Core Faculty, Expressive Arts Therapy (Open Rank)

Lesley University • Cambridge, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Lesley University is seeking a Core Faculty member in the Expressive Arts Therapy program to join our innovative and uniquely conceptualized Expressive Therapies Department. The qualified applicant will teach Expressive Arts Therapy and Mental Health Counseling courses in the Expressive Therapies Department. Our pace-setting programs provide a meaningful connection between the arts, theory, and practice in clinical training. As one of the most recognized Expressive Therapies programs in the world, our students are expertly trained and qualified providers of mental health services. The goal of the Expressive Therapies department is to give students the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to practice in a range of professional settings, including health care facilities, schools, community agencies, and private practices.

Founded in 1973, Lesley University’s Expressive Therapies programs have been national leaders for more than 50 years and was one of the first programs dedicated to integrating the arts with clinical mental health practice. Our faculty are artist‑practitioner‑scholars who help students develop their identities as both creative practitioners and clinical providers. The department’s 60‑credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate programs meet the academic and field training requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensure in Massachusetts, and our five specialization tracks (Music, Art, Dance Movement, Drama, and Expressive Arts Therapy) prepare graduates for certification through national and professional associations. Programs are delivered in both on-campus and in low-residency formats. Lesley University’s Expressive Therapies department is unique in its housing all 5 ET specializations together, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Requirements

• Master's degree in expressive arts therapy, or a related mental health field, required
• Holds the REAT (from the IEATA) or be eligible to apply upon being hired, required
• LMHC (Massachusetts) or LMHC eligible, required
• 2 or more years of graduate level teaching experience and proficiency in Higher-ed teaching
• 5 or more years of clinical experience as an expressive arts therapist with a record of scholarly activity
• Required to teach multiple formats to include in-person classroom teaching and distance learning formats
• Ability to teach courses in expressive arts therapies, required

Nice To Haves

• PhD or equivalent doctoral-level degree in expressive arts therapy or closely related discipline, preferred
• Ability to articulate theories of expressive arts therapy and to identify the significant influences, values, and principles that shape their practice.
• Ability to teach general counseling courses such as theories, psychopathology, professional ethics, assessments, vocational counseling, etc., preferred
• Experience related to administration of an Expressive Arts Therapy program, preferred
• Experience working and teaching in diverse cultural contexts preferred, including demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice through both professional practice and instruction.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate‑level courses in Expressive Arts Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
• Deliver instruction across multiple modalities (in‑person, hybrid, online) as assigned.
• Incorporate arts‑based inquiry, experiential learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Advise graduate students on academic progress, professional development, and licensure pathways.
• Mentor students in developing artistic identity, clinical competence, and reflective practice.
• Contribute to curriculum development, revision, and assessment within the Expressive Arts Therapy specialization and the broader Expressive Therapies department.
• Participate in accreditation activities, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain an active agenda of scholarship, creative work, or clinical practice relevant to Expressive Arts Therapy.
• Participate in departmental and university service, including faculty meetings, committees, governance, and strategic initiatives.

Benefits

• health insurance
• dental insurance
• life insurance
• long-term disability insurance
• significant paid time off
• generous retirement plan
• tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level