frequently asked questions

No. Our course isn't about becoming an artist; we don't teach you any art techniques and you don't have to have any artistic ability. This course is all about exploring your creativity and the processes you go through in each creative piece.

If you're drawing stick figures, and you have a major epiphany or insight to something that's going on for you, then the drawing of the stick figures was really worth your time. But it never matters what they look like or what the final outcome visually looks like, its deeper than that.

NB: However, if you do create something visually pleasing, that's a great outcome too!

The course has 20 modules to complete.

On campus students complete the training in 6 months; we cover one module per week and do not have classes running during QLD school holidays.

Class starts at 9am and finishes at 2.30pm and is run once per week on the designated day for that campus.

The HICAT course is a practitioner qualification.

The full title of the qualification upon graduation is:

Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy Practitioner (MBE.HICATprac)

The HICAT course is part time study for on campus students.

Students have class time from 9am to 2.30pm, one day per week, plus 5-7 hours of homework to complete between classes each week.

NB: We have many students who work full time and are able to complete their studies.

Students are required to watch YouTube videos, write short essays from a personal perspective on certain topics, there will be painting and drawing activities, and reading. All homework is to help integrate and continue the teachings from the class. 

Short answer Yes.

We are not government accredited, we are industry accredited (also known as recognized) with the IICT, CMA & IPHM. These industry bodies take the course and scrutinize its content ensuring its credibility and high quality. 

The HICAT course comes under the holistic banner, much like Pilates, meditation and yoga etc, however you still need a certified qualification to obtain professional insurances to practice legally.

IICT - International Insititute of Complimentary Therapists, are based in Byron Bay and will cover our Australian students for professional membership and insurances upon graduation.

The IICT recognises the HICAT qualification in the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Mann, Italy, Jersey, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America. 

To be an art therapist you need to gain a masters in art therapy, which is a minimum of 2 years study in government accredited establishment (ie: university) with 750 supervised clinical hours. 

Art therapy in this context engages primarily with the visual arts, drawing, painting and sculpting etc for therapeutic analysis.

A HICAT practitioner can practice legally and effectively from the qualifications of this course in the community. They address the whole person holistically through visual and non-visual modalities such as movement, dance, role play, drama, music and sound therapy and meditation.

No. ANZACATA requires a masters in art therapy (see above) to join.

HICAT Practitioner graduates can join the IICT for professional recognition of qualifications.

HICAT graduates will avoid using the term art therapist for ethical reasons, not legal reasons.

From the Anzacata Website: “In Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong, creative arts therapy is a self-regulating profession so there is no title protection. This means there is no restriction on who can call themselves an art therapist or a creative arts therapist and anzacata has no authority to stop this from occurring.” This means, anyone including HICAT graduates can refer to themselves as art therapists, but a) This is not your professional title/qualification and b) Ethically it's not right to do so. 

Creative Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that utilizes the creative process of making art & creativity to improve and enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals. 

Some key purposes and benefits of art therapy:

1. Self-expression and communication
2. Emotional healing and stress reduction
3. Self-discovery and personal growth
4. Building self-esteem and confidence
5. Enhancing problem-solving and coping skills
6. Promoting relaxation and mindfulness:
7. Social interaction and community engagement