PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
      There is in every person an artistic center which, when activated, can give him an
            experience of his difference from other people and courage to be so.  
                                                                                                                       M.C. Richards        

What is expressive arts therapy?
Expressive arts therapy (also referred to as intermodal expressive therapy, creative arts therapy, or interdisciplinary arts therapy) is the practice of using imagery, storytelling, dance, music, drama, poetry, writing, movement, dream work and visual arts, together, in an integrated way to foster human growth, development and healing.

Expressive arts therapy is based upon the major premises that each human being has the gift of imagination and the capacity to express and shape experience into artistic form, that the arts belong together and that the arts belong to everyone. This is art making in the service of life.

What is the connection between expressive arts and therapy?
In some sense all problems in living can be thought of as a failure of the imagination, an inability to envision solutions, garner resources, or initiate movement out of a place of restriction. Expressive arts therapy emphasizes artistic experience as a tool for self-discovery and self-expression, for the integration of physical, mental, emotional and social functioning, and for building community.

How does expressive arts therapy differ from traditional art therapies?
Whereas traditional single modality arts-based approaches, (such as dance therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, art therapy and poetry therapy) emphasize the particular modality, expressive arts therapy integrates and embraces all the modalities, sometimes layering several art modalities in one session.  The emphasis is on the healing power of the artistic experience itself, the human capacity to give shape and form to thoughts, emotions and life experience.

Can expressive arts therapy be incorporated into other methods of therapy?
The expressive arts philosophy and way of working integrate well with many approaches. However, simply using expressive art activities such as having a client move or draw does not constitute expressive arts therapy.

What is the history of Expressive Arts Therapy at Appalachian?
Expressive Arts Therapy at Appalachian State University began in 1985 when the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling at Appalachian offered a course called Therapy and the Expressive Arts. Faculty presenters included counselors, arts therapists, therapists who were artists and artists who used dreams and the creative process for personal and professional growth. They modeled the course on the concepts of an interdisciplinary approach and a creative, therapeutic community of faculty and students. In 1997, faculty members who had been collaborating in that course began to meet monthly, thereby establishing a formal interdisciplinary group known as the Appalachian Expressive Arts Collective. They shared expertise, participated in additional training and worked together in formal and informal team teaching. From their collaboration and with inspiration and support from the Hubbard Center for Faculty and Staff Support, they developed an integrative expressive arts concentration within the master’s degree program in Community Counseling as well as a Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy.

The seven members of the Appalachian Expressive Arts Collective  co-authored Expressive Arts Therapy: Creative Process in Art and Life.(2003). Boone, NC: Parkway Publishers. For more information and comments, please click on the image to the right to download a pdf file.

What is the connection between expressive arts therapy and ecotherapy?
Our inspiration and model for creativity lies in our connection with the cycles of nature, the seasons of the day, the month, the year, the human life. We create as we are created in a matrix of interconnectedness with all of life. We are participatory in a creative universe.

What are the requirements to be accepted as an expressive arts student?
Students accepted into the master's degree in Community Counseling may choose a concentration in expressive arts which requires a minimum of 15 semester hours of expressive arts courses. Prospective students who currently have a master's degree in counseling or related field or a master's degree in an arts therapy field are eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. This requires 18 semester hours of coursework. Students who are enrolled in the master's degree programs in counseling (Community Counseling, School Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy and College Student Development) may pursue the Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy in addition to and in conjunction with the master's degree.

Will I have to participate in personal expressive arts therapy?
Students are strongly encouraged to experience expressive arts therapy in order to better understand the impact on the client. Students are also expected to be engaged in ongoing personal practice in the arts.

Will I be expected to perform or to exhibit artwork?
Periodically there will be opportunities for students to perform and to exhibit visual art. Students are also encouraged to submit poetry and artwork to Headwaters, the Appalachian Journal of Expressive Arts Therapy. Click the Play button on the video at the bottom of this page to view a dreamwork dance presentation.

Do I have to have a background in the arts or a specific art talent?
Many of our students have an interest or talent in a specific area of the arts. However, no formal art training or background is required, only a willingness and openness to engage and share in a variety of artistic experiences for growth and healing.

Is there an expressive arts student organization?
The expressive arts therapy honor society, Orchesis, is open to students who have completed 6 semester hours of expressive arts therapy coursework, maintaining a 3.5 GPA. Inductions are held in the fall and spring and require a portfolio review. Orchesis sponsors student activities throughout the year.

What kind of positions do graduates of the program currently hold?
Graduates hold many different positions in private practice, at mental health agencies, addictions treatment facilities, hospitals, art galleries, public schools, and institutions of higher education.

Will I be a registered or certified expressive arts therapist after completing the program?
Students completing the certificate program will hold a Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. Registration as an Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) is conferred by the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and requires post-master's experience and supervision.

How and when do I apply for the program?
All students must apply through the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School. Admission to the Community Counseling Program begins in early February for the following summer or fall . Applicants must also fill out an admissions questionnaire from the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling. Students who are seeking a certificate may apply at any time.

General Information

Graduate School Prospective Students

Graduate School Admissions Page

Community Counseling Admissions Info

Admission Application Packet

Departmental Admissions Questionnaire

What is the average cost of a semester in the program?
Appalachian is a state supported university. In-state graduate tuition for 9 or more semester hours averages $2,325 per semester. Out of state tuition averages $7,115. Tuition for 3-5 semester hours averages $960 for in-state and $3355 for out of state. Graduate students are responsible for buying books and materials. Housing costs vary and more specific information can be determined by visiting Housing and Residence Life.

What resources are available for students?
Appalachian has an extensive network of student services and support, including financial aid, health services and academic support. Please explore the links below for detailed information.

    Housing
     Financial Aid
     Health Services
     Computer Labs
     Career Counseling Center
     Counseling Center
     Wellness Center
     Equity Office
     Women's Center
     International Programs
     Multicultural Center
     Bookstore
     Media Services
     University Recreation
     Arts Calendar
     App House and Loft
     Student Union

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