Principles of Art Therapy Certificate

Applications for the 2027 intake are now open! If you want to apply please do so via the application form on our webpage.

 

The aim of the validated course is to develop an understanding of the main principles of Art Therapy and enhance personal and professional development through an experiential, creative process.

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Course Overview

Crawford College of Art & Design (MTU) Award delivered by CTC, Leixlip based course, starting again January 2027

The aim of the validated course is to develop an understanding of the main principles of Art Therapy and enhance personal and professional development through an experiential, creative process. For many this introduction may be a step towards training as a qualified Art Therapist, for others it may serve as CPD to enhance therapeutic skills or develop a more sympathetic understanding of the role of art and creativity in therapy, rehabilitation and development work. Each weekend students will participate in experiential workshops with qualified arts therapists. A variety of approaches to the process of Art Therapy will be introduced through workshops, lectures and seminars. The award is a 10 credit, Level 8 Certificate (note many other introductory courses do not have this important validation!). The course runs approxiametly one weekend (Tuesday night and full day Sunday) per month for the duration of the course.

The Principles of Art Therapy Certificate (formerly Art Therapy Foundation Course) is a QQI Level 8 (10 credit) certificate comprising of two 5 credit assessed modules. This course provides an opportunity to explore Art Therapy within a group setting. Each module students will participate in experiential workshops with qualified arts therapists. A variety of approaches to the process of Art Therapy will be introduced through workshops, lectures and seminars.

For many this certificate course may be a step towards training as a qualified Art Therapist or Play Therapist; for others it may contribute to continuing professional development and serve to enhance understanding of the role of the arts in rehabilitation and development work.

The experiential nature of this course can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Applicants should be aware that emotional responses to previous life experiences may be evoked. If you have concerns in this regard please contact CTC for a short conversation.

Upcoming Dates:

COURSE DATES

 

Tues 19th Jan 2027: Orientation

Module 1: Tues 2nd Feb & Sun 7th Feb 2027

Module 2: Tues 23rd Feb & Sun 28th Feb 2027

Module 3: Tues 16th & Sun 21st March 2027

Module 4: Tues 6th & Sun 10th April 2027

Module 5: Tues 27th April & Sun 2nd May 2027

Module 6: Tues 25th May & Sun 30th May 2027

Module 7: Tues 8th & Sun 13th June 2027

Module 8: Sun 27th June 2027

All learners are provided access to the Moodle platform for supplementary materials, session handouts, academic writing supports, and more.

2027 COURSE DATES 

 

Tues 19th Jan 2027: Orientation

Module 1: Tues 2nd Feb & Sun 7th Feb 2027

Module 2: Tues 23rd Feb & Sun 28th Feb 2027

Module 3: Tues 16th & Sun 21st March 2027

Module 4: Tues 6th & Sun 10th April 2027

Module 5: Tues 27th April & Sun 2nd May 2027

Module 6: Tues 25th May & Sun 30th May 2027

Module 7: Tues 8th & Sun 13th June 2027

Module 8: Sun 27th June 2027

 

Lectures take place online on the Tuesday before the associated experiential sessions on the Sunday.

Tuesday: 7.15pm– 9pm      Online Lecture

Sunday: 9.30 – 12                Experiential Workshop 1

12 – 1pm                                   Lunch break

1pm – 3.30pm                       Experiential Workshop 2

3.30 – 4pm                             Tidy up, Tea/Coffee Break

4pm – 5.15pm                       Seminar, Feedback, Reflections

The cost is €1580 including registration and exam fees.

Payment Plans are available – Details HERE

Course Content

This course provides an opportunity to explore Art Therapy within a group setting. In each module students will participate in experiential workshops with qualified arts therapists. A variety of approaches to the process of Art Therapy will be introduced through workshops, lectures and seminars.

  • Each course module is themed around a key principle of the art therapy process. Lectures will explore how the process works in a range of contexts, and with clients of various ages, from Psychiatry, Probation, Palliative Care, Education, to Learning Disabilities. Topics vary from year to year.
  • Workshops, delivered by qualified, registered arts therapists, will provide participants with experience of a range of different approaches to facilitating a group; directive, theme-based, non-directive etc.
  • Seminars offer opportunities to ask questions and discuss ideas with visiting and course tutors.
  • Participants are required to complete a couple of written assignments and keep a personal journal throughout the course.

 

QQI Level 8, 10 Credit

A QQI level 8 Principles of Art Therapy Certificate is awarded by MTU on successful completion of the course. (Special Purpose Award)

Children’s Therapy Centre (CTC) is Ireland’s longest established leading provider of training in the field of Play Therapy, Therapeutic Play, and Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy.
Our centre
Children’s Therapy Centre
Stewart House
Lonsdale Road,
National Technology Park,
Plassey, Limerick.
V94 KN70, Ireland
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