Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy

A transformative, land-based training to become an art therapist

Build the skills, experience, and confidence to support others—while doing your own deep personal and creative work.

2-year hybrid program • 600+ clinical hours • Cohort-based learning

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Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for people who:

  • Want to become professional art therapists

  • Are called to healing, creativity, and relational work

  • Value experiential learning, not just academic theory

  • Are ready for personal growth alongside professional training

  • Want to work in areas like:

    • Mental health

    • Community care

    • Trauma-informed practice

    • Education or private practice

This may not be the right fit if you’re looking for:

  • A purely academic or lecture-based program

  • Minimal personal reflection or emotional work

  • A fully self-paced or independent format

What you’ll be able to do after

Graduates of this program go on to:

  • Practice as art therapists in community, clinical, or private settings

  • Integrate art therapy into existing careers (counselling, education, social work)

  • Work in areas such as:

    • Trauma and mental health

    • Youth and family services

    • Indigenous and community-based healing

    • Addiction recovery

    • Palliative care

You’ll graduate with:

  • A graduate-level diploma in art therapy

  • 600+ hours of supervised clinical practice

  • A strong foundation in ethical, relational, and anti-oppressive practice

Program Snapshot

Duration: 2 years

  1. Format: Hybrid (choose Campus or Online stream)

  2. Clinical Training: 600+ hours

  3. Start Date: September

  4. Weekly Commitment: ~20–30 hours (classes, placement, coursework)

  5. Location: Nelson, BC + remote options

What makes KATI different

1. Learn through experience, not just theory

You won’t just study art therapy—you’ll practice it.

  • Studio-based learning

  • Process-oriented exploration

  • Real-world clinical placements

2. Land-based & relational approach

Your learning extends beyond the classroom.

  • Engage with land as part of therapeutic practice

  • Learn to work in relationship—with clients, community, and environment

    3. Cohort-based learning

    You’ll move through the program with the same group.

    • Deep connection and support

    • Collaborative learning environment

    • Strong professional network after graduation

4. Decolonizing & anti-oppressive framework

You’ll be trained to practice ethically and responsibly in diverse contexts.

  • Trauma-informed approaches

  • Critical reflection on power and identity

  • Community-centered practice


What you’ll learn

  • Foundations of art therapy theory and practice

  • Counselling and relational skills

  • Trauma-informed and somatic approaches

  • Ethics and professional practice

  • Group facilitation

  • Cultural humility and anti-oppressive frameworks

Clinical Training (600+ hours)

You’ll gain hands-on experience working with real clients.

Includes:

  • Supervised placements in your community

  • Individual and group supervision

  • Integration of theory and practice

Choose your learning format


Online Hybrid

Best for working professionals or those outside Nelson

  • Mostly online with some in-person intensives

  • Flexible structure

  • Complete placements in your local community

Campus Hybrid (Nelson, BC)

Best for those wanting a highly immersive experience

  • ~85% in-person learning

  • Studio-based, hands-on training

  • Deep community connection

What students say

“This program was deeply transformational—not just professionally, but personally.”

“The combination of clinical training and personal process work changed how I understand healing.”