Art Therapy in Social Work Practice

This class explores art therapy in social work, offering theory, techniques, and cultural strategies to foster healing, insight, empowerment, and trauma‑informed practice.

🕒 2 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 4/15/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1354073

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

explores the integration of art therapy into social work practice, emphasizing its theoretical roots, neurological basis, and practical application with diverse populations. Participants will examine techniques, materials, and clinical models to foster healing, insight, and empowerment through visual expression. Modules address cultural considerations, population-specific strategies, evidence-based integration, and case-based applications, supporting trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practice across varied settings..

Who Will Benefit From This Class ?

Want to Know about Reporting ?

Learning Objectives:

Justify how art therapy aligns with core social work values.
Explain theoretical foundations of art therapy in relation to empowerment and systems thinking.
Describe how art therapy supports emotional regulation and trauma processing.
Differentiate adaptations of art therapy for children, adults, older adults, and community contexts.
Formulate appropriate art-based interventions based on client needs.
Discuss cultural considerations and avoid appropriation in practice.
Integrate art therapy with existing clinical models (CBT, DBT, narrative, family systems).
Develop strategies for measuring outcomes and documenting progress.
Apply art therapy concepts through case studies and reflection.
Propose innovative applications in emerging social work contexts.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction (5 min)

What is art therapy?
Why art therapy in social work?
The power of visual expression

Historical and Theoretical Foundations (13 min)

Origins of art therapy
Psychoanalytic, humanistic, developmental, and trauma-informed perspectives
Alignment with social work values

Neuroscience and Therapeutic Use of Art (17 min)

Brain function and neuroplasticity in art-making
Trauma, language, and nonverbal expression
Polyvagal theory and sensory integration

Populations and Practice Settings (16 min)

Children/adolescents: play, school-based interventions, foster care
Adults: trauma recovery, substance use, identity development
Older adults: grief, dementia, reminiscence
Community/group settings: crisis response, shelters, forensic/correctional contexts

Techniques, Materials, and Clinical Approaches (17 min)

Media overview: drawing, painting, clay, collage, digital art
Structured vs. unstructured approaches
Techniques: mandalas, masks, safe place imagery, genograms, visual journaling
Therapist stance and attunement

Cultural Considerations (6 min)

Visual culture and identity in image-making
Use of culturally resonant symbols
Avoiding appropriation and affirming cultural pride

Integration with Social Work Models (15 min)

Complementarity with CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, solution-focused approaches
Family and community art therapy
Integration with case management and crisis intervention

Evidence Base and Practice-Based Research (10 min)

Outcome research and clinical trials
Image-based assessments and qualitative evaluation
Role of supervision and peer review

Application Through Case Studies and Reflection (16 min)

Case examples: foster care trauma, domestic violence survivor, older adult with dementia
Clinical decision-making, transference/countertransference, therapist reflection
Integration into treatment plans and progress tracking

Conclusion and Recommendations (5 min)

Innovative applications in emerging contexts
Final reflections and practice integration

Total Time

120 minutes (2 CE Hours)

Master Social Work Practice & Professional Renewal with PDHhub’s SOCIAL WORK LIBRARY

$69.99 USD

TOP FEATURES:-

Full access to all Classes and resources
Earn CE hours with every course
Downloadable certificates for licensure and portfolio
100% Money Back Guarantee

BUY NOW !

Benefits:

Virtual Access From Any Computer

Certificate of Completion for Every Class

Annual Subscription

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions About this Class

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to [email protected] or call us on: +1 239-544-0606

Is there a test at the end of this class?

Can I take the class at my own pace?

Will I receive a certificate of completion at the end of the class?

How long will the class be available to me?

Will the completion of my classes be reported to my licensing agency?

PDHhub Support

Visual Support

All lesson content includes high-quality captions and fully searchable transcripts for easy reference and accessibility.

Learning Pace

Need extra time for assignments? We offer flexible pacing options.

Official Requests?

Need a specific accommodation? Download our formal request form Here:

MAKE ADA REQUEST

FAQs About Our Online Classes in General