Integrative Counselling & Art Therapy
The Dublin Art Therapy College (DATC) BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Art Therapy programme has been established to provide a comprehensive professional training programme for those who are drawn to work in therapeutic settings. It fully supports students in learning to work with the multifaceted balance of elements required by the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. This is achieved through advanced personal, professional and academic growth, allowing each student to develop an unique integrated perspective on human development and therapeutic change along with the skills of intervention. The course also prepares the student for clinical work with its main focus on the therapeutic relationship.
| Award Name | Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | Minor Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Minor |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | South East Technological University | Level 6 NFQ |
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | South East Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | South East Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
| Minor Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Minor | South East Technological University | Level 6 NFQ |
Entry Requirements
Prerequisites:
The Introduction to Art Therapy or equivalent plus the Foundation Certificate in Art Therapy or equivalent are prerequisites to the BA Hons in Integrative Counselling and Art Therapy. Direct entrants will have substantial prior training and experience. Top-up to BA programmes are in place for those wishing to attain Level 8 NFQ certification.
Careers / Further progression
MSc in Creative Art Psychotherapy (Working with Young People)
Having completed the BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Art Therapy programme the student is entitled to apply for the MSc in Creative Art Psychotherapy (Working with Young People)15 months of in-college learning.
MSc Recognised Prior Learning RPL:
Applicants must hold a Level 7 or Level 8 training in Counselling & Psychotherapy (or equivalent) and have extensive clinical practice.
MSc RPL Pre-requisite:
Successful completion of the Professional Certificate in Art Therapy Skills Programme (10 Weekend programme) to be considered for the MSc in Creative Art Psychotherapy (Working with Young People).
Further information
There are extra costs involved in relation to:
Personal Therapy (60 hours over 4 years)
IACP student registration fee
Supervision as a result of client placement experience which involves (at least 25 hours of Supervision over Years 3 & 4 of the (part-time) BA (Hons) programme).
In general Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Supervisors charge between €45 and €65 per session.
Application Process:
Applicants should complete the online application form including the initial deposit which is deductible from course fees should the application be successful. Applicants are entitled to a full refund of the initial deposit if they decide to cancel within 7 days of receipt of their application. Should an application be unsuccessful, or if the application is cancelled by the applicant following this 7 day period and prior to 30 days before the course commences, an administration fee of €80 is charged and the balance refunded. A refund will not be given 30 days before the course commences.
Interviews will be arranged for all suitable applicants. Applicants who are offered a place will be required to confirm acceptance in writing accompanied by full course payment or other agreed methods of payment. When an Applicant has accepted a place all tuition fees, including deposits, shall be fully non-refundable in all personal circumstances.
Hons in Integrative Counselling and Art Therapy:
The Degree programme integrates the applied skills of Counselling & Psychotherapy with Neuroscience and Art Therapy skills through various theoretical approaches. It further develops the practical application of art as a therapy through in-house and clinical placement experience. The programme provides a comprehensive understanding of Art Therapy through experiential workshops, studio practice, in-depth interactive academic study whilst applying a multi-sensory approach to independent learning and tutorials. It enables Learners to integrate Art Therapy into their counselling & psychotherapeutic practice.
The Philosophy:
To further integrate the experience and practice of facilitating art as a therapy underpinned by various theoretical approaches. Participants are afforded the opportunity to safely explore and therapeutically experience aspects of themselves and others thus enhancing and developing their potential in a supportive, stimulating and challenging environment. In this safe space ideas are freely discussed within agreed professional boundaries where a strong sense of trust and sharing is cultivated in a continuing process of self-discovery.
The Purpose of the Course:
To merge the Person Centred Counselling philosophy with Art Psychotherapy and Neuroscience
To become proficient with the creative and practical application of Art Psychotherapy
To assist learners of Art Psychotherapy in understanding and integrating the traditional values of present-day counselling and psychotherapy whilst simultaneously underpinning the practical theory and application of Art Psychotherapy and Neuroscience.
To further develop the skill of facilitating art as therapy.
To underpin practice with theory.
To become proficient in using art therapy as a core model of clinical practice.
To further enhance self development of the therapist.
Lecturers:
All of the Dublin Art Therapy College facilitators are highly qualified, experienced individuals and are practicing therapists accredited with relevant professional bodies. Students are highly supported by the core-tutors whilst participating on any of the Dublin Art Therapy College courses, promoting a safe and enjoyable adult educational experience.
The BA Hons in Integrative Counselling and Art Therapy is designed for those who are drawn to integrate the expressive potential of art making within their work practice. The integrated knowledge and experience gained on this course, will enable the participant to apply to be a pre-accredited professional member of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).
Stages of the BA Hons in Integrative Counselling and Art Therapy
Exit stages on full completion of a stage of the BA Programme:
Stages of the BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Art Therapy
Exit stages on full completion of a stage of the BA Programme:
Year 4: Level 8: (Honours)
BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling & Art Therapy
Year 3: Level 7 Major: (Advanced)
BA in Integrative Counselling & Art Therapy Skills
Year 2: Level 6 Major: (Intermediate)
Higher Cert: Integrative Counselling & Art Therapy Skills
Year 1: Level 6 Minor: (Foundation)
Cert: Integrative Counselling & Art Therapy Skills
The Course Content:
Experiential learning and application of theory to clinical practice
Applied theory – in-depth interactive academic study.
Art Therapy as a tool for personal and professional self-awareness
Integration of Art Therapy into professional clinical practice.
Assessment Criteria:
Skills practice and feedback from peers, self and facilitators.
Ongoing participating in academic study and research.
Essays and daily learning journals to provide in-depth understanding of theoretical application of course work.
Group participation of in-depth interactive academic study.
Application of a multi-sensory approach demonstrating knowledge of theoretical models.
A portfolio of work for final assessment – ongoing reviews.
Evidence of the use of Art Therapy Skills within clinical practice.
Final assessment by self and peers to be validated by course facilitators
120 hours of client work as part of placement criteria
60 hours of personal therapy completed
Focus: On experiential and theoretical learning along with applied counselling and art therapy skills
Attendance: 85% minimum
Confidentiality: Essential
Supervision: Mandatory 1:5 hours of client work completed
Support (Counselling) – Mandatory
Tel: 086 2432930