The arts have been one of the greatest healing resources throughout history playing a key role deeply engrained within health traditions cross culturally: dancing for healing and rites of passage, painting for contemplation and insight, drama for communication and enactment, music for relaxation and connection, or poetry for expression.
Ever since the introduction of arts making in therapy, the arts have re-established their role in prevention and treatment, as well as, in achieving wholeness and balance. Whether skilled with a brush or new to playing a drum, everyone has a latent capacity to create; and in this process the arts serve as vessels to transform life experiences and shape/create a new way of being, which is central to the therapeutic process of expressive arts therapy.
Thirty years after the introduction of expressive arts to Hong Kong, we are proud to offer an exciting, innovative and creative training programme, the Master of Expressive Arts Therapy. As the first-of-its-kind programme in Hong Kong and Asia, we will train professionals as expressive arts therapy professionals in healthcare, education and community settings. With increased interest in the arts for health, wellness and growth, now is the perfect time for this newest addition to the family of our Department of Social Work and Social Administration.
Professor Rainbow Ho
Programme Director
The programme provides multi-modality (multiple arts forms) training in expressive arts therapy in the fields of healthcare, education, and community development. It aims to cultivate competent clinical and educational specialists ready to lead the development of the field of expressive arts therapy in Hong Kong and Asia.
The objectives of the programme are:
After the completion of this programme, students should be able to:
Healthcare and social service professionals as well as artists and arts educators who wish to become adept in implementing various forms of expressive arts and apply the transformative process of creativity to enable a process of change benefiting clients to complement their clinical and educational practices. This programme will be beneficial for those who may aspire to work in hospitals, schools, social service centres, and agencies serving the needs for children, youth, adult and the elderly with disabilities, emotional/ or learning challenges, chronic illness, psychiatric disorders and personal issues.
Graduates are eligible for professional registration as an Arts Therapist with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) upon completion of 750 supervised practicum hours.
They are also eligible to seek qualification as a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) after fulfilling 1,000 supervised practice hours, to be counted after graduation.
Details for registration requirements are contained in the following links:
The curriculum is also aligned with the regulations stipulated by the Health Professions Council of the United Kingdom, but generally UK professional registration is only granted to graduates from UK institutions.
The programme provides students with the academic and practical experience necessary to be adept practitioners and engage in effective cross-disciplinary practice. In addition to the international standards, there are two key principles that guide the design of the programme:
As expressive arts therapy can be integrated into a range of clinical, educational and community settings, the programme is designed for a broad spectrum of students:
Experiential learning enables students to critically evaluate their client populations to determine the best ways to serve them through the intentional use of expressive arts therapy. Students will develop an appreciation and respect for how personally engaging in the creative process can lead to opportunities for critical reflection and professional development. They will also have the opportunity to learn from educators from around the world, while at the same time serving as ambassadors for expressive arts therapy that is unique to Asian values and culture. Students will become confident in traditional expressive arts therapy from the West and leaders in a unique Asian-based manner of practice.
The programme is uniquely situated as a gateway to research collaboration and educational exchange of expressive arts therapy in Hong Kong, Asia and the world. Given the status of The University of Hong Kong and a growing interest in expressive arts therapy, the programme is well suited to engage with government agencies, community organizations and our international peers to contribute to the general body of research in expressive arts therapy. For example, current research projects in the US, such as the effects of expressive arts therapy on trauma, neurobiology, and the elderly, can be enhanced by international participation. By cooperating on such projects, we increase knowledge gain, while being mindful of regional and cultural considerations. As an English language curriculum in a major educational institution, we are able to be involved in international exchanges for classroom learning and practicum experience.
The prize is established to honour students with outstanding performance in the practicum.
The field of expressive arts therapies is relatively new in Hong Kong although there is a growing interest. This programme is geared towards preparing students to work in healthcare, education and community arts sectors. To work in specific post, it may require additional education or credentials beyond what this programme can provide. Applicants are encouraged to research what requirements are necessary for their desired career path.
After completion of this programme, you may use the title Expressive Arts Therapist. You may want to seek additional qualifications by applying for professional membership in the relevant international associations such as International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) and Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA). Please look for more information from the section of International Recognition.