The Course

The late Dr. Carl Rogers was the course consultant. He wrote:
" An effective course in person-centred art therapy based on the philosophy which empowers the person and helps to make them more self-directed"

PART TIME CERTIFICATE COURSE IN

PERSON-CENTRED ART THERAPY SKILLS

A COURSE BRINGING THE PERSON-CENTRED COUNSELLING APPROACH TO THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF ART

ABC Awards or Open College Network Validated

To become more integrated, we need to engage both the verbal and non-verbal intelligence, both rational thinking and intuitive knowing. Art can disclose such non-verbal wisdom.

There are disciplines where the practitioner is directive, may interpret, may suggest the meaning to the client. In contrast, the person-centred way, based on the belief that the individual is responsible and capable of self-determination, enables the client to discover the message of the image for her/himself, thus gaining self-awareness as well as moving towards a more autonomous way of being. By bringing the person-centred facilitative approach to images expressed in art-form, integration, healing and growth can occur at every level of development.

The course is offered to anyone who believes that working with art can be a helpful, therapeutic and creative resource in their work setting. Course groups may include people working in educational, therapeutic, social work, youth and medical settings. Course groups will not exceed 12 to 14 students.

Art training not required.

Course Objectives:

1. To bring the person-centred counselling approach originated by Carl Rogers to images expressed in art form.
2. To take this learning back to individual work setting.

Course Content:

The course contains three main elements:
theory, self-awareness and application.

The focus is on experiential learning.

To learn about and experience the person-centred approach, based on the belief that the individual is essentially trustworthy and that personal growth and autonomy are encouraged in a climate of empathy, acceptance and genuineness.

To explore the theory and experience of the process of image-making in art-form in ways which enable the students to be clear in their thinking and practice.

To bring together these concepts in a creative way, using the person-centred approach to explore and gain insights from the art material: Person-centred Art Therapy.

Students devise and implement the group and personal contracts and assessment procedures. Each student goes on to produce a portfolio of work. The certificate is based on on-going self and peer assessment. The student's course work, contract and assessment procedures will be discussed with the moderator in the summer term. On successful completion of the course, the student will gain a certificate in Person-centred Art Therapy Skills related to his/her individual work setting.

Workshops are offered on counselling courses, for a variety of professionals, and in general.

Over 2800 persons have participated on courses and workshops to date.

A Diploma course is available for persons who are qualified counsellors and hold a certificate in Person-centred Art Therapy Skills. The additional year's part-time course to enhance understanding and practice can lead to a Diploma.

Contact Liesl Silverstone at +44(0)208 455 8570