This blog post covers the core elements that should be central to an art therapy academic plan. It provides specific guidance on how the foundation of counseling theory, the healing properties of art, and clinical goals and research interests should be harmonized.
Motivation for Further Study (Reason for Choosing the Major)
After graduating from undergraduate studies, I was preparing to study abroad. However, upon learning about your university’s world-class graduate program in art therapy, I decided to pursue further studies domestically instead of going overseas. While I had a vague desire to “study more,” I didn’t know what specifically to do or how to go about it. Discovering your university’s art therapy program allowed me to concretely develop my portfolio.
Art therapy is fundamentally an integrated discipline where art and therapy converge, requiring a thorough understanding and study of both art and the fields of counseling and psychology. My reason for applying to this university is precisely because counseling theory must form the foundation for practicing art therapy professionally and properly. I believe art therapy is not about unilaterally treating the client, but rather a process of mutual emotional exchange.
Through my undergraduate studies, I gained a broad foundation in my major field.
Primary Research Interests and Research Plan
I wish to study the field of art therapy in depth. Art therapy is a specialized counseling process that therapeutically applies various artistic media. It utilizes the healing and creative power of art to assist children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly experiencing mental and physical difficulties.
Art therapy provides clients with limited verbal expression the opportunity to express themselves through spontaneous artistic activities, helping them understand their issues more visually and objectively.
Specifically, I wish to focus my future studies on art therapy for families and offenders. I aim to develop programs for families in crisis and sex offenders with high recidivism rates, helping them resolve psychological and internal conflicts through art therapy.
Plans after the Master’s Program
There are challenges to working as a professional art therapist in Korea. As it is a profession established within the past few years, there is a lack of recognition regarding the expertise of art therapy. Furthermore, therapists’ activities are often viewed as volunteer work, so there is no established system to provide appropriate compensation or hire them.
While the scope for art therapists to practice is not as broad as in the US or Europe, leading to many constraints, I also see this as an opportunity to pioneer a new field. During my undergraduate years, I gained extensive experience immersing myself in creative work while preparing art exhibitions.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
“Humans are born to live life, not to prepare for it.” This phrase serves as a guiding principle whenever I chase vague expectations and forget to reflect on the present. I strive to accurately assess my current position, derive maximum satisfaction from what is given, and live each day faithfully, recognizing that even this moment is an important part of life.
My life philosophy is to have a distinct identity so that, no matter which group I belong to, people will remember my name, ‘○○○’. I believe that if someone is regarded as indispensable while present but leaves no trace after they’re gone, their social life is essentially a failure.
Therefore, I want to be someone who is consistently remembered even in my absence, by making people recognize my unique color and way of thinking. Similarly in my work, I want to be known as the best in my field.
