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Distance Learning Program

Overview & Curriculum

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Practicum

Overview

The purpose of the Toronto Art Therapy Institute Distance Learning Program is to positively encourage the growth of the profession of Art Therapy by supporting those who live in more remote communities in Canada to become fully qualified Art Therapists. Our aim is to provide the highest quality of Distance Learning education in Art Therapy available. Our program is approved by both the Canadian Art Therapy Association and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The TATI Distance Learning Program is offered once per year (January start date), and we accept 8 students per program.


The Toronto Art Therapy Institute Distance Learning Program is considered a full-time program as students complete the equivalent of four graduate level courses each semester. Each week the course instructors send out details about that week’s lecture which could involve many processes including synchronous learning, discussion, viewing a video, listening to a presentation, taking part in a forum, posting your artwork, etc. Each group of students will be learning together for the full 16 months of coursework.


Due to the Canadian Art Therapy Association requirement for distance learning programs to include 176 hours of on-site learning, students attend on-site classes for two sessions of two weeks each. Each week will include 40 hours of intensive learning.


The Toronto Art Therapy Institute is a Graduate Level Diploma training program in Art Therapy which includes 16 months of accelerated and full-time coursework followed by two years to complete a thesis or major project.  700 hours of practicum is also required.  Upon completion of all of the program requirements students graduate as Professional Art Therapists.  The program takes most students two to three years to complete. Due to the impact of the pandemic on practicum placements, it could take longer for students to complete the program.


Please note: While we do accept international students, Distance Learning students must be residing in Canada for the duration of the program due to limitations with providing liability insurance for practicum placements outside the country. 

Distance Learning Curriculum 2021

January 4 – April 30, 2021

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Theory and Technique in Art Therapy
Claudia Corradetti, MA, RP

 

January 4 – April 30, 2021

The History and Development of the Profession of Art Therapy 
Petrea Hansen-Adamidis, RCAT, DTATI, RP

 

January 4 – April 30, 2021

Group Art Therapy Experiential (Weekly) 
Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP

 

February 1 – February 26, 2021

Ethics and Art Therapy
Anu Lala, DTATI, RCAT, RP

 

March 1 – April 2, 2021
Principles of Group Process 
Beth Merriam, MA, ATR-BC, RP

 

March 1 – April 30, 2021
Practicum Preparation, Mental Health Theories
and Policies, and Beginning Counselling Skills
Patricia Ki, RCAT, RSW, PhD Cand. (Lead Instructor)
Naomi Kates, DTATI, RCAT, RP
Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP

Russell Rozinskis (PhD candidate in Critical Disability Studies at York University)

 

(Reading Week: March 15-19, 2021)

May 20 – June 8, 2021 / Each day classes are from 9:00 am– 1:00 pm (Delivered via Zoom due to covid-19)

 

Thursday May 20, 2021: Integrating Puppetry and Art Therapy *

Instructor:  Ruth Danziger, DipCREATE, CSVP (Certified Soul Voice Practitioner)

 

Tuesday May 25, 2021: Integrating Puppetry and Art Therapy *

Instructor:  Ruth Danziger, DipCREATE, CSVP (Certified Soul Voice Practitioner)

 

Wednesday May 26, 2021:  Mandala for Art Therapists*

Instructor:  Emma Ates, DTATI, RCAT, RP

 

Thursday May 27, 2021: Mandala for Art Therapists*

Instructor:  Emma Ates, DTATI, RCAT, RP

 

Friday May 28, 2021:  Art Therapy in the Treatment of Eating Disorders   

Instructor:  Sonya Thursby, DTATI.

 

Sunday May 30, 2021:  Art Therapy in the Treatment of Eating Disorders   

Instructor:  Sonya Thursby, DTATI.

 

Monday May 31, 2021:  Art Therapy with Older Adults 

Instructor:  April Penny, DTATI, RCAT, RP

 

Tuesday June 1, 2021: Art Therapy with Older Adults 

Instructor:  April Penny, DTATI, RCAT, RP

 

Wednesday June 2, 2021: Introduction to Jungian Psychology and Art Therapy

Instructor:  Lenore Walker, DTATI, Qualifying RP

 

Thursday June 3, 2021:  Introduction to Jungian Psychology and Art Therapy

Instructor:  Lenore Walker, DTATI, Qualifying RP

 

Friday June 4, 2021: Introduction to CBT and DBT in Art Therapy 

Instructor:  Shelley Kavanagh, DTATI, RCAT, RP 

 

Sunday June 6, 2021: Introduction to CBT and DBT in Art Therapy 

Instructor:  Shelley Kavanagh, DTATI, RCAT, RP 

 

Monday June 7, 2021:  Medical Art Therapy

Ruth Luginbuehl, MD, DTATI 

 

Tuesday June 8, 2021: Medical Art Therapy

Ruth Luginbuehl, MD, DTATI 

 

* Part of Unique Techniques in Art Therapy

 

 

August 3 – November 26, 2021

Child and Adolescent Development and Art Therapy

Petrea Hansen-Adamidis, RCAT, DTATI, RP


Weekly August 3 – November 26, 2021 

Art Therapy Experiential Group  

Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP


August 3 – November 26, 2021:

Social and Cultural Issues and Art Therapy

Jacqueline Compton, DTATI, RCAT, RP


August 3, 9, 16, 23, September 6, 13, 2021

Art Therapy with People Who Have a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness

Beth Merriam, MA, ATR-BC, RP


September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 2021

Art Therapy, Spirituality, Grief and Loss

Olena Darewych, PhD, RP 


October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2021

Trauma-Informed Art Therapy for People who have Survived Abuse and Violence

Suzanne Thomson, DTATI, RCAT, RP


November 15, 22, 2021

Phototherapy Techniques

Helene Burt, DTATI, RCAT, RP(I)


(Vacation Week: August 30 – September 3, 2021)

Via Moodle:


November 30, 2021 – April 8, 2022

Research Methods in Art Therapy

Olena Darewych, PhD, RP


November 30, 2021 – April 8, 2022 (weekly)

Art Therapy Experiential Group

Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP


November 30, 2021 – March 4, 2022

Family and Couple Therapy

David Boudreau, MSW, RSW


March 7, 2022 – April 8, 2022

Art Therapy Assessment Techniques

Olena Darewych, PhD, RP


Live Via Zoom:


Feb 27 & March 6, 2022

Art Hives

Cynthia Morin, DTATI Cand. 

10:30 am to 2:30 pm


March 27 & April 3, 2022

Indigenous Issues, Health and Art Therapy

Tisha Summers, DTATI  

10:30 am to 2:30 pm


(Reading Week: March 14-18, 2022)


Monday April 25, 2022

9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Art Therapy Experiential Group 

Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP


Tuesday April 26, 2022

 9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Group Clinical Supervision 

Suzanne Thomson, DTATI, RCAT, RP 


Wednesday April 27, 2022

 9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Art Therapy Experiential Group

Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP


Thursday April 28, 2022

 9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Group Clinical Supervision 

Suzanne Thomson, DTATI, RCAT, RP


Friday April 29, 2022

9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Art Therapy with Diverse Populations


9:00 am-11:00 am:  

Culturally Informed Art Therapy using Embroidery with Syrian Refugees 

Alexandra Hanania, DTATI, Cand., MA

11:00 am-1:00pm: 

Healing Circle: Expressive Arts Therapy and Community Arts at Sanctuary

Melodie Ng, DTATI, RP

2:00 am-4:00pm: 

Art Therapy with Young Mothers

Erin Kuri, MA, PhD (Cand), RP, OATR 

4:00 pm-6:00pm:  

Digital Art Therapy and People with Cognitive Disability Olena Darewych, PhD, RP, RCAT 


Sunday May 1, 2022

9:00am – 6:00pm:

Art Therapy with Diverse Populations

 

9:00M -11:00AM: 

Art Therapy and Psychosocial Oncology 

Ellen-Elizabeth Paonessa, MA, DTATI, RP

11:00 am -1:00pm: 

Art Therapy with People Living with HIV/AIDS 

Elva Palo, MSc, RP, RCAT, DTATI

2:00pm-4:00pm: 

Art Therapy with Youth who are Incarcerated

Barbara Collins, DTATI, RCAT, MA, RP

4:00 pm – 6:00pm: 

Art Therapy with Youth who have Sexually Offended Shelly Kavanaugh, DTATI, RCAT, RP


Monday May 2, 2022

9:00 am -6:00 pm: 

Mindfulness and Art Therapy 

Suzanne Thomson, DTATI, RCAT, RP


Tuesday May 3, 2022

9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Art Therapy Experiential Group 

Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP


Wednesday May 4, 2022

9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Advanced Media and Techniques(1/4 of Unique Techniques in Art Therapy)

Lenore Walker, DTATI, RP (Q)

2:00pm- 6:00 pm:  

Etegami for Art Therapists (1/4 of Unique Techniques in Art Therapy)

Emma Ates, RP, RCAT, DTATI


Thursday May 5, 2022

9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Public and Private Practice in Art Therapy; Finding, Attaining and Creating Employment as an Art Therapist

Suzanne Thomson, DTATI, RCAT, RP


Friday May 6, 2022

9:00 am-6:00 pm:

Art Therapy Experiential Group

Sharlene Friedman, DTATI, RCAT, RP

 

Tuition Fees

Fees are $8,000.00 per academic year. An academic year is eight months. Fees are paid in four installments throughout the 16 month program. The cost for the entire program is $16,000.00.

An additional fee of $1,130.00 is required for Thesis/Major Project Advisement to be paid at the end of coursework or earlier depending on when the student begins their thesis or major project.


Optional Fees

Additional fees are required in the case of a student requesting an extension beyond the two years allocated for completion of the thesis or major project. Students are given two years to complete their thesis or major project following the completion of their coursework. During this period readers and advisers will be paid for by TATI. After the two year period students are required to pay $100.00 per semester to maintain their TATI student status and students must pay their readers or advisers any on-going or outstanding fees.


Tuition fees are tax deductible.

The Toronto Art Therapy Institute is a Private Career College which receives no government funding.


We are not registered with the Ontario Student Loans Program (OSAP) due to changes in their policies which would require TATI to be responsible for the loans of students who default on their loans.


2022 Program

Important Dates


January 2022 Applications:  

 

The application period for the January 2022 Programs (both On Site and Distance Learning) has now closed. Please visit the website in the coming months for information on how and when to apply for the September 2022 On Site Program. 


**Please note the following when planning ahead for your application**


  • Due to covid-19 closures/remote work our current preference is for electronic delivery of transcripts and reference letters (directly from the institution(s)/ from the individuals writing the reference letters), to contact@tati.on.ca.
  • All remaining documents should be sent in a single e-mail with subject: Application:yourlastname to contact@tati.on.ca. Instead of a DVD please submit your portfolio as a weblink or zipped file. 
  •  

Please review the Application/Prerequisites and FAQ pages for more information about application requirements. 

Prerequisites

To apply to the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university as a prerequisite.  If your degree was completed at an international university, you may be required to have your degree evaluated by one of the educational assessment organizations listed on the International Students page of this website.  We also require our applicants to have had and continue to have an artmaking process in their lives.

  • Official School Transcripts, mailed directly from the Educational Institution to our office.
  • A written autobiography with emphasis on personal life experience rather than educational or occupational information.
  • A written Statement describing why the applicant wishes to enter training.
  • Three letters of reference: 2 professional and/or educational by persons who have supervised your work; 1 character reference from someone who is not a relative or friend. Must be signed originals.
  • Your C.V. and A DVD with a portfolio of your artwork.
  • Due to covid-19 closures/remote work our current preference is for electronic delivery of transcripts and reference letters (directly from the institution(s)/ from the individuals writing the reference letters), to contact@tati.on.ca. All remaining documents should be sent in a single e-mail with subject: Application:yourlastname to contact@tati.on.ca. Instead of a DVD please submit your portfolio as a weblink or zipped file.

We also require a non-refundable $190.00 CAD Application Fee. Money Order or Cheque.  (Do not send until requested at the interview stage). 

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Testimonials

My experience in the Graduate program at TATI has been nothing short of life changing.

On an academic level, I have never been so challenged and held to such high standards. The learning experience is very well-rounded and thorough, and the instructors bring with them a vast array of professional experience in their chosen area of focus. The small class sizes are conducive to bonding as students and future professionals, and to creating a strong relationship with instructors. Each student is accountable, not only to the instructors and to Helene, but also to each other.

The supervised clinical practicum hours required to complete the program are absolutely valid and necessary in order for students to enter the art therapy field well prepared and competent in a clinical atmosphere. Ongoing supervision is required throughout the practicum and the research process and I personally gained an incredible amount of knowledge and experience through the supervision provided. The proposal, research and thesis components were well supervised and advised. I found my advisor to be very committed, approachable and clear and concise with his advice. He was a strong advocate for the work I did, and he guided me through the process with great support and critical evaluation. The opportunity to grow and gain personal insight through participation in the TATI graduate program has allowed me to become very self-aware and balanced in my own life, creating the strong ability to practice in the most effective way for the clients with whom I work.

On a professional level, I now find job opportunities abundant, and feel very prepared and well qualified to work in the art therapy and the mental health field. In a recent interview, an interviewer remarked upon viewing my TATI education, “I’ve heard that is a VERY prestigious program”, and I agree wholeheartedly. Since graduating from the TATI program, I have held contracts in long term care, hospital settings, community health centre settings, with those living with acquired brain injury, those living with Alzheimer’s disease, caregiver groups and those living with developmental and learning challenges. I have never found myself without opportunities, and most recently have begun working full time in the addictions field. I have been given the opportunity to present my art therapy research at the Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Care Conference in 2014, and most recently have been asked to complete a book review for the Dementia and Ageing Research Team in Manchester UK.

None of this would have been possible without the education I earned at TATI, so thank you, Helene!
Krista Schneider
BA, DTATI
Thanks so much for everything… I am currently making a living as an art therapist at 6 different worksites (including groups and individual sessions with people with addictions, brain-injured clients, survivors of domestic violence, children and teens who have witnessed domestic violence, and people with severe mental illness) and I am always looking to expand my practice — I am currently proposing seniors groups at the various local retirement homes. I’m working in Lindsay, Sutton, Port Perry and Port Hope.

I cannot tell you what a difference my time at TATI has made in my life, and how grateful I am to you, and to all my instructors and supervisors.

I am so proud to say that I am an art therapist.

In 2013 The Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General awarded me a Victim Services Award of Distinction for textile art project with survivors of domestic violence in Kawartha Lakes.
Annalisa Danowski
DTATI
Sari_Richter_bio_testimonial
Although I am a fairly recent graduate, I feel as though I’ve embarked on a truly fulfilling career. During my time as a student with TATI, I participated in group therapy sessions and immersed myself in unbelievable placements, gaining valuable experience in and knowledge of an art therapy career as a result. Not many students could say they were given an opportunity to lead Addictions Rounds at CAMH, or co-implement an art therapy program for men seeking addictions treatment at the Good Shepherd DARE Program. I’ve also spoken during Mental Health Week at McMaster University and volunteered for a “new memory project” for women staying in a shelter in North York.

Currently, I working with a new program being offered by Youthdale Treatment Centres which is located at Covenant House in downtown Toronto. The Intensive Extended Day Program seeks to fill the vast gap in mental health services for youth aged sixteen and older. Working with an incredibly dedicated team of administrators, a psychologist, social worker, child and youth workers and many others to shape this necessary endeavour has been a dream.Currently, I working with a new program being offered by Youthdale Treatment Centres which is located at Covenant House in downtown Toronto. The Intensive Extended Day Program seeks to fill the vast gap in mental health services for youth aged sixteen and older. Working with an incredibly dedicated team of administrators, a psychologist, social worker, child and youth workers and many others to shape this necessary endeavour has been a dream.

Feeling like what I’ve accomplished and will continue to work on has been meaningful and had an impact on the lives of others is truly a gift. I also value the incredible connections I made with my classmates, and hold them in the highest regard. Their work and dedication continues to fascinate, motivate and inspire me most of all. Feeling like what I’ve accomplished and will continue to work on has been meaningful and had an impact on the lives of others is truly a gift. I also value the incredible connections I made with my classmates, and hold them in the highest regard. Their work and dedication continues to fascinate, motivate and inspire me most of all.
Sari Richter
B.F.A., DTATI
Changing careers is a difficult proposition and one that saw me retiring from one career and starting another through the distance learning program at TATI. I selected the distance learning program because it was the best option for me and traveling to Toronto for two semesters was easier for my circumstances.

The course covered a lot of information and was delivered in manageable chunks that were easy to absorb. The structure of the course was clear, logical and concise and allowed me and my fellow students to expand on our posts, thoughts and get feedback from each other as well as the instructor. Meeting on line through a visual chat for the experiential course was something I had never participated in before, but the instructor made sure that we all had time to present to the group, ask questions of fellow students, and provide feedback as a facilitator. It was an interesting experience to meet everyone in person for the first time in Toronto but it seemed like we had already formed a bond with each other than carried through the whole course.

It wasn't just about the new knowledge and the skills that we were learning to become art therapists. The main benefits came from doing assignments, the experiential exercises and sharing our stories and experiences on line, receiving individual feedback and interacting with the professors who were patient, experienced and knowledgeable. It's been some time since I was a full-time student, and it took some time to adjust, but it was easy to follow the lessons and the format of the on-line program and with the help of the instructors and fellow students, it became second nature to participate in the posts and on line discussions.

I chose to do a major project and my advisor was amazing. She was extremely supportive throughout the whole process and when I needed guidance, she was willing to point me in the right direction and helped me stay focused through skype calls, phone calls and emails. I even had the chance to meet her in person on one of my trips to Toronto that wasn't related to TATI.

My practicum site was a private psychiatrist's office in Thunder Bay and although supervision was through skype calls, my supervisor was always available through messaging, emails and if I needed an extra skype call, she was willing to be there for me. She sent information and articles that would help with my practicum and the feedback was beneficial for my development. I also branched out to complete group sessions at CMHA which was encouraged by my supervisor to broaden my experience and my training. Helene worked extremely hard to find places to complete my practicum hours and contacted many organizations to help me get placed.

The distance learning format gave me the ability to work in my own community with the constant support of the office staff and instructors. The two on-site semesters allowed my cohort to bond and by the second semester, it was clear that we had been a part of something special and would stay in touch for years to come. The on-site guest instructors and lecturers were extremely well prepared, and imparted not only knowledge but their wisdom about the profession and their specialty whether it was puppet-making, sand therapy or working in different settings with various populations.

I feel confident moving forward with this career with the education, support and guidance that I have received from TATI and look forward to my future as an art therapist. I will be opening my own practice soon, as I recently graduated, but feel confident that I will serving the community well with the tool and knowledge I have gained through TATI.
Tammy Reynolds
HBA, B.ED, DTATI

International Students

Toronto Art Therapy Institute Policy:

If you apply to either the On-Site or Distance Learning programs at TATI, you may meet our English-language requirements if you have successfully completed, or are in the process of successfully completing, one of the following:

Note: time spent in ESL courses will not be counted towards meeting these requirements. Language requirements will not be waived based on letters written by students or as a result of completing senior-level high-school English courses.

These are general guidelines only. TATI reserves the right to request a successfully completed language proficiency test. Language test scores are reviewed in combination with academic credentials to determine your admissibility to TATI.  
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English Minimum Score Requirements for the Speaking and Writing Proficiency in English English Language Proficiency Minimum Test Scores Required for Entry to TATI.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
Computer: 220
Paper: 560
iBT: 83

IELTS: International English Language Testing Service
Score in Academic: 6.5

Prerequisite for all applicants
An undergraduate degree from a reputable university is required. Students may be required to have their degrees evaluated by International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

Ontario AgriCentre
100 Stone Road West, Suite 102
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5L3
Canada
Tel: +1 519 763-7282
Toll-free: +1 800 321-6021
Fax: +1 519 763-6964
Email: info@icascanada.ca
Web site: www.icascanada.ca

Other organizations that provide this service are:

World Education Services
www.wes.org/ca
University of Toronto Comparative Education Service:
utoronto.ca/ces/cesforms.htm

Practicum

As with the on-site program, students are required to complete 700 hours of practicum and a thesis or major project in order to qualify for graduation.

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Toronto Art Therapy Institute is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.