Master of Arts Degree in Art Therapy by LASALLE College of the Arts

Art therapists develop the necessary skills and training to effectively work with a variety of populations throughout the life cycle. They work within various medical, institutional, educational, and rehabilitative settings that may include learning, development, medical conditions, social work, marginalized groups, crisis and trauma within communities, ageing and eldercare to name a few. The practice of art therapy ranges from studio-based to clinical approaches, depending on the art therapist's level of expertise, practice and working environment. Art therapists remain sensitive to cultural awareness, difference and diversity and adhere to international ethics and best practices.

The MA Art Therapy Programme at LASALLE is a two-year, four semester full-time training programme spanning a range of psychotherapeutic concepts, theories and practices. The experiential model of the programme places an emphasis on acquiring critical knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of the modality itself. You will undergo a substantial period of clinical practice through supervised clinical placements. Clinical work is further explored and discussed through structured group and individual supervision at the College.

As a Masters candidate you will be encouraged to attain an autonomous and reflective stance in your learning, development, and assessment in collaboration with tutors. This is a vital process in developing an approach to your professional practice as a confident, competent and ethical art therapist that will be based upon your ability to be analytical, critical, objective and self-reflective about your work.

Although personal therapy is required in semesters 2-4, it is recommended throughout the duration of the training. You are to arrange and pay for their own personal therapy as this is not included with tuition.

The MA Art Therapy is the first of its kind to be developed and implemented in Southeast Asia. The programme is breaking new ground in relation to the varied and distinctive social, cultural and spiritual frameworks within which it is being nurtured. The Southeast Asian context is considered throughout the training and candidates are encouraged to research and work in a range of settings both local and if appropriate, international.

A blend of Eastern and Western approaches are considered and candidates are encouraged to develop a reflective and contemporary philosophical and practical stance. Although there may be several similarities in terms of the human experience, it is acknowledged that there are unique cultural considerations and local and/or region specific implications in terms of how mental health services are defined, perceived and implemented.

Self-reflexivity, mindfulness and a contemplative approach are practices wherein you may draw upon to further embrace and/or expand your understanding of an Asian context. It is acknowledged that cultural difference and diversity are at the heart of current art therapy debate and discourse both locally and around the globe.