Our Programs
Overview
TATI offers two graduate level diploma programs in art therapy: Onsite and Distance Learning (DL).
Both the Onsite and DL program include 3 components: 16-months of accelerated full-time coursework, 600 hours of practicum, and a major research project.
Students have up to two years after the last date of coursework to complete the practicum and research project components. This offers students some flexibility to complete the practicum hours and research at their own pace depending on their capacity and other work/life obligations. Typically, the full program takes approximately 2-3 years to complete.
Through a curriculum that includes a wide range of topics, we offer training for students to integrate art practices with theories and skills in psychotherapy with individuals, groups, adults, children, youth, older adults, couples, families, and diverse communities.
The TATI curriculum is delivered by art therapists, mental health practitioners and scholars with a diversity of experiences and outstanding contributions in their fields, as well as a shared commitment to ethical practices and social transformation in therapeutic arts-making. The program emphasizes arts-based collaboration and self-reflexivity in practice and research, grounded in critical reflection and application of theories. Students and the teaching team (instructors, supervisors, research advisors) actively co-create supportive learning environments both in the classroom and in the field, engaging in knowledge production and capacity-building that foster professional advancement, personal growth, as well as contribution to community well-being.
The Toronto Art Therapy Institute is registered as a career college under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
The TATI Graduate Level Diploma in Art Therapy Programs are recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) for both the academic and clinical experience (practicum) components. Completion of the TATI program meets the education requirement for registering with the CRPO. Please see here for further information on CRPO application and registration requirements.
TATI is also an approved training program by the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). Students may join CATA for student membership. Graduates from TATI may apply for professional membership. With the completion of additional requirements, professional members may also apply to become registered members of CATA. For more information about CATA membership types please see the association’s website.
Residency: Students must be residing in Canada for the duration of enrollment in the program (for both the Onsite and Distance Learning options) due to limitations with providing liability insurance for practicum placements outside the country.
International students: At this time, we are regrettably not able to accept applications from international applicants. For more information please see the following notice: https://tati.on.ca/on-site-program/#InterInfo
On Site Program
The TATI Graduate Level Diploma in Art Therapy Onsite Program include 3 components: 16-months of accelerated full-time coursework, 600 hours of practicum, and a major research project. Students have up to two years after the last date of coursework to complete the practicum and research project components. Typically, the full program takes approximately 2-3 years to complete.
Distance Learning Program
For people living further away from Toronto, we offer a Graduate Level Diploma in Art Therapy Distance Learning (DL) Program. While the majority of the program is delivered online, it includes 176 hours of mandatory in-person, on-campus classroom learning through two 2-week intensive semesters.
As with the onsite program, the DL program includes 3 components: 16-months of accelerated full-time coursework, 600 hours of practicum, and a major research project. Students have up to two years after the last date of coursework to complete the practicum and research project components. Typically, the full program takes approximately 2-3 years to complete.
Info Sessions
Online information sessions are held before each admissions period and are hosted by TATI instructors, practicum staff, and administrators to share information about art therapy, the TATI program, and application process, and to answer questions.
Please see either the onsite program page or the distance learning program page to register for the next info session or info session mailing list.
Further Education
Martin Luther University College @ Wilfrid Laurier University
Graduates from TATI can apply to two Master of Arts in Theology Programs: Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy as well as Spiritualities and Community Engagement in the same manner that other applicants do. Upon acceptance, their offer of admission will invite them to submit their thesis/major project for review by WLU faculty. A successful review will yield up to 4.0 credits (eight courses) of advanced standing.
For more information please contact Aafiya Tinwala (atinwala@luther.wlu.ca), Manager of Student Advising, Admissions and Practicum.
*Please note that TATI is not involved in the admission, delivery, or granting of degree in the programs at MLUC and WLU.