(Oxford) Diploma : Art as Therapy - the Instructor's work

🎨 Art Therapy...done by me...done by you

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Course Overview

This is a very straightforward course designed to immerse you in the world of art therapy. It's an interactive journey where you, the participant, will engage in 25 art therapy exercises, each accompanied by 62 insightful lectures. You will create your artwork while listening to soft music or watching the lecture that complements the exercise. This makes up Part A of your experience.

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Instructor's Approach

I, your friendly Instructor, also partake in the same exercises and post my 'work' in Part B. Alongside creating my own artwork, I provide an explanation and often include questions for self-reflection. These reflections are meant to deepen your understanding of both your art and yourself. As part of the lecture series, I also offer a bonus with some 'Office Games' – just for a bit of fun and to add a touch of everyday life to the course.

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Course Structure

The course is structured to allow you to absorb the content at your own pace. You could, if you wish, watch the whole course in a day, doing all the exercises. However, for a more reflective and community-oriented experience, I suggest doing a lecture a day, posting your results, and engaging in discussions with others in the Q/A section.

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What You Will Learn

By participating in this course, you will likely learn a great deal about yourself through self-exploration facilitated by art. In Part B of each lecture, you'll see how I responded to the prompts and briefly analysed my work. You'll also encounter Self-Reflective questions. Your responses are yours to keep, or you may choose to share them in the Q/A.

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Course Highlights

The final two lectures will provide additional insights into approaching your art therapy journey and pose thought-provoking questions about the role of art therapy in our lives. What makes this course unique is its series of concise lectures that guide you through an exercise, followed by a second lecture showcasing a piece of 'art' along with a brief analysis.

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Art Therapy Exercises

Embark on a creative adventure with the following 25 art therapy exercises:

1. Exploration: Find your starting point.
2. Spiral: Trace your path through life.
3. Centre: Identify your core.
4. Where am I now?: Assess your current situation.
5. P, P...F: Explore perceptions and feelings.
6. Morning!: Capture the essence of a new day.
7. Dotty!: Play with perspective and order.
8. Surfing the weave: Navigate through complexity.
9. Eggshells: Tread carefully on fragile ground.
10. Heart to heart: Connect emotionally.
11. Arrowing in: Focus your intentions.
12. Brain food: Visualize your thoughts.
13. Intersect: Examine the convergence of paths.
14. Life - a game of two halves: Explore contrasts and balance.
15. Balanced outcome: Aim for harmony.
16. Heal!: Engage in restorative creation.
17. Your number is up: Face the unknown.
18. Free thought: Let ideas flow freely.
19. Scream: Express your inner cries.
20. Meter reading: Measure your feelings.
21. Transformation: Embrace change.
22. The Great Re-set: Reset your mental state.
23. Peace Poppy: Seek tranquility and remembrance.
24. The View: Capture your perspective on the world.
25. All is one: Unify your experiences.

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Engage, Reflect, and Grow

This course is more than just a series of lectures and exercises. It's an opportunity to engage with art therapy in a meaningful way, to reflect on your personal journey, and to grow both as an individual and as an artist. Join me in this creative exploration and discover the transformative power of art as therapy. 🌟

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Join the Journey

Are you ready to embark on this artistic adventure? Sign up for the course, grab your art supplies, and let's dive into the world of art therapy together! Your creative journey awaits. 🎨✨

🌟 Overall Course Rating: 4.55/5

Course Review:

📊 Pros of the Course:

• Informative and Insightful Content: Students have consistently praised Chris's courses for their depth of knowledge, insight, and ability to provide a transformative experience. The course content has been described as "extremely informative" and "exceeded expectations."

• Engaging and Interactive: The course is not just a passive learning experience; it actively involves students with exercises, reflections, and interactions that encourage personal growth and self-discovery.

• Supportive Community: A supportive online community fosters interaction among participants, enhancing the learning experience. Students appreciate this interactive aspect, as it allows them to "grow, heal, and learn together."

• Well-Structured and Thought Through: The course is praised for its well-thought-out nature, with activities and content that are deliberate and meaningful. There's a sense that nothing within the course feels like a waste of time.

• Diverse Activities and Resources: The variety of exercises, including nature walks and team games, keeps the course fresh and engaging, catering to different learning styles and preferences.

• Practical Application: The knowledge gained from this course is immediately applicable, with students reporting significant improvements in self-esteem, confidence, and personal healing.

• Professional Instructions: Chris is commended for his professional approach and the clarity of his instructions throughout the course. His patience and persistence in delivering what students need to succeed are highlighted as key strengths.

🔍 Considerations or Areas for Improvement:

• Course Duration: Some students have been on the course longer than expected due to its effectiveness, which could be seen as a positive or negative depending on individual expectations and schedules.

• Art Therapy Focus: The course is very much centered around art therapy, which may not appeal to all individuals. However, for those who engage with it, it can be a transformative process.

Testimonials:

1. "I have enrolled on a number of Chris's courses. This course, as well as all Chris's other courses that I have done, are extremely informative, insightful, and fun. The handouts and the contents of the course exceeded my expectations... I highly recommend this course and give the instructor and content of the course a 10/10 rating!!"

2. "I am enjoying this short course format. It is very much a 'doing' course where we engage in exercises, reflect on them, and then post in Q/A."

3. "As an artist, I found this course to be the most interesting art therapy course because it helped me discover my inner world through exercises and cope with negative feelings... The instructor tracks your process during the course, answering all questions and exercises as previously experienced in art therapy courses."

4. "This is a great course! It has been incredibly helpful amidst a war and personal stress, providing exercises that can be done under stressful conditions. Believe in yourself and trust the process!"

5. "I enjoyed it... The information and exercises are apt, and I enjoyed the nature walks and the calm explanations... This is a well-thought-through course."

6. "I have been on this course longer than anticipated not because it's a bad course but because it's an amazing one... It has helped me on days where I really just did not want to see the light, and I am learning helpful activities."

7. "Great instruction at the beginning and followed through to the end. Always engaging and it was a different approach to lectures... I already have other courses purchased with Chris and look forward to starting them asap. Thanks Chris!"

8. "I enrolled in Oxford Art Therapy Master Class 5 months ago and have saved time and energy... Looking forward to meeting other students at the course. Thank you, Chris, for clear instructions, patience, and persistence in giving us what we need to get the most out of our chosen courses!"

Conclusion: Chris's art therapy course has been met with high praise from students, who have found it to be a valuable tool for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. The interactive nature of the course, combined with its practical exercises and supportive community, make it an exceptional learning experience. While some may find the focus on art therapy not entirely aligned with their interests, for many, it is a transformative journey that can be applied to real-life situations, especially during challenging times. Overall, this course stands out as an effective and engaging educational experience.