CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

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Creative Arts Therapy Counseling
Student Spotlights

Learn about the student experience in Hofstra’s Creative Arts Therapy program.

Jason Keichline

MA in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling ’25
Location: Plainview, NY

What aspects of the program have benefited you the most as a first-year student?
The atmosphere among fellow students is unlike anything I have experienced before. It feels as though we are all working and feeding off each other…

Hear from Jason

Yidi Wang

MA in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling ’26
Location: South Hempstead, New York

What did you study as an undergraduate?
I studied Psychology at Cornell University.

Hear from Yidi

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Jason Keichline

What did you study in undergraduate?
I received a BFA in studio art with a minor in art therapy.

What attracted you to Hofstra’s Creative Arts Therapy Counseling program?
I had heard positive reviews of the CATC program from my undergraduate thesis advisor, as well as from the few art therapists I knew prior to becoming a Hofstra student. I was sold on Hofstra during my interview – not just because Morgan told me about the study abroad program and our yearly conference, but the enthusiasm she had regarding our program made me feel like this would be a place I felt at home.

What are things you like about being a Hofstra CATC student?
Our program has an incredibly close-knit community of aspiring art therapists that I feel privileged to be a part of. I believe we learn just as much from each other as we learn from our professors. I appreciate how our courses challenge us while providing us with many avenues to grow as practitioners and as people. I love how open-minded everyone is, and how our professors encourage us to pursue our passions within the art therapy field. I also like how there’s always parking at Hagedorn.

What has been one program highlight during your time within the program?
The CATC Conference was an enlightening and deeply inspiring experience. Not only do I feel immensely lucky to be part of a program that hosts such an event, but each facet of it was interesting and motivating in its own way. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Jordan Potash, reminded me of what pushed me to become an art therapist in the first place. The alumni panel provided important insights and advice for my journey, and the workshops were very fun. I genuinely struggled to pick ones to sign up for – they all sounded so cool, I wanted to attend them all!

What populations are you interested in working with?
I have always had an interest in working with children and the LGBT community. But an exciting aspect of the practicum and internship opportunities in this program is that you are invited to branch out; I am constantly learning about new populations I could work with, and I’m enthusiastic to see which ones I connect with in the future.

Yidi Wang

What did you study as an undergraduate?
I studied Psychology at Cornell University.

What attracted you to Hofstra’s Creative Arts Therapy Counseling (CATC) program?
The location is ideal. It is close to New York City and many major hospital systems on Long Island. Hofstra CATC has strong connections with a wide range of internship sites. I’ve felt incredibly supported by both faculty and internship directors, and that sense of support has proven to be true over and over again. During the application process, I had very positive interactions with the faculty. They genuinely care about the program and the field. The faculty members are active in the field. Many continue to practice or conduct research, which keeps the program connected to real-world developments. I appreciate the flexibility in program length, with two-year, two-and-a-half-year, and three-year options available. The program offers unique opportunities, such as the Ireland study abroad experience, which was a big draw for me.

What do you enjoy about being a Hofstra CATC student?
The faculty members are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and professional. I always feel comfortable reaching out to them with questions. They go above and beyond to prepare us to become skilled, ethical, and compassionate art therapists. I also really enjoy the structure and design of the classes. Each one has been a meaningful experience. The coursework is challenging in a way that gently pushes me out of my comfort zone and supports growth.

There are also many events related to the field, like the annual CATC conference. Meanwhile, I’m grateful to be part of a cohort that is passionate, hardworking, and empathetic.

What has been one program highlight during your time in the CATC program?
The Ireland study abroad program was a major highlight for me. It was an incredible experience to learn about how art therapy is practiced in another country, explore the history and culture, and participate in inspiring workshops surrounded by breathtaking scenery.