Course coordinator
Ms Louise Leotta
Lead Lecturer Art Therapyﾠ
Mon, Tues & Thurs 9am - 5pm (please schedule an appointment)
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- UQ Medical School
This Practicum course provides the opportunity to develop clinical skills in treatment settings. The emphasis of the third placement is developing specialist treatment skills with an emphasis on psychodynamic and Art Therapy interventions and use of self as a therapeutic tool. Methods for maximising the impact of external factors that influence client change will be explored. Art Therapy Field of Study requirements will be met by this course.
Welcome to the course PXMH7109 Practicum 3 in Art Therapy, a course for the Masters in Mental Health (Art Therapy).
The aim of this course is to provide you withﾠan experience of art therapy practice through supervised work consisting of 200 hours of placement in a clinical setting. There is an expectation that you will initiate and implement art therapy activities whilst on placement. However, all activities will be developed and conducted in close consultation with the on-site supervisor.
You will be required to attend a weekly supervision group to assist with the integration of theory and practice. The weekly supervision group will offer a place for reflective practice related to placement. In addition, it will address specific needs and questions relating to student experiences and provides a forum for learning and reporting back. In addition, art making is used as a tool for externalising questions and deepening clinical understanding of client/trainee art therapist interactions.
It is a course requirement that you keep a visual and written reflective journal; these will be entered onto the PXMH7109 Learn.UQ (Blackboard) online journal (please see assessment section for further information).
Please let me know promptly if you are experiencing any difficulties, so together, we can make sure your placement is a rewarding one.
This course can be taken Internally in-person (local - living in Brisbane) & Externally (remote - living outside of Brisbane). It is compulsory for you to attend residential workshops in-person.ﾠ
I look forward to an enjoyable semester with you.
Louise Leottaﾠ
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PXMH7101, PXMH7102, PXMH7103, PXMH7104, PXMH7107 and PXMH7108
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
PXMH7105 and PXMH7115
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PXMH7037
Course contact
School enquiries
Medical School Student and Academic Administration Team
Course staff
Lecturer
Ms Georgia Betteridge
Ms Louise Leotta
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Weekly Group Supervisionﾠ
80% attendance required to meet course and registration requirements
Local/Internal In-Person Class Day & Time: Tuesdays 18:00-19:30 Brisbane QLD Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)ﾠ
Location: Seminar Room K Floor Mental Health Centre RBWHﾠ
Remote/External Zoom Class Day & Time: Wednesdays 18:00-19:30 (AEST)ﾠ
Workshops: Week 2,ﾠMonday 3 March - Sunday 9 March:ﾠWorkshops for this course form part of the full Residential Week program for all Semester 2 courses in the program, compulsory in-person workshops focus on active learning of knowledge and skills that are central to mental health practice and art therapy. If you have any trouble attending, please contact the Course Coordinator to discuss.ﾠPlease see further information in Learning Activities regarding specific workshops that align with this course.
Location:ﾠHerston Campusﾠ
Aims and outcomes
This course is designed to enable students to implement knowledge and skills developed during foundation knowledge Practicums 1 and 2 in Art Therapy and skill courses in an appropriate mental health practice environment. Students undertake 200 hours of art therapy practice, of which a minimum of 50 takes the form of provision of mental health services to clients. During this practicum, students are expected to demonstrate capacity to provide art therapy services under general supervision but with substantial autonomy. Other activities appropriate for this course include observation of the practice of more experienced art therapists/therapists, participation in individual or group supervision or other clinical case discussions and record keeping.ﾠThere is an emphasis on Art Therapy assessment and interventions. The third placement focuses on applying Art Therapy treatment approaches and developing advanced interpersonal skills with clients. Students participate in a weekly supervision group provided by the university.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Under general supervision, undertake an assessment for suitability for art therapy in an appropriate practice setting.
LO2.
Under general supervision, develop, record and implement an art therapy treatment plan; monitor progress and adjust the plan if required. Work may be done face to face or online.
LO3.
Under general supervision, communicate with other professionals and/or family members involved in treatment or care of clients receiving art therapy. This may be carried out face to face and/or online.
LO4.
Provide mental health services that take into account the specific needs and/or values and perspectives of cultural minorities.
LO5.
Make routine use of process and/or outcome measurement in provision of mental health services.
LO6.
Demonstrate the use art therapy interventions as a way of deepening clinical awareness and understanding of responses to clinical situations
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Placement |
Practicum
|
Performance Hurdle |
24/02/2025 - 9/06/2025
17:00 (AEST) |
| Reflection | Reflective Journal | 50% 10 posts 300/400 words each |
27/02/2025 - 9/06/2025
17:00 (AEST) |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Case Report | 50% 3000 words |
19/05/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practicum
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- Performance Hurdle
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 9/06/2025
17:00 (AEST)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
You will undertake 200 hours in a work environment that provides the opportunity to work with people seeking help for concerns that may include mental health problems. You will have a placement supervisor and are required to engage in at least 10 hours of supervision with the on-site supervisor, in addition you will participate in weekly university supervision classes. The practicum provides an opportunity for art therapy students to develop specific art therapy clinical skills in treatment settings. You will focus on evidence based-practice, assessment, interventions, and treatment planning and ensure that the work takes place in an effective and sensitive manner that builds therapeutic alliances. Refer to the Learning Activities section for more detail.
To complete the practicum successfully, all of the following requirements must be met.
- Undertake the required practicum in an appropriate setting that provides the opportunity to work with people seeking help for concerns that may include mental health problems. (If you have any concerns about the appropriateness of your workplace or placement setting, contact the course coordinator to discuss. Any alternative plan to meet the learning objectives of the course will need the permission of the course coordinator.)
- Provide a signed placement contract.
- Provide accurate logs, appropriately verified, that demonstrate minimum 200 hours of work including 50 hours of direct practice with clients.
- Provide appropriate evidence of a minimum of 10 hours of direct supervision and appropriate participation in weekly university group supervision.
- Provide a signed mid-placement and end of placement report. –The final report rates achievement in relation to each learning objective. You will attain and pass this placement when these have been assessed as Fully Achieved on the Final End of Semester Evaluation Report. Mostly-Fully Achieved is relevant where placements have limited access/opportunity to offer in depth learning in a maximum of one of the criteria
Hurdle requirements
You must satisfactorily complete this assessment task (as described above) to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission requirements are described in the Placement Booklet and Learning Activities.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Reflective Journal
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 50% 10 posts 300/400 words each
- Due date
27/02/2025 - 9/06/2025
17:00 (AEST)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
You are required to complete a weekly journal of self-reflection, related to field placement experiences. You are to upload you written and visual reflections on the day prior to the weekly supervision class for the preceding week on placement. This is a self-evaluation process - a personal journey of learning and deepening awareness. You will use references to deepen your understanding or to support your experiences. The marking is accorded to how well you have taken the opportunity to reflect on your learning and experiences throughout the semester.
Criteria & Marking:
1. You have engaged in weekly self-reflection through a minimum of 10 written and visual reflective journal entries (300-400 words each) with supporting references and visual/art-based reflection. The journal entries are accessible, comprehensible and use a consistent referencing style.
2. Journal entries are focused on learnings, experiences and reflection relating to working in mental health care and the use of art therapy. Journal entries use references and literature to deepen understanding and/or support experiences.
3. You are able to discuss your feelings, thoughts, behaviours, actions, knowledge and skills in the role of an emerging Art Therapist and critically reflect on your professional use of self.
Submission guidelines
The online journal is available via the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site - Assessment
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Case Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 50% 3000 words
- Due date
19/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
A written de-identified case report (3000 words) that presents a vivid portrait of your work with a client, family or treatment group in a Mental Health or School or Non-Government Organisation placement setting. It should describe the assessment, formulation and treatment planning, the process of the work you have done and your understanding of the outcome or current state of the intervention. This is a formal report using a format that is appropriate to the work environment. It should demonstrate competence in assessment, formulation, collaborative treatment planning, the interventions conducted, including art therapy intervention. The report makes recommendations as to appropriate art therapy interventions and evidence-based treatments that are relevant and clinically appropriate for the client and or presenting situation/environment. Permission to use client artwork is required.
Criteria & Marking:
1. A formal case report that describes the context of the work, a summary of the client story and presenting concerns, assessment, formulation, provision or confirmed diagnosis, the treatment plan/hopes, and the interventions conducted by yourself and others with the client. Where relevant, the student can provide measurement of treatment effect and outcomes using approved assessment and outcome data and client feedback.
2. You will demonstrate assessment and treatment planning skills and makes clear descriptions of or recommendation regarding interventions. You will discuss art therapy interventions that may be relevant to client/s presentation. You will demonstrate problem solving skills for challenges that arose in the client work.
3. You will demonstrate that they have incorporated the client story, development, culture and identity into their formulation, treatment planning and interventions.
4. Report is well written, formatted and referenced. It includes diagrams/tables & visual images. The report demonstrates ethical practices using appropriate language and terminology suitable to practice environment.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Turnitin on the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Failsﾠto submit assessment and demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course; attains an overall mark of less than 35%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some assessment items submitted but material submitted shows major deficiencies when evaluated against assessment criteria or major part of assessment is incomplete; attains an overall mark of at least 35% but less than 45%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates deficiencies in understanding when submitted assessment material is evaluated against marking criteria; attains an overall mark of at least 45% but less than the overall pass mark of 50%. Please note: You will be unable to achieve a grade above 3 if you do not complete all assessment items, regardless of overall course performance. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 65 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequately demonstrates understanding, addresses required criteria and has met the minimum requirement for all assessment; attains the overall pass mark of at least 50% but less than 66%. Please note: To achieve a grade of 4 or above, you must complete and submit all assessment items. |
| 5 (Credit) | 66 - 75 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequately demonstrates competent understanding,ﾠaddresses required criteria and has metﾠminimum or aboveﾠrequirements for all assessment; attains an overall mark of at least 66% but less than 76%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 76 - 85 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effectively demonstrates substantial understanding, addresses required criteria and meets or exceeds minimum requirements for all assessment;ﾠattains an overall mark of at least 76% but less than 86%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 86 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effectively demonstrates extensive understanding withﾠoutstanding achievement on assessment items when evaluatedﾠagainst marking criteria and meets or exceeds minimum requirements for all assessment; attains an overall mark of at least 86%. |
Additional course grading information
Please note: You will be unable to achieve a grade above 3 if you do not complete all assessment items, regardless of overall course performance.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
These assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). You are advised that the use of AI technologies to create responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. If you wish to use AI technology for legitimate academic purposes please consult the course staff and get approval before submitting your essay. Please refer to UQs AI guidelines here.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Articles and resources relevant to the course will be uploaded to the Learning Resources section ofﾠLearn.UQ (Blackboard).
You will be provided with Placement Guidelines Booklet which contains:
- Placement Contract
- Clinical Placement Report:ﾠMid Placement Evaluation
- Clinical Placement Report:ﾠEnd of Placement Evaluation
- Client-Contact and Non-Client Contact Log Sheet templates
- Client Art Therapy Consent form
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Placement |
Practicum: You will undertake 200 hours of mental health art therapy practice consisting of a minimum of 50 hours of direct client work and 10 hours supervision with onsite supervisor.
There are circumstances where your placement may begin earlier and/or finish later than dates listed in Assessment Section; this must be arranged with course coordinator. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Practical |
Visual & Written Journal You are required to complete and submit online visual and written reflective journal entries related to placement experiences. (See Assessment section for details) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Art Therapy Supervision Group You will attend a weekly university supervision group with an experienced art therapist. You will explore and reflect on practicum experience by engaging in discussion and art making. There are circumstances where your placements may begin and/or finish later than dates listed; in these circumstances the lecturer and course coordinator will make arrangements to offer student/s supervision. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Residential Workshops Compulsory for you to attend in-person. The workshops related directly to this course focus on attachment and reflective functioning, expressive therapies continuum and experiential art making. They are all designed to support and strengthen knowledge, reflective capacity, peer collaboration and enhance placement and professional experiences. 5/3/25 9am - 5pm - Expressive Therapies Continuum 6/3/25 9am - 5pm - Attachment the Clinician's Style and Reflective Functioning 8/3/25 9:30am - 12:30pm - PXMH7107 & PXMH7109 Welcome and Experiential Art Making + Sharing of Wisdom from Graduate/s and Current Students Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 |
Case-based learning |
Case Report You will complete de-identified case study (see Assessment Section for further details). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.