For more than thirty years, Lesley University’s Master’s program in Expressive Therapies with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling has embraced a curriculum which maintains a distinctive focus on training students to use the different art modalities in their practice in a range of clinical, educational and human service settings
• Gain eligibility for the Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) credential through the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association
• Qualify for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential in Massachusetts
• Gain valuable, extensive field experience
• Learn from leaders in the field of expressive therapies
• Study full-time or part-time
The 60-credit intermodal Expressive Therapies program is ideal for those who wish to a variety of expressive art modalities to promote positive intrapersonal and interpersonal change with diverse populations. Expressive arts therapists work in a variety of clinical settings including mental health clinics, psychiatric clinics, hospitals, geriatric centers, schools, and correctional facilities,.
At Lesley University, Expressive Therapies students develop practical skills through self-reflection, collaboration with expert faculty and peers, and 1050 hours of field experience. Direct, supervised contact with clients from a range of populations is required so that you can leave the program fully prepared for professional practice.
View the program of study for the 60 Credit Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies w/ a specialization in Mental Health Counseling
Low-Residency Option
The M.A. in Expressive Therapies is now offered in a low-residency learning
model. Learn more.
Sample Course Descriptions
Theories in Expressive Therapies
3 credits
Trains students to lead expressive therapy sessions. Students are introduced to various media (music, dance, art, psychodrama) and their integration in therapy. Focuses on the experience, understanding, and application of group dynamics in the core seminar as well as other groups.
Expressive Therapies with Families
3 credits
This course will examine basic concepts and theories of family systems and family therapy from an expressive therapy perspective that takes into consideration issues of race, gender, ethnicity, class, and structural variables. The course will focus on the development of expressive therapy family assessment, intervention, and application skills.
Examining Power, Privilege and Oppression in Clinical Practice
3 credits
Examines theoretical and personal perspectives pertaining to gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation in mental health counseling and expressive therapies. Students examine their cultural identities and identify sociocultural biases and prejudices. They develop the ability to critique existing theory and practice from a multicultural lens. Students will be expected to understand issues of power, privilege, and oppression as they apply to the therapeutic relationship.
Faculty Spotlight
Nancy Beardall
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Dance/Movement Therapy
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Jason Butler
Adjunct Instructor of Expressive Therapies - Psychodrama/Drama Therapy
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