Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Visual Art Therapy I

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_354
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine
ECTS
9.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts

Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

To develop students’ knowledge, skills and competence in the theoretical and professional foundations of art therapy, art materials, media and creative process, as well as in art-based assessment, promoting the ability to use art creation, art language and various assessment approaches in the art therapy process in a reflective and professionally justified manner. To promote the development of the art therapist’s professional identity and professional position by integrating personal and creative experience, theoretical knowledge, culturally sensitive and ethical perspectives.

Preliminary Knowledge

Professional activity in arts therapy and its legal fundaments (term 1), Assessment principles and process in arts therapy (term 2).

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Describe the historical development of art therapy in the world and in Latvia, the most important theoretical approaches and their impact on contemporary art therapy practice.

Individual work and tests

Final test of the autumn semester (autumn semester) Independent study of professional literature (throughout the study course)

2.Explain the philosophical, aesthetic, and neuroscientific foundations of art therapy and their relationship to art making, perception, and meaning-making.

Individual work and tests

Independent study of professional literature (throughout the study course) Final test of the autumn semester (autumn semester)

3.Explain the principles of the formation of the art therapist’s professional identity, reflective practice, cultural humility and professional position.

Individual work and tests

Final test of the autumn semester (autumn semester) Presentation of the development of professional identity and personal symbol (autumn semester)

4.Describe the properties of art materials, techniques and media, the elements of the language of visual art and the process of the creative process in art therapy.

Individual work and tests

Portfolio of creative practice and presentation of artworks (autumn semester) Final test of the autumn semester (autumn semester) Independent study of professional literature (throughout the study course)

5.Explain the possibilities and limitations of using nature, museum resources and digital media in art therapy.

Individual work and tests

Final test of the autumn semester (autumn semester) Portfolio of creative practice and presentation of artworks (autumn semester)

6.Explain the principles of art-based evaluation and describe the use of structured evaluation tools, the analysis of results and the limits of interpretation.

Individual work and tests

Independent study of professional literature (throughout the study course) Spring Semester Final Exam (Spring Semester) Case presentation on art-based assessment (spring semester)

7.Explain the principles of the Expressive Therapies Continuum and the resource-based approach and their use in assessment, therapy planning, and the creative process.

Individual work and tests

Spring Semester Final Exam (Spring Semester) Independent study of professional literature (throughout the study course)

Skills

1.Uses professional terminology in art therapy and compares different theoretical approaches and professional perspectives.

Individual work and tests

Independent study of professional literature (throughout the study course) Participation in RSU Psychology Days and independent task (autumn semester)

2.Uses a variety of art materials, techniques, natural resources, museum environment and digital media in the creative process.

Individual work and tests

Creative Practice Portfolio (Autumn Semester) Portfolio of creative practice and presentation of artworks (autumn semester)

3.Observes and describes the process of art making and the formal elements of a work of art, distinguishing observation from interpretation.

Individual work and tests

Creative Practice Portfolio (Autumn Semester) Portfolio of creative practice and presentation of artworks (autumn semester)

4.Carry out and analyse art-based assessment, following the principles of instrument use, evaluation and interpretation.

Individual work and tests

Case presentation on art-based assessment (spring semester) Practical work in art-based assessment (spring semester)

5.Utilize the Expressive Therapies Continuum in analyzing art materials selection and creative process and relate the information to therapy planning.

6.Integrate information from various assessment sources and formulate informed art therapy goals and directions for future work.

Individual work and tests

Practical work in art-based assessment (spring semester) Case presentation on art-based assessment (spring semester)

7.Reflect on their professional identity, professional position, resources, values and the impact of cultural and personal perspectives on professional practice.

Individual work and tests

Presentation of the development of professional identity and personal symbol (autumn semester) Professional Development Diary (throughout the study course)

Competences

1.Independently and reflectively forms his/her own professional position as an art therapist, integrating professional knowledge, personal and creative experience, professional values and belonging to the professional community.

Individual work and tests

Participation in RSU Psychology Days and independent task (autumn semester) Presentation of the development of professional identity and personal symbol (autumn semester)

2.Selects and uses art materials, techniques, media and creative environments appropriately according to the art therapy goal, client needs and professional context.

Individual work and tests

Portfolio of creative practice and presentation of artworks (autumn semester) Creative Practice Portfolio (Autumn Semester)

3.Justifies the choice and use of art-based assessment approaches and instruments, taking into account the purpose of the assessment, the individual characteristics of the client, the scientific validity of the instrument and its limitations of use.

Individual work and tests

Practical work in art-based assessment (spring semester) Case presentation on art-based assessment (spring semester)

4.Integrates information from different sources of assessment into a professionally informed client formulation and uses it in planning art therapy goals and further action. 5.

Individual work and tests

Case presentation on art-based assessment (spring semester)

5.Practice art therapy in a professional, ethical, culturally sensitive and reflective manner, respecting the autonomy of the client, diversity, experience and the ambiguity of interpretation.

Individual work and tests

Case presentation on art-based assessment (spring semester)

6.Critically reflect on their professional practice, theoretical assumptions and interpretations using reflection to further develop professional competence and identity.

Individual work and tests

Professional Development Diary (throughout the study course) Presentation of the development of professional identity and personal symbol (autumn semester)

7.Integrate theoretical knowledge of art therapy approaches, creative process, art materials and resource-based view in choosing a professional approach appropriate to the situation.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Professional Development Diary (throughout the study course)

-
Test

During the course of the study course, systematically make entries in the professional development diary, reflecting on the personal, creative and professional experience gained in the study process, the experience of art materials and the creative process, the formation of professional identity, the integration of theoretical knowledge and the acquisition of art-based evaluation. During the year of studies, follow the development of the chosen personal symbol in relation to professional formation.

2.

Creative Practice Portfolio (Autumn Semester)

-
Test

Systematically build a creative practice portfolio during the study course by creating 14 artworks – two works in seven different visual art techniques and creative approaches, using drawing, painting, modelling and collage techniques, as well as natural resources, museum collections and digital media. Document the art creation process and reflect on the impact of different materials, techniques, media and environments on creative experience, artistic expression and professional understanding.

3.

Participation in RSU Psychology Days and independent task (autumn semester)

-
Test

Attend the "Psychology Days" organized by the RSU Department of Psychology and complete an independent task related to the content of the event in accordance with the requirements set out in the E-studies environment.

4.

Practical work in art-based assessment (spring semester)

-
Test

Conduct an art-based assessment for two clients/patients, selecting an art-based assessment tool that is appropriate for the assessment purpose and the client/patient characteristics. Document the assessment process, analyze the results obtained, and prepare one of the cases for presentation.

5.

Independent study of professional literature (throughout the study course)

-
-

During the course of the study course, independently acquire the indicated professional and scientific literature, deepening the content discussed in lectures and classes and preparing for the study course examinations.

6.

Evaluation of the study course (at the end of the study course)

-
-

At the end of the study course, provide feedback on the study course by evaluating the study course according to the criteria

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Final test of the autumn semester (autumn semester)

30.00% from total grade
10 points

Test on the content of the autumn semester: the professional and theoretical foundations of art therapy, professional identity, history and theoretical approaches of art therapy, culturally sensitive and reflective practice, art materials, techniques, art language and creative process.

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. For each correct answer, 5 points can be received; the maximum number of points is 100. The obtained number of points is expressed in percentages and converted into an assessment on a 10-point scale in accordance with the assessment procedure specified in the RSU Academic Regulations.

2.

Portfolio of creative practice and presentation of artworks (autumn semester)

15.00% from total grade
10 points

During the course of the study course, create a creative practice portfolio with 14 works of art – two works in seven techniques and creative approaches of visual plastic arts. In the final presentation, briefly describe the portfolio as a whole and analyse in depth three works of art created by yourself, linking the creative experience with the theoretical knowledge acquired in the study course about art materials, techniques and the creative process.

The examination is assessed according to five criteria:

  1. completeness of the creative practice portfolio and diversity of the specified art techniques and creative approaches;
  2. quality and justification of the in-depth analysis of the three selected works of art;
  3. analysis and reflection of art materials, techniques, visual art language and creative process;
  4. linking the creative experience with the theoretical knowledge acquired in the study course and professional terminology;
  5. ability to formulate justified conclusions about the possibilities of using various art materials, techniques and media in art therapy.

Each criterion is assessed on a scale of 0–2 points:

0 points – the criterion is not demonstrated;

1 point – the criterion is demonstrated partially;

2 points – the criterion is demonstrated fully.

The maximum number of points is 10 points. The number of points obtained is equated to an assessment on a 10-point scale.

3.

Presentation of the development of professional identity and personal symbol (autumn semester)

10.00% from total grade
10 points

Present and reflectively analyse the process of forming one’s professional identity, using a personal symbol as a means of reflection on professional emergence and development. Integrate the insights recorded in the professional growth diary into the presentation and link personal experience with the theoretical and professional concepts acquired in the study course.

The examination is assessed according to five criteria:

  1. justification of the choice of a personal symbol and its connection with the process of professional emergence;
  2. exploration of the meanings of the symbol in various cultural, artistic, mythological or other sources;
  3. reflection on the meaning of the symbol and its changes during the semester;
  4. reflection on one’s own experience and professional development in the context of the first semester of studies;
  5. integration of the insights gained in the study course and the experience of the professional growth diary into the presentation.

Each criterion is assessed on a scale of 0–2 points:

0 points – the criterion is not demonstrated;

1 point – the criterion is demonstrated partially;

2 points – the criterion is demonstrated fully.

The maximum number of points is 10 points. The number of points obtained is converted into a grade on a 10-point scale.

4.

Case presentation on art-based assessment (spring semester)

15.00% from total grade
10 points

Present one case of art-based assessment, justifying the choice of assessment approach and instrument, describing the assessment process, analysing and interpreting the results obtained, and integrating them into the understanding of the client’s functioning and the formulation of art therapy goals. In the presentation, adhere to the principles of professional ethics, confidentiality, and client data protection.

Assessment criteria:

  1. Justification for the choice and use of the assessment instrument.
  2. Correct implementation of the assessment procedure.
  3. Sound analysis and interpretation of the obtained data, taking into account the limits of interpretation and the client’s context.
  4. Integration of assessment results and linking them to art therapy goals.
  5. Professional and ethical presentation of the case.

Each criterion is assessed on a scale of 0–2 points:

0 points – criterion not demonstrated;

1 point – criterion demonstrated partially;

2 points – criterion demonstrated fully.

The maximum number of points is 10 points, which corresponds to an assessment on a 10-point scale.

5.

Spring Semester Final Exam (Spring Semester)

30.00% from total grade
10 points

Tests on the theoretical and methodological foundations of art-based assessment, the assessment process, structured art-based assessment instruments, analysis and interpretation of results, Levels of Artistic Expression (LAE;Expressive Therapies Continuum), integrated assessment, change monitoring and therapy planning.

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer is worth 5 points; the maximum score is 100 points. The score is expressed as a percentage and converted into a grade on a 10-point scale in accordance with the assessment procedure laid down in the RSU Academic Regulations.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Art materials as a medium for therapeutic action
Description

The subject forms an understanding of the importance of art materials in visual art therapy, their physical, sensory and expressive properties and the relationship of these properties to the creative process and human subjective experience.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Art materials as a medium for therapeutic action
Description

The subject forms an understanding of the importance of art materials in visual art therapy, their physical, sensory and expressive properties and the relationship of these properties to the creative process and human subjective experience.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Two- and three-dimensional art materials and techniques in art therapy
Description

The theme deepens the understanding of the possibilities of creative activity offered by different art techniques and materials, focusing on the differences between work in the plane and in space, material resistance, tactility and transformability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Two- and three-dimensional art materials and techniques in art therapy
Description

The theme deepens the understanding of the possibilities of creative activity offered by different art techniques and materials, focusing on the differences between work in the plane and in space, material resistance, tactility and transformability.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The language of visual arts and observation of the creative process
Description

The subject provides basic knowledge of the elements of the language of visual art and develops the ability to systematically observe and describe the process of creating art and the artwork created, without moving to premature psychological interpretation.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The language of visual arts and observation of the creative process
Description

The subject provides basic knowledge of the elements of the language of visual art and develops the ability to systematically observe and describe the process of creating art and the artwork created, without moving to premature psychological interpretation.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Nature and Natural Materials in Art Therapy: An Eco-Art Therapy Perspective
Description

The topic expands the understanding of art therapy materials and environment by looking at nature as a resource for creative activity and introducing the basic principles of eco-art therapy.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Nature and Natural Materials in Art Therapy: An Eco-Art Therapy Perspective
Description

The topic expands the understanding of art therapy materials and environment by looking at nature as a resource for creative activity and introducing the basic principles of eco-art therapy.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Museum and art collection as a resource in art therapy
Description

The topic introduces the museum environment, artwork and art collection as a specific resource for creative, aesthetic and reflective experience in art therapy.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Museum and art collection as a resource in art therapy
Description

The topic introduces the museum environment, artwork and art collection as a specific resource for creative, aesthetic and reflective experience in art therapy.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Art Media and Technologies in Art Therapy
Description

The topic expands the concept of art materials and media by looking at the digital environment as a modern space for creative activity and analyzing its possibilities and limitations in art therapy.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Art Media and Technologies in Art Therapy
Description

The topic expands the concept of art materials and media by looking at the digital environment as a modern space for creative activity and analyzing its possibilities and limitations in art therapy.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Art therapist's professional identity and the formation of professional position
Description

The topic forms an understanding of the formation of the professional identity of an art therapist as a dynamic process of professional development in which personal experience, creative and artistic experience, professional knowledge, values, roles and belonging to the professional community are integrated.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Art therapist's professional identity and the formation of professional position
Description

The topic forms an understanding of the formation of the professional identity of an art therapist as a dynamic process of professional development in which personal experience, creative and artistic experience, professional knowledge, values, roles and belonging to the professional community are integrated.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Philosophical, Aesthetic and Neuroscientific Foundations of Art Therapy
Description

The topic forms an interdisciplinary understanding of art and aesthetic experience as the theoretical basis of art therapy, looking at the creation and perception of art as a sensory, bodily, emotional, symbolic and meaning-making process.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Philosophical, Aesthetic and Neuroscientific Foundations of Art Therapy
Description

The topic forms an interdisciplinary understanding of art and aesthetic experience as the theoretical basis of art therapy, looking at the creation and perception of art as a sensory, bodily, emotional, symbolic and meaning-making process.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Cultural competence, cultural humility and reflective art therapy practice
Description

The topic develops an understanding of the importance of cultural and social context in art therapy and develops a reflective professional position in working with human diversity. The transition from cultural competence to cultural humility and cultural safety is discussed, with special attention to the therapist's perspective and the limits of interpretation.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Cultural competence, cultural humility and reflective art therapy practice
Description

The topic develops an understanding of the importance of cultural and social context in art therapy and develops a reflective professional position in working with human diversity. The transition from cultural competence to cultural humility and cultural safety is discussed, with special attention to the therapist's perspective and the limits of interpretation.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The historical development of art therapy in the world and in Latvia
Description

The subject provides an understanding of the historical development of art therapy from the use of art in the context of treatment and psychological assistance to the establishment of an independent professional discipline, examining the development of the profession in an international and Latvian context.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The historical development of art therapy in the world and in Latvia
Description

The subject provides an understanding of the historical development of art therapy from the use of art in the context of treatment and psychological assistance to the establishment of an independent professional discipline, examining the development of the profession in an international and Latvian context.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Theoretical approaches and contemporary integrative practice in art therapy
Description

The topic provides a comprehensive understanding of the main theoretical approaches in art therapy and their impact on the art therapist's understanding of the client, the creative process, the artwork, the therapeutic relationship, and the process of change.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Theoretical approaches and contemporary integrative practice in art therapy
Description

The topic provides a comprehensive understanding of the main theoretical approaches in art therapy and their impact on the art therapist's understanding of the client, the creative process, the artwork, the therapeutic relationship, and the process of change.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Resource-based approach in art therapy
Description

The topic deepens the understanding of the resource-based approach in art therapy, which focuses on recognizing, activating, and strengthening a person's existing and potential resources through the creative process, artwork, and therapeutic relationship.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Resource-based approach in art therapy
Description

The topic deepens the understanding of the resource-based approach in art therapy, which focuses on recognizing, activating, and strengthening a person's existing and potential resources through the creative process, artwork, and therapeutic relationship.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Theoretical foundations and development of art-based assessment
Description

The subject provides an understanding of the nature, functions and place of art-based assessment in the art therapy process, as well as its theoretical and historical development.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Theoretical foundations and development of art-based assessment
Description

The subject provides an understanding of the nature, functions and place of art-based assessment in the art therapy process, as well as its theoretical and historical development.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The process of art-based assessment and professional judgement
Description

The topic provides an understanding of evaluation as a systematic process of obtaining, analyzing and integrating professional information and the formation of the professional judgment of the art therapist.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The process of art-based assessment and professional judgement
Description

The topic provides an understanding of evaluation as a systematic process of obtaining, analyzing and integrating professional information and the formation of the professional judgment of the art therapist.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Structured art-based assessment tools
Description

The topic introduces the structure, principles of use and place of art-based assessment tools in the complex assessment of the client.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Structured art-based assessment tools
Description

The topic introduces the structure, principles of use and place of art-based assessment tools in the complex assessment of the client.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Analysis and interpretation of the results of the art-based assessment tools
Description

The topic deepens the skills to professionally analyse the results of structured evaluations, to choose the instrument according to the purpose of the evaluation and to critically assess the limits of the conclusions obtained.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Analysis and interpretation of the results of the art-based assessment tools
Description

The topic deepens the skills to professionally analyse the results of structured evaluations, to choose the instrument according to the purpose of the evaluation and to critically assess the limits of the conclusions obtained.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Expressive Therapies Continuum: art materials, creative process, and information processing
Description

The topic introduces the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) as a theoretical framework specific to art therapy for understanding art materials, creative process, and client information processing. The model is discussed in the context of both assessment and therapy planning.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Expressive Therapies Continuum: art materials, creative process, and information processing
Description

The topic introduces the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) as a theoretical framework specific to art therapy for understanding art materials, creative process, and client information processing. The model is discussed in the context of both assessment and therapy planning.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Integrated assessment, change monitoring and therapy planning
Description

The theme integrates the assessment approaches learned in the course, linking them to clinical formulation, setting therapy goals, and monitoring client change. Emphasis is placed on professionally ethical and contextually sensitive assessment.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Integrated assessment, change monitoring and therapy planning
Description

The theme integrates the assessment approaches learned in the course, linking them to clinical formulation, setting therapy goals, and monitoring client change. Emphasis is placed on professionally ethical and contextually sensitive assessment.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Akmane, E., & Mārtinsone, K. (2025). The Story of Art Therapy in Latvia: A historical approach. In M. Hills de Zárate, D. Waller, & C. L. Vaculik (Eds.), The Routledge International Handbook of Art Therapy Practice (1 ed.). (Routledge International Handbooks). Routledge.

2.

Hinz, L. D. (2020). Expressive therapies continuum: A framework for using art in therapy (2nd ed.). Routledge.

3.

Hogan, S. (2016). Art Therapy Theories: A Critical Introduction. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

4.

Rubin. J.A. (Ed.) (2016). Approaches to Art Therapy: Theory and Technique. 3rd Ed. Routledge.

Additional Reading

1.

Mārtinsone. K. (Sast.) (2011). Mākslu terapija. Rīga: RaKa.

2.

Mārtinsone, K. (Sast.) (2009). Mākslas terapija: teorija un prakse. Rīga: Drukātava.

3.

Malchiodi, C.A. (Ed.) (2012). Handbook of Art Therapy. The Guilford Press.

4.

Malchiody C.A. (2007). The Art Therapy Sourcebook, McGraw-Hill.

5.

Moon, B.L. (2007). The Role of Metaphor in Art Therapy. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas Publisher Ltd.

6.

Moon, B.L. (2015). Ethical Issues in Art Therapy. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas.