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Mary Rockwood Lane, PhD, RN, FAAN and Michael Samuels, MD

Through art projects—including visual arts, dance, writing, and music—along with spiritual practices and guided imagery, Healing With the Arts gives you the tools to heal what you need to heal in your life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction
This week will give you an overview of the course, an introduction to your guides, a get-started kit, and space to do art.
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Visual Arts
Music
Movement
Word
Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by instructors recognized for their work in nursing and health
Teaches principles and practices of art therapy
Provides tools and techniques for healing and self-improvement
Emphasizes the importance of holistic healing
May require materials not readily available

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Reviews summary

Empowering artists through healing with the arts

Learners say this course contains practical activities that introduce new ways to express oneself artistically, and thereby promote self-healing. These activities include journaling, drawing, singing, dancing, and meditation. The course is noted by students to be engaging and have a positive learning environment, especially because they are able to see works created by other participants. The instructors are described as inspiring and knowledgeable, and share a lot of their personal experiences, bringing a spiritual dimension to the subject. Students caution that the course is not strictly academic, but is more about personal expression and artistic healing and that a spiritual outlook is helpful. The course is particularly well received by those who are already working or studying in the art therapy field.
The course fosters a strong sense of community among learners, who are encouraged to share their work and experiences with each other. This creates a supportive and encouraging environment where learners feel comfortable exploring their creativity and healing journeys.
"The course is noted by students to be engaging and have a positive learning environment, especially because they are able to see works created by other participants."
The course instructors are highly respected by learners, who describe them as inspiring, knowledgeable, and supportive. They are praised for sharing their personal experiences and for creating a positive and engaging learning environment.
"The instructors are described as inspiring and knowledgeable, and share a lot of their personal experiences, bringing a spiritual dimension to the subject."
"Students caution that the course is not strictly academic, but is more about personal expression and artistic healing and that a spiritual outlook is helpful."
"The course is particularly well received by those who are already working or studying in the art therapy field."
The course emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and spirituality in the healing process. Learners are encouraged to connect with their inner selves and to explore the spiritual dimensions of art and healing. This approach is well-received by learners who are open to exploring alternative approaches to wellness.
"The course is particularly well received by those who are already working or studying in the art therapy field."
The course features a variety of engaging activities that encourage learners to express themselves creatively and explore their own healing journeys. These activities include journaling, drawing, singing, dancing, and guided imagery. They are designed to help learners connect with their inner selves and develop new ways of coping with stress, trauma, and other challenges.
"Learners say this course contains practical activities that introduce new ways to express oneself artistically, and thereby promote self-healing."
"These activities include journaling, drawing, singing, dancing, and meditation."
"The course is noted by students to be engaging and have a positive learning environment, especially because they are able to see works created by other participants."
Some learners have raised concerns about the course's appropriation of Native American culture. They argue that the use of spirit animals and medicine wheels is disrespectful and harmful to indigenous peoples. These concerns should be addressed by the course instructors to ensure that the course is inclusive and respectful of all cultures.
"Some learners have raised concerns about the course's appropriation of Native American culture."
"They argue that the use of spirit animals and medicine wheels is disrespectful and harmful to indigenous peoples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Healing with the Arts with these activities:
Review art therapy techniques
Solidifies your background with art therapy before course begins.
Show steps
  • Read academic journal articles on art therapy
  • Watch YouTube videos on art therapy demonstrations
  • Attend a free or low-cost art therapy webinar
Read 'Art as Therapy' by Shaun McNiff
Provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of art therapy.
Show steps
  • Read one chapter per week
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques
  • Discuss the book with a friend or colleague
Experiment with different art materials
Develops your proficiency and confidence with different art media.
Show steps
  • Gather a variety of art materials (e.g., paints, markers, clay)
  • Experiment with different techniques and styles
  • Create a portfolio of your artwork
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Healing with the Arts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to help people to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Music Therapist. The course will teach you how to use music to help people to reduce stress, to manage pain, and to improve their mood. You will also learn about the different types of music therapy and how to use them in different settings.
Writer
Writers use words to communicate ideas, stories, and emotions. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Writer. The course will teach you how to use words to create powerful and meaningful works of art. You will also learn about the different types of writing and how to use them in different settings.
Dance Therapist
Dance Therapists use dance and movement to help people to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Dance Therapist. The course will teach you how to use dance and movement to help people to reduce stress, to manage pain, and to improve their mood. You will also learn about the different types of dance therapy and how to use them in different settings.
Art Therapist
Art Therapists help people to express themselves creatively and to explore their emotions through art. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Art Therapist. The course will teach you how to use art to help people to heal from trauma, to manage stress, and to improve their overall well-being. You will also learn about the different types of art therapy and how to use them in different settings.
Visual Artist
Visual Artists use their creativity to make art that can be seen, touched, and experienced. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Visual Artist. The course will teach you how to use different materials and techniques to create beautiful and meaningful works of art. You will also learn about the different types of visual art and how to use them in different settings.
Art Critic
Art Critics write about and evaluate works of art. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Art Critic. The course will teach you how to analyze and interpret works of art and to write about them in a clear and engaging way. You will also learn about the different types of art criticism and how to use them to inform your writing.
Art teacher
Art Teachers teach students about the different types of art and how to create it. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Art Teacher. The course will teach you about the different types of art and how to teach them to students of all ages. You will also learn about the different types of art education and how to use them to inform your teaching.
Art historian
Art Historians study the history of art and the ways in which it has been used to express human creativity and culture. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Art Historian. The course will teach you about the different periods and styles of art history and how to research and write about them. You will also learn about the different types of art historical research and how to use them to inform your work.
Art Curator
Art Curators plan and oversee the display of works of art in museums, galleries, and other public spaces. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Art Curator. The course will teach you about the different types of art and how to display them in a way that is both informative and engaging. You will also learn about the different types of art exhibitions and how to plan and organize them.
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of a project, such as a film, television show, or magazine. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Art Director. The course will teach you about the different elements of visual design and how to use them to create a cohesive and visually appealing project. You will also learn about the different types of art direction and how to use them to inform your work.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design and oversee the construction of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and public plazas. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Landscape Architect. The course will teach you about the different elements of landscape design and how to use them to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. You will also learn about the different types of landscape architecture and how to use them to inform your work.
Web Designer
Web Designers create and maintain websites. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Web Designer. The course will teach you about the different elements of web design and how to use them to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing website. You will also learn about the different types of web design and how to use them to inform your work.
Interior designer
Interior Designers plan and oversee the design of interior spaces, such as homes, offices, and public buildings. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Interior Designer. The course will teach you about the different elements of interior design and how to use them to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. You will also learn about the different types of interior design and how to use them to inform your work.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual content for a variety of purposes, such as websites, magazines, and advertisements. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Graphic Designer. The course will teach you about the different elements of graphic design and how to use them to create a visually appealing and effective design. You will also learn about the different types of graphic design and how to use them to inform your work.
Photographer
Photographers use cameras to capture images of people, places, and things. Healing with the Arts can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Photographer. The course will teach you about the different elements of photography and how to use them to create a visually appealing and memorable image. You will also learn about the different types of photography and how to use them to inform your work.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Healing with the Arts.
Provides a thorough overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of art therapy, including its uses in healing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual ailments.
Explores the scientific evidence supporting the healing benefits of art, including its ability to reduce stress, improve immune function, and alleviate pain.
A comprehensive reference on the use of music in healthcare settings, covering topics such as music therapy, music medicine, and music neuroscience.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the use of the arts in healthcare and human services settings, including case studies and best practices.
Provides a theoretical and practical overview of the use of art in therapy.
Provides an overview of the healing benefits of dance and includes practical exercises for using dance to improve physical, mental, and emotional health.
Provides a theoretical and practical overview of the use of creative arts in therapy.
Provides an overview of the healing benefits of poetry and includes practical exercises for using poetry to improve physical, mental, and emotional health.

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