The training in Art Therapy of Metàfora is structured around five different modules:
Module I, Experiential
Art Therapy Groups (GAT):
The objective of the experiential Art Therapy groups is to explore the dynamics of a group in which artistic images and objects are produced. Each session lasts one hour and a half. GAT is part of the July block. The role of the group leader is to help group members to explore and reveal the dynamics that occur in group interactions.
The objective of the course is to learn to think psychodynamically. The content of each session, both verbally and artistically, is strictly confidential.
Observation and Expression Techniques (TOE):
The purpose of the subject is to experience three important aspects of psychotherapeutic work: observation, reflective thinking and communication. Thus, the objective of the course is to learn approaching different artistic processes.
The sessions are organized according to the material that is individually worked on between sessions at home. At the end of the course, in the last session, the students present to the group leader a portfolio documenting each of the proposals. This portfolio is confidential and is returned the same day.
In this subject students explore the expressive potential of different art media:
1. Graphic work (engraving, drawing, comic …)
2. Painting (abstract, figurative, collage, mural, …)
3. Performance (work based on action, bodyart …)
4. Art and language (text, short story, poetry …)
5. Photography (landscape, portrait, memoirs, collage …)
6. Video (stop motion, short film, sound art …)
7. 3D work (modeling, sculpture, ceramics, readymade, assemblage …)
8. Intervention in space (installation, urban intervention, land art …)
9. Textiles
Role Play and Tutorials (RLP & TUT):
Group tutorials take place once a month and alternate with role-play sessions in which various situations are staged and discussed.
Module II, Art
The purpose of the Art module is to promote and encourage the artistic practice of students. This module includes three different spaces:
ART 1, Exploring the Creative Process: The students make short presentations of their artistic practice before they join the course.
ART 2, Creative Dynamics: The existing links between artistic activity, contemporary art and art therapy are explored.
ART3, In the studio: It is essential that students keep a continuous artistic practice throughout the course. A minimum dedication of 20 hours per month is recommended.
Module III, Art Therapy Theory
Art Therapy Theory (TAT):
The Art Therapy Theory Module is an introduction to the different authors and ways of working that characterize our profession. The theory of Art Therapy is explored through its history, the theoretical framework and other aspects that shape the discipline, examples of its practical application and intervention modalities. This tour will be carried out in coordination with the Art Therapy Applications subject and we will use related readings. In this way, it is intended that the students’ reflections along with the teacher’s feedback, define and respond to each of the theory blocks.
The objective is not only the theoretical definition of the contents, but also the promotion of the capacity for reflection and the exploration of specialised literature.
Case Presentations (CAS):
The purpose of the presentations is to learn about the practice of Art Therapy with different client groups. Case presentations are made by active art therapists and are delivered online once a week for a month on three occasions each year: November, February and May.
Art Therapy Applications Workshops (AAT):
Like case presentations, the workshops are an opportunity to learn about different areas in which Art Therapy is applied and, on the other hand, to expand the range of possibilities in the use of artistic media.
Module IV, Projects
Community Art Projects (PRJ):
The projects module brings an introduction to Community Art in which the development of the critical gaze of students is encouraged. In it, theoretical and practical knowledge will be gained on the essential elements of Community Art, highlighting the close link that these projects have with social justice processes.
Through the sessions students will learn about key concepts and tools that can help develop a project. In addition, the similarities and differences between Art therapy and Community Art will be reviewed, highlighting how art therapy knowledge can benefit the facilitation of community processes.
Project Presentation (CAP):
The purpose of the presentations is to get to know the practice of Community Art around the globe. These sessions are held with active professionals who present their interventions with different groups. Although in the training we will focus more on the visual arts, entities that work with other arts such as theater or photography will also be invited. In this way, we can observe the similarities and differences between the proposals. In addition, there will be invited global justice and cooperation specialists in order to better contextualize the space that community art projects occupy, or may occupy.
The contribution of these experts contributes to fostering the connection that community art has with social transformation, placing the knowledge acquired in theoretical classes in a real context.
Self-Managed Groups (GAG):
Self-managed group sessions are sessions in which students will have the opportunity to work in small groups and experience the beginnings of the construction of a project in a practical way.
The process will emphasize three aspects: research, teamwork, and project writing. Investigating, collective knowledge will be generated; working in a team, networking will be exercised in an experiential way; and writing a project will work on the theoretical preparation of the necessary material to carry out a Community Art process.
Module V, Psychology
Introduction to Psychotherapy (PSI):
The objective of this series of talks is to introduce the student to the theory and techniques of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, offering a panoramic view of the different psychological schools, as well as analyzing the applicability of analytically oriented psychotherapy in different contexts.
Development Psychology (PSE):
The talks that make up this area aim to understand the relationship between the psychic functioning of the individual at different stages of life and the process of creation and personal expression. The subject makes it easier to consider the extent to which understanding the mental and symbolic process that occurs in the act of artistic creation has to do with the mental processes that the person has to do during the therapeutic act.
Introduction to Attachment Theory (ITA):
The first years of life are essential to understand the creation of affective bonds and how these will condition the building of one’s own personality and social relationships. The understanding of these phenomena is at the base of Psychotherapy. This subject is an introduction to the contributions of Bowlby among other authors.
Introduction to Mentalization in Art Therapy (MBT):
Mentalization is a type of clinical approach developed by P. Fonagy. It is also an integrative way of understanding Psychotherapy that includes different currents (cognitive, psychoanalytic, systemic …). Its incorporation into Art Therapy is especially relevant these days given the wide variety of users with whom Art Therapy works and the need to adapt appropriate techniques to each client group.
