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The Drexel Creative Arts Therapy Program

Left as a comment, Lauren asks:

How competitive is it to get into the Creative arts therapy program at Drexel? To my knowledge, it seems like the most intensive art therapy graduate program. Can you describe your experience in the program?

Any type of information would be really helpful! Thanks.

Hi Lauren,

At this point, I’m not sure how many people apply to the Drexel CAT program vs. how many are accepted. I remember there was a group interview (with multiple potential students, the director and assistant director of the program), which was followed by an individual interview. I brought my portfolio with me, which I went over during my 1:1 interview. I also had strong grades and Miller Analogies Test scores, which helped to seal the deal, although I think there’s some leniency afforded to those who seem like a “good fit” in the program.

The Drexel art therapy program was intensive—5 days a week, full time classes and internships, plus lots of reading and writing to do at home. There was still time for fun, but it was a pretty big adjustment for everyone in the program.

My background in taking lots of psychology courses (and history courses, that have huge reading and writing assignments) during my undergrad was extremely beneficial. Many students who had a fine arts background, with very little experience in academia, seemed overwhelmed by the workload and expectations for writing quality. They all made it through, but many needed extra support to help with their writing skills.

The program begins by teaching the basics of psychodynamic theory at the same time as teaching about the basics of art therapy theory, which is rooted in psychodynamic theory. If you already have taken a course on psychodynamic theory before entering the Drexel program, you’ll find the first semester much easier.

Some students took issue to the emphasis on psychodynamic theory, which is very prominent during the first year (in your second year there are courses focusing on various other paradigms). During your internships, you may experience the use of only cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioral therapy, and wonder why you need to know about psychodynamics. In my experience, however, this solid foundation in psychodynamics has made me a better therapist—one that can move dynamically between the practical solutions provided by CBT (or DBT) and the unconscious world that emerges through the artwork. Feedback given to me by seasoned therapists and psychiatrists have emphasized that this ability is unusual in younger therapists, since younger therapists tend to have little or no training in the unconscious, defense mechanisms and personality structures.

I have no experience with any other art therapy program—I’m sure they all teach the “art of art therapy”—but I feel that Drexel gave me a solid academic foundation and prepared me to be a solid clinician.

Now, if only I could get a license to practice counseling in California! Then I’d be set ;)

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Creativity and the Brain

Listen to this excellent interview with Harvard researcher and professor, Shelly Carson, PhD, where she discusses the nature of creativity and the latest in neuroscience.

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Am I addicted to the internet?

…or not? The case of Gabriella, and the opinion of NYT columnist, Virginia Heffernan.

Here’s a clip of the response to this op-ed piece:

“…spending hours on the Internet instead of doing chores or homework does not necessarily qualify as Internet addiction…The Internet gives me quality taste in music and a sense of humor. It relieves my stress while educating me. What’s wrong with that?”

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To Dr. or not to Dr.

After reading Cathy Malchiodi’s So You Want to Be an Art Therapist, Part Six: Should I Get a Doctorate?, I felt inspired to discuss my grapplings with the subject.

Getting a PhD is something I’ve considered at different points in my career, for various reasons, mainly as a way to solve my issues with CA licensing. (The LPCC has been passed, but due to budget issues the Board of Behavioral Sciences is not accepting applications, and no one knows when they will).

Here are some of my qualms about going back to school for a PhD of some kind:

  • I’m unsure whether there’s a University in my geographical area that is willing to recognize my MA. I haven’t seriously applied and asked my degree to be evaluated, but when I’ve casually talked to representatives of various psyc departments, I didn’t get the supportive feedback I was hoping for. One alternative would be to obtain a PhD or PsyD from an online accredited University program.

  • I’m unwilling to take on student loan debt.

  • I’m not confident that another 3-5 years study, practicum, post-grad hours and studying for state licensure will bring me any further in my career than waiting to be able to receive the LPCC in CA.

  • I’m unsure if I even want a PhD in a counseling or psychology field. I may be more marketable with a degree in occupational therapy or perhaps even nursing (each are recognized licensable fields with lots of job market demand).

  • I’m interested in technology, ethics and how it applies to art therapy practice. I’m doing this learning independently with resources I’ve found throughout the internet, such as continuing education courses, message boards and blogs. I’m not convinced that a formal educational institution has the tools to guide my learning any better than what I’m doing myself (other than, perhaps, a teletherapy certification program).

Although my list is overall rather negative (which is why I’m not currently pursuing a PhD!), Cathy makes some excellent points for the positives of continuing your education, including the benefits of such education if your goal is to pursue a career as a researcher. Also, check out the video that she linked to her post—very amusing!

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Origami Goodness

I recently watched Between The Folds, a documentary about origami (available for instant play on netflix).

This film is well worth watching since origami has the potential of being very useful across various populations. I can imagine a client with Asperger’s, for example, or someone who enjoys working with 3D media, taking a strong interest in paper folding as a form of self expression. Coupled with the idea of damp paper folding and paper making, with all of its looseness and tactility, this media seems like an interesting way to play with structured versus unstructured, and spontaneous play versus preciseness.

And why don’t they teach math using origami, as the film suggests?

Here’s the trailer to wet your palate:

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FUSION Volume 3 Issue 1

The new issue of FUSION is now available! Topics include:

  • Recovery In Japan
  • ATWB International Postcard Art Exchange Wrap Up
  • 22nd Annual Society for the Arts in Healthcare International Conference
  • Art Therapy Alliance Resources & News on LinkedIn ATWB Attends Arts, Crafts, & the Military Meeting New
  • Additions, On the Grid & New Collaborations Spotlight on ATWB Advisory Council
  • Create Corner: 21 SECRETS Art Journaling Workshop So, You Want to Be an Art Therapist…
  • Features Section: Art Therapy, Autism & Developmental Disabilities
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Liz Beck Designs


I’m excited to announce the launch of Liz Beck Designs, a personalized web design service for mental health practitioners!

As readers of this blog, you know how large a role technology plays in our lives. It’s not hard to imagine that clients will overlook therapists who don’t have an online presence. Having a website is an effective method of establishing credibility among clients and professionals in your field, and it’s the best way to demonstrate your values and expertise to a wide audience.

Keeping your web presence up-to-date is also a vital part of connecting to new clients. Your website is a reflection of who you are as a therapist. If your website looks like it was built 10 years ago, prospective clients and colleagues will recognize this. They may wonder how current you are in your therapeutic practice, or how convenient it will be to work with you.

I offer a wide range of services, helping to enhance your practice. For example, reduce the number of no-shows with a web scheduler, allowing clients to book and cancel appointments directly on your website. Or, with an integrated PayPal system, allow clients can easily pay for their sessions before sessions begin – or even from your office computer – with the option of using a credit card.

I’m also interested in the ethical considerations and effects of integrating technology into one’s therapeutic practice. I keep myself educated on this issue through continuous study and writing about ethics, technology and the therapeutic world. I am available for consultations, increasing your confidence that your online presence is meeting the same ethical standards you strive to respect with your off-line interactions with clients.

Lastly, to thank you for being a regular reader of my blog, I’m offering a limited-time 10% discount on your Liz Beck Designs order. Just email me your information, what theme/package you’re interested in and include the promo code: BLOG.

I hope to hear from you soon!

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I Close My Eyes To See

I close my eyes to see
The digital book, I Close My Eyes To See by Dan Rhema and Kevin Wilson, is a both a visual and verbal guide to Dan’s near-death experience due to Dengue fever that he contracted while in Mexico. Dan sustained neurological damage, which affects his memory, sensory processing and sense of reality. However, his illness also left him with a compulsive need to create artwork, something he had not done since he was a child, helping him to make sense of his past and present experiences.

This book captures the imagination—especially for those of us who are interested in a first person perspective of neurological illness, the road to recovery and coping through the use of art. It reminds us that “life finds a way”, a common theme in Dan’s artwork, which brings hope to anyone experiencing a similar injury, family members, friends and those who work with this population.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge Dan’s courageousness. Due to the dual modes of story telling, through words and art, Dan’s struggle is felt deeply and is clearly a genuine self-exploration. One does not come across such authentic pieces of art often, which makes this book a wonderful find.