Art Therapy

Art therapy draws on psychodynamic theory, Jungian analytical psychology and developmental theory, cognitive and humanistic psychotherapies for its theoretical framework. It incorporates concepts about creativity as well as a range of contemporary therapeutic approaches and methods.

Entry requirements

To apply for the Art Therapy field of study, you'll first need to meet the entry requirements of the Master of Mental Health.

You must also meet the art practice entrance standard.

Art practice entrance standard

To meet the standard, you'll need to provide the following with your application:

• a 1,000-word art statement, and
• a recent portfolio of artwork. This can be completed with or without formal training, but must demonstrate a commitment to continuing art practice.

While a visual arts degree is preferred, it's not a requirement.

Written art statement

The art statement is a maximum of 1,000 words, demonstrating:

• how your art-making equips you for the study of art therapy
• your ability to discuss your art-making process and personal impact, explaining how you use art as a reflective tool. You’ll select 3 pieces from your portfolio to discuss
• an understanding of the skills needed to be an art therapist by discussing your reasons for pursuing the program.

Art portfolio

The portfolio provides the selection team with evidence of your ongoing art activity.

The portfolio should consist of photographs of 6 to 10 original artworks in a variety of media that you've created within the last 2 years. These photographs should be presented in one compiled PDF document or PowerPoint. 

Include a title and medium for each artwork in the portfolio. You can include a 25-word artwork description if you wish.

Your portfolio can include links for exhibitions, media exposure and community projects if they are in the public domain.

Institutes of Art, TAFE and other training institutions provide art courses that may help you prepare a portfolio.