Online Expressive Art Therapy Certificate: Coursework at a Glance
Creativity fosters self-discovery, emotional resilience, and healing in ways that words alone cannot. For professionals in counseling, education, social work, and healthcare, expressive arts provide meaningful ways to connect with and support others at every stage of life.
At Maine College of Art & Design, our online Graduate Certificate in Expressive Art Therapy equips our students with the knowledge and techniques to integrate creative practices into therapeutic and educational settings.
If you’re interested in using art to help others grow, here’s what you can expect to learn while earning your online certificate.
Expressive Art Therapy Certificate Overview
Expressive arts therapy blends psychology and creative expression, offering tools to support emotional and psychological well-being. Our online Expressive Art Therapy Certificate introduces students to the foundational theories and applications of this field, focusing on how creative practices can be used to promote healing and personal development.
Throughout the program, you’ll explore techniques for incorporating art, music, movement, and other creative modalities into educational settings. Our coursework emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed approaches, and inclusive artistic practices, ensuring you can apply your skills in diverse learning environments.
Whether working in education, mental health, or community outreach, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how creativity can promote resilience, self-awareness, and connection.
Required Coursework
The Graduate Certificate in Expressive Art Therapy is a 12-credit hour online program designed to be completed in 9 months or more. Required courses include:
Emotional Intelligence and Artistic Learning
Social-emotional learning is essential for fostering emotional resilience and interpersonal growth. This course explores how creative expression enhances SEL by promoting self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. You’ll learn to incorporate SEL competencies — such as self-management, social awareness, and responsible decision-making — into artistic education and therapeutic interactions.
By examining case studies and engaging in hands-on exercises, you’ll gain tools to create emotionally supportive learning and healing environments.
Resilient Learning Environments
Art has the power to create safe spaces where individuals can process emotions, boost confidence, and find a sense of belonging. This course introduces trauma-informed approaches for building resilience through creative practice. You’ll explore methods for designing learning environments that support diverse needs, particularly for individuals who have experienced stress, trauma, or adversity.
Topics include emotional regulation strategies, the impact of art on mental well-being, and practical ways to integrate these insights into classrooms, therapy settings, and community programs.
Theoretical Foundations and Methods of Expressive Art Therapies
Understanding the science and psychology behind expressive art therapy is key to effectively using creative interventions. This course provides an in-depth exploration of major theories, including psychodynamic, humanistic, and neuroaesthetic approaches. You’ll examine how different artistic modalities — such as visual art, music, movement, and drama — can support emotional processing and healing.
In addition to theoretical learning, you’ll participate in methodology workshops, practice therapeutic techniques, and apply them to real-world case studies.
Adaptive Art: Fostering Inclusive Creative Practices
Accessibility is a crucial aspect of expressive art therapy. This course focuses on making art experiences inclusive for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. You’ll explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, differentiated instruction techniques, and strategies for adapting artistic activities to meet diverse needs.
Through experiential learning, you’ll develop skills for modifying materials, adapting techniques, and ensuring that all individuals can engage in meaningful creative expression.
Earn Your Online Expressive Art Therapy Certificate
The online Expressive Art Therapy Certificate at Maine College of Art & Design offers a flexible, immersive learning experience for those eager to explore the transformative power of art.
Whether you’re looking to expand your career opportunities or simply enhance your ability to support others through creativity, this program provides the tools to make a meaningful impact. By completing this certificate*, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to apply expressive arts in a variety of settings.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about your possibilities in expressive art therapy today.
*While this certificate does not lead to licensure as an art therapist, it offers valuable training for professionals looking to integrate expressive arts into their work. Those seeking official art therapy certification should review the requirements set by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
