RESOURCES AT BCAT:
Lectures, Workshops, Training:
A wide range of seminars, workshops and In-Service Training (INSET) is available on or off site through BCAT. Individually designed seminars or workshops may be arranged by request, either at BCAT or at a mutually convenient location.
For those considering a career in one of the arts therapies, BCAT holds introductory 10-week experiential groups in each individual therapy. Completion of one of these groups does not count as a qualification in arts therapy in its own right, but may be useful when applying for a full training course. Please feel free to contact BCAT for more information.
Visitors and Students:
Visits to BCAT of a general nature are welcome - just contact us for an appointment.
Students preparing dissertations, essays, etc. are welcome to make full use of the Library and other facilities by prior arrangement with BCAT. "One-off" visits, or regular placements for those undertaking professional training courses / work experience, may be arranged.
Please
Note: No visits may be made by ANYONE to therapy sessions in progress, without
prior arrangement with the therapist and, where appropriate, with the assent of
the client(s) involved.
Research:
A research group with academic support from Birmingham University meets regularly at BCAT, covering such topics as guidance in the writing of theses, dissertations and articles relating to arts therapies; advice over sources of funding for research, etc. The group is open to all therapists and others interested in this field of study.
Advanced research is currently being undertaken in fields such as; Dance Movement Therapy and sufferers from Parkinson's disease, hope in terminal care, Cross-cultural Arts Therapies, Specialised individual case studies, Comparative Assessment in all four therapies, etc.
The research group is in the process of compiling a national research register, which contains lists of completed and current research in all four arts therapies.
BCAT is the administrative centre for the National Arts Therapies Research Group. For further details of the work of this group and how to access relevant material, please contact the BCAT office.
Parents and Carers Group:
This group provides an opportunity for parents and carers of those currently involved in arts therapies programmes to meet and discuss relevant issues, such as the content of sessions, outcomes, practical details, etc. The group offers mutual support and any other outcomes as chosen by the group itself. All parents and carers are welcomed.
New groups are currently being set up for siblings of those with special needs. These groups offer help and support for whole families, which are finding it difficult to cope with the needs of a "special" member of the family.
Library and Publications:
BCAT has undertaken to establish a collection of books, video / audiocassettes and other subject-specific material. Two part time librarians work at the centre on a voluntary basis and are in the process of producing a list of all the publications and facilities that are available.
Computer facilities now ensure access to information on the subject of the Arts Therapies, via the Internet, on an international basis. The facilities include a CD-ROM, Zip Drive, Colour Scanner and Printer. A small charge is made for the use of the Internet - details from BCAT office.
We regret that the Library operates on a reference basis only and books etc. may NOT be taken off premises, except by practising Arts Therapists. Facilities are available for the watching of videotapes and also for the listening to of audiotapes during a visit to BCAT. Thanks to generous donations from the Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust and the Radcliff Trust, the Library stocks a comprehensive range of books and periodicals on the Arts Therapies, not generally available in other libraries.
BCAT produces a 'Diary of Events' booklet, which is released every term. This contains details of forthcoming events, experiential and workshop groups and any other relevant general information. For details, please contact the BCAT office.
BCAT publishes a series of "Information Leaflets" concerning specific topics such as addresses of the Arts Therapies Associations; Training Courses leading to professional qualifications; details of hiring the BCAT premises for private functions or enterprises, etc.
Book lists compiled by the Professional Arts Therapies Associations and some publications supplied by them and other related organisations are usually available.
A notice board is suited in the foyer on which future programmes of BCAT are displayed. On request, this notice board may be used for display of information concerning activities of related organisations.
