Study on the Experiences and Competency of Learners through Art Therapy Fieldwork in Rehabilitation Course within the Art Therapy Undergraduate Program

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences and competency changes through the art therapy fieldwork in rehabilitation course within the art therapy undergraduate program, with the objective of establishing and activating strategies for enhancing the competency of prospective art therapists. Methods The survey for this study was conducted on 57 students and graduates of the art therapy major at C University located in K City in November 2023. In-depth interviews were conducted in December 2023 with four students and two art therapy professors who voluntarily expressed their intention to participate after participating in the survey. Frequency analysis was conducted on the survey results of this study, and the interview results were cross-analysed by four researchers and categorized to arrive at the results. Results First, the results of this study showed that art therapy fieldwork in rehabilitation is essential in art therapy undergraduate courses. Second, there was an opinion that supervision is essential during art therapy fieldwork in rehabilitation. Third, art therapy major undergraduate students experienced strengthening their capabilities as prospective art therapists through art therapy fieldwork in rehabilitation. Conclusions The results of this study are significant in that they confirmed the changes in experience and competency of art therapy major undergraduate students through art therapy fieldwork in rehabilitation. It is hoped that this study will be helpful in establishing and revitalizing art therapy fieldwork courses and in developing the vision and self-reflection of art therapy undergraduate students.