a population or setting will be examined. Opportunities to visit art therapists at work will be offered. Students are encouraged to develop interests in specific areas in preparation for an approaching fieldwork. Job search strategies, opportunities for use of art with groups, and continuing education options in art therapy are presented.
Art Diagnosis
Liberal Arts
This course offers an in-depth exploration of how to "read" people through their artwork. We study elements of art and how they are used by the client from both an experiential and a didactic perspective. Previous experience in art of psychology is not necessary. This course is particularly useful to clinical practitioners interested in understanding their clients' artwork.
Art Therapy with Groups
Non Liberal Arts
Experiential model of art therapy group – students learn while participating in and leading groups.
Dance/Movement Therapy with Groups
Non Liberal Arts
The healing processes in group dance therapy and in other physical activity-based therapy groups are explored. Students learn how synchrony, education, rhythm, vitalization, integration, cohesion, expression, and symbolism are intrinsic to a group's evolution. They also learn about and experience group development within sessions and over time. Leadership, music, and verbal interventions are discussed in relation to group dancing.
Drama Therapy Special Populations
Non Liberal Arts
Focus on drama therapy with children, adults, psychiatric, medical, rehab- didactic and experiential.
Theater Techniques in Drama Therapy
Non Liberal Arts
Students learn how drama therapists use specific theater techniques in their clinical work.
Healing Movement
Non Liberal Arts
Integration of Feldenkrais, TaiChi, and Belly Dance into the therapy context.
Fieldwork Seminar
Fieldwork in a variety of settings is offered to certificate students who have completed the two required psychology and four concentration courses. Permission of the Creative Arts Therapy coordinator is required. Students must commit to 10 hours per week per semester (13 weeks) to complete their fieldwork. On-site supervision is provided by members of the New School faculty. A concurrent seminar focuses on clinical issues particular to specific populations. The seminar meets once a month during the semester.
Summer CAT Courses
Roles and Relationships (Drama Therapy)
Non Liberal Arts
This course offers the opportunity to explore oneself in relation to others through the medium of drama. The course combines experiential components with didactic discussions. Readings, journal writing, and active participation are required.
Music, Mind and Healing
Liberal Arts
This seminar surveys both research and clinical practice in the exciting field of music medicine, which combines clinically-tested techniques of music therapy with the latest advances in mind-body healing. The course is especially recommended for health-care professionals, musicians, and educators. Prior musical training is not required.
Symbolism in Art Therapy
Liberal Arts
Jungian approach to art therapy.
Multicultural Dance Therapy
Liberal Arts
Understanding cultural differences through creative art therapy practice.
Creative Arts Therapy Fieldwork
- A minimum of 150 hours in an approved clinical setting with occasional on-site supervision by a New School faculty member. During the academic term, all students enrolled in a fieldwork placement meet four times to discuss clinical issues with respect to their supervisors' experiences in the field. Prerequisite: successful completion of the two required psychology courses and the four courses in your chosen track.
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Admission
The certificate program in Creative Arts Therapy is ideal for undergraduate students seeking careers in the field, as well as for health, social work, and education professionals and creative artists seeking to integrate expressive therapy techniques into their professional or personal lives.
Prospective students must complete at least 30 college credits prior to applying for the certificate program, including at least two courses in music performance, drama, or studio art and at least two courses in psychology, human services, or counseling, or they must have equivalent professional experience.
Individuals who do not meet either prerequisite but can demonstrate motivation and ability may be admitted provided they arrange to complete the prerequisite coursework in conjunction with their Creative Arts Therapy certificate courses. (Required certificate courses cannot also count as part of the 30 prerequisite credits.)
Individual courses, except the fieldwork, are open to students who meet admission requirements, whether or not they intend to complete the entire program. Note: Certificate approval cannot be awarded retroactively to noncredit students. Students who require an official record or transcript must register as certificate or credit students.
How to Apply
Submit the completed application form with copies of your college transcripts, to Dr. Louise Montello, coordinator of the Creative Arts Therapy program. The deadline for submission is at least three weeks prior to the first day of the term in which you wish to start your courses.
Once admitted, you must make an appointment for course advising before you register. Please direct all questions about eligibility and admission procedures to the coordinator: call 212.229.5567 or email catinfo@newschool.edu.
Application Instructions
- Download the Application Form and instructions. (You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the registration form. If you don't have Acrobat Reader on your computer, you can download it for free from the Adobe website.)
- Return the completed form and other requested documents to:
Dr. Louise Montello, Coordinator
The New School Creative Arts Therapy Program
66 West 12th Street, Room 916
New York, NY 10011
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Tuition and Fees
Tuition for noncredit students is charged per course. Course tuitions are published with course descriptions in the catalog. Tuition for credit students (matriculated and nonmatriculated) is charged per credit point. For more information see Tuition and Fees.
Nonmatriculated students who think they may need to take certificate courses for undergraduate credit should contact the coordinator of academic services at academicservices@newschool.edu or 212.229.5615.
