Lesley Expressive Arts Therapy Info Session

This presentation wasn't specifically about drama therapy, it was for all of the expressive arts therapies programs.
- One of the first programs to train professionals in this field, nearly 40 years old
- "Multiple arts approach" to working with clients, regardless of modality
- Program is a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, but students can specialize in one of 5 modalities
- Usually takes 3 years, but students can pursue it in 2
- The 3 year program does NOT cost more than the 2 year program because the cost is per credit rather than per year
- On-campus format usually has 3-4 courses per semester. There is a summer orientation.
- Lots of international students in this program
- States with licensure restrictions: NY, NJ, KY, NC, FL, WI. There is a Lesley credentials webpage and an office of licensure that can help answer licensure questions.
- I will need to register to NADTA after graduation in order to be licensed
- An alum from the drama therapy program is here. He said the program prepared him for his role, he's currently working as a counselor, and he got that job right out of school. He works at a creative arts therapy agency. He recommends the 3 year track. He says taking a research methods class is helpful to prepare for the program (I'm taking that right now!). The intermodal approach and requirement to be exposed to the other expressive arts therapies is "essential."
- I can connect with the program coordinator to request a 2 year track rather than a 3 year track. I'm going to email the program coordinator to do so.
- In general, in the first internship, you work with a person in a supportive manner but might not be doing therapy or being supervised by an LMHC, such as at a homeless shelter (although you can choose to do it at a clinical site instead). Meanwhile, the second internship is a clinical internship where you will be supervised by an LHMC and an expressive arts counselor from your modality.
- No petition for 2 year program. If you can state that you want a 2 year program because you have a background in human services and prove that you're ready, then they accept people. Since it's so intensive, you cannot do this program if you are planning to work more than 25 hours a week, "you will die."
- Interview date is TBD, I should just await contact from a faculty to interview me.
- The on campus fall semester program starts September 6
- About the interview: "The interview process happens in a group zoom. We like you to share your portfolio and speak to how you personally have used or seen the arts make a change in a person's life."
- There are dorms available on-campus for graduate students.