Master’s Program in Art Therapy – Visual Art (M.A.A.T) for Experienced Therapists

Dr. Neta Ram-Vlasov; Dr. Shimrit Telraz-Cohen; Tali Amiad-Milstein; Dr. Shahar Gindi; Dr. Gal Abramovski; Dr. Ariela Bairey Ben Ishay; Dr. Yael Sharon; Aya Feldman; Prof. Linor Hadar; Dr. Ofira Honig; Dr. Avi Goren Bar; Dr. Idit Tevet; Shlomit Rinat.

A dedicated master’s program in Visual Art Therapy for experienced therapists, based on studies on a scope of 13 weekly hours over two semesters + concentrated courses + an online course.

The studies combine advanced theoretical knowledge in various streams and expressions of psychodynamic psychotherapy for use in art therapy in the visual arts; theories of short-term therapy and their manifestation in visual art therapy; expanding the knowledge of experienced therapists working with adults, parents, adolescents, the third age, and people on the autistic spectrum through art, including the inculcation of practical artistic analytical tools to be integrated in the language of art therapy. The studies will deepen the participants’ knowledge as clinicians capable of working in the field in various institutions and will provide them with an innovative toolbox based on knowledge and on diverse therapeutic skills.
The overall goal of the program is to expand the fields of knowledge of experienced therapists through the language of therapy using art, art psychotherapy, and materials.

The program offers a fruitful basis for ongoing growth of the “professional self” of longstanding therapists while encouraging the development of the unique contribution of visual art therapy in Israel.

Semester 1

• Advanced approaches in psychotherapy 1: Relational psychotherapy
• Art-based research methods for advanced students.
• Group therapy – group dynamics, group counseling, theories and approaches
• Research seminars

During the study year, the students will hold two research seminars, one in the field of trauma based on an action research, after studying advanced evaluation tools. The second seminar will lead to the writing of an article in the field of work with the entire spectrum of ASD. The course lecturers will provide group and individual supervision for the students during their research and support in writing the article.
Supervision is provided from the selection of the subject and methodology, including art-based research tools studied in the program, through to data analysis and discussion of the findings.
– The students will be able to consult with statisticians from the College; students whose research meets academic requirements will be able to publish their study in article form.

Semester 2

• Advanced approaches in psychotherapy 2: Approaches to short-term therapy and their manifestation in visual art therapy.
• Advanced approaches in psychotherapy 3: Contemporary integrative psychotherapy for advanced students and its manifestation in visual art therapy (adapted for experienced therapists).
• Continuation of the autism spectrum seminar.
• Continuation of the trauma seminar.
• Evaluation tools using materials and creative processes. Observation skills and analysis of the use of plastic materials and creations in the art therapy process.

Elective course

• Wisdom of the senses: The influence of the environment and our senses on our behavior, emotions, and thoughts.

• Graduation is conditional on a grade of at least 80 in each of the courses.
• After submitting two research seminar papers and completing the required submissions and academic obligations with a grade of at least 80 in each course – the students will receive a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy – M.A.A.T for experienced therapists.