Introduction to Art Therapy: A 5-Day Intensive Module

Part of the Expressive Arts Therapy Diploma Program at WCC Chennai

This immersive 5-day module offers a comprehensive Introduction to Art Therapy, designed to provide students with a solid grounding in therapeutic foundations. Participants will engage in reflective art-making, ethical discourse, and critical clinical engagement to understand how visual media facilitates emotional healing and self-awareness.

Course Description & Learning Goals

This module bridges the gap between creative expression and clinical practice. Students will move beyond “arts and crafts” to understand the psychological impact of imagery and the structural requirements of a professional therapy session.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Foundations & History: Understand the evolution of art therapy as a distinct mental health profession.
• Self-Awareness through Art: Practice experiential art-making to explore personal process and internal narratives.
• Clinical Ethics: Engage in critical debates regarding ethics, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• Session Architecture: Learn to plan and structure art-based interventions, from goal-setting to material selection.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Critically examine the role of research and data in contemporary art psychotherapy.

5-Day Curriculum Outline

• Day 1: Foundations of Art Therapy | Introductory lecture followed by experiential “Scribble Drawing” to explore the creative process.
• Day 2: Symbolism & Ethics | Deep dive into symbolism in therapy, personal symbol drawing, and ethical scenario debates.
• Day 3: Case Planning & Structure | Workshop on structuring therapy sessions using case vignettes and group presentations.
• Day 4: Group Process & Critical Debate | Gallery Walk of session plans and a creative debate on “Should Art Therapy Be Evidence-Based?”
• Day 5: Integration & Clinical Closing | Documentary analysis, individual case presentations, and a final group reflection circle.

Note for Students: Daily journaling is required for personal reflection. Confidentiality and culturally aware participation are mandatory. Attendance is strictly required from Day 1; late entries will not be permitted to ensure the safety of the therapeutic container.

Faculty Profile: Dr Charithra Ballal

Psychologist | Art Psychotherapist | Mental Health Advocate

Charithra Ballal is a distinguished art psychotherapist and the founder of Swara.life, a transformative platform for emotional healing. With over 16 years of clinical experience, she is renowned for an integrative approach that combines clinical depth with creative intuition. Charithra’s professional background includes leading the Psychology Department at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, where she pioneered the integration of psychological services into mainstream healthcare. She holds advanced training in Art Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths, University of London, and specializes in intergenerational trauma and sound therapy. Her practice offers an emotionally resonant space for clients to unpack complex narratives through eclectic and holistic modalities.

Fees once paid is not refundable, it can be advanced to further programs. To register click here: https://forms.gle/NxekrJFkqsCLA41e7