Adjunct Faculty - Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy

Adler University’s Vancouver Campus seeks a qualified instructor to teach in the Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy master’s program. The ideal candidate will hold both counselling and art therapy designations, possess recent clinical and teaching experience, and demonstrates a strong commitment to Adlerian Principles of diversity, equity, and social justice in education and practice.

Education and Professional Credentials

• Master’s degree in art therapy and counselling psychology (or equivalent).


• Registered Art Therapist (RCAT or equivalent) with active registration and practice within the last five years.


• Registered or eligible for registration with a recognized counselling association (e.g., BCACC, CCPA).


• For courses with clinical content: eligibility for registration/licensure as a psychologist with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia is an asset.


• Minimum of one year of graduate-level teaching experience.


• Specialized training in curriculum design, development, and implementation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of studio art materials, their safe and effective use, and the ability to facilitate art-making processes in a therapeutic context.


• Comprehensive understanding of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) and its application in clinical art therapy practice and education.


• Demonstrate a strong record and aptitude of graduate-level teaching.


• A commitment to building a diverse community.


• Exemplify the scholar-practitioner training model in terms of curriculum design and/or delivery.


• Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.


• Strong proficiency in community-engaged scholarship and other professional activities related to public policy and/or public administration.


• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and professional staff.


• Demonstrated commitment to socially responsible practice, social justice issues, and diversity.


• Ability to consistently identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations based on observations.


• Strong demonstration of alignment with Adler’s mission and vision.


• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and visioning.


• Ability to proactively identify challenges and barriers to stated objectives and employ assistance in addressing these.


• Collaborative work ethic.


• Demonstration of Emotional Intelligence and professionalism.


• Proficient and functional knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).


• Strong research acumen and abilities.


• Strong communication skills including written, oral, and listening.

Teaching and Curriculum

• Teach assigned courses in the Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy program, ensuring clear and effective communication of subject matter.


• Develop, review, and update curriculum to align with current standards in both art therapy and counselling, in accordance with Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) educational standards and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) educational requirements.


• Ensure course content covers required areas: history and theory of art therapy, techniques of practice, application with diverse populations, assessment, ethics, professional practice, research methods, and integration of art-based and counselling approaches.


• Incorporate experiential learning, group work, and culturally responsive pedagogy.


• Support students in developing both clinical and creative competencies, including facilitating personal and professional growth through supervision and mentorship.

Program and Faculty Engagement

• Participate in program and departmental meetings, curriculum development, assessment of student learning outcomes, and program review.


• Engage in research, special projects, and professional activities as appropriate.


• Demonstrate ongoing professional development through conference participation, research, publishing, and involvement in professional organizations.


• Attend to administrative responsibilities such as grading, reporting, and maintaining records in a timely manner.


• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion


• Foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects and values diverse perspectives and experiences.


• Demonstrate sensitivity in working with students and colleagues from underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Adler University is committed to the principle of equal employment and advancement opportunity for all employees and potential employees, along with a discrimination and harassment - free workplace environment. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person