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 one weekend (Tuesday night and full day Sunday) per month for 8 months.

Crawford College of Art & Design (MTU) Award delivered by CTC
Leixlip based course starting again in January 2026

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.

• During the course each Module is themed around a key principle of the art therapy process. Lectures will explore how the process can work 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.
•  Experiential workshops, facilitated 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.
•  A QQI level 8 Principles of Art Therapy Certificate (Special Purpose Award) is awarded on completion of the course.

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.

Provisional Course Dates 2026

The course runs over 8 Modules between Jan and June 2026, Tuesday night from 7.15 – 9pm, and Sunday from 9.30 – 5.15. Please note that dates are still provisional.

• Tues 13^th Jan 2026: Orientation
• Module 1: Tues 27^th Jan & Sun 1stFeb 2026
• Module 2: Tues 24^th Feb & Sun 1st Mar 2026
• Module 3: Weds 18^th & Sun 22nd March 2026
• Module 4: Tues 7^th & Sun 12^th April 2026
• Module 5: Tues 28tApril & Sun 3rd May 2026
• Module 6: Tues 26^th May & Sun 31^st May 2026
• Module 7: Tues 9^th & Sun 14^th June 2026
• Module 8: Sun 28^th June 2026