Finding an Art Therapist

Periodically, I receive emails or comments asking if I can recommend an Art Therapist for a family member or friend, or if I accept private clients.

Since I am currently unlicensed in the state of California, I have made the decision not accept private clients. The LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor) bill has passed, and I expect that to be licensed sometime in 2011. I am excited about the prospect of having a private practice, and will let you all know when it does happen.

Here are my suggestions on how to find an Art Therapist in your area:

Volunteer with an Art Therapist

Here’s a question posted originally posted on my contact page;

Hello, my name is Jenie Hooper and I am a current student at Georgia Southern University. I graduate in December with my Bachelors in Psychology and I also have a Associates Degree of Art. I’m very interested in becoming an Art Therapist. However I’m having trouble finding a place where I can volunteer to gain some experience before going to graduate school to become an Art Therapist.

I wish the AATA website, which has been recently updated and is soooo much better than before, had a section for people interested in volunteering with art therapists. Since they don’t, here are my suggestions (and if anyone else would care to add some, please do).

Good luck in your search, Jenie!

Alzheimer’s Society of Montreal

Pascale Godbout is offering free weekly art therapy groups, conducted in French and English respectively, for both caregivers and people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information check out this flyer.

Fusion E-Zine

Gretchen Miller, MA, ATR-BC and Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., LPCC, LCAT, ATR-BC have come together to create the first edition of FUSION, and e-zine.

Here’s most of the introductory letter sent via email by both co-founders to explain the zine;

There’s a “fusion” going on! In cooking, it’s a style of blending ingredients and techniques from different cultures; in music, it’s a blend of jazz and the repetitive rhythms of rock; and in life, it’s the result of creative mixing of ideas, qualities, and perspectives. In all cases, it includes a release of energy and the birth of something new. It’s time for FUSION, an e-zine especially for Planet Art Therapy inspired by members and work of the Art Therapy Alliance and International Art Therapy Organization [IATO], as well as a voice for news, stories, and the art therapy community worldwide!

The Art Therapy Alliance published two volumes and six issues throughout 2008 and 2009 when the Alliance was founded and started to grow. During 2009, the Art Therapy Alliance partnered with IATO to support its mission, values, and vision. The concept of merging our efforts to publish this e-zine for both communities was developed from our common commitment and outlook to provide quality resources and a sustainable connection for art therapists everywhere.

Our 18 page issue includes news, art and feature stories from all over the globe, as well as partnerships, special projects, and events taking place worldwide.

Best wishes,

Gretchen Miller, MA, ATR-BC
Founder, Art Therapy Alliance

Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., LPCC, LCAT, ATR-BC
Founder, International Art Therapy Organization

To recieve regular updates from the Art Therapy Alliance and the International Art Therapy Alliance, become members of the groups through their respective websites or through linkedin and facebook.

Hiatus

You may have noticed I have not been posting lately. I recently got married (yay!) and things have been quite busy, as one may imagine. I’ll be back on track within the next week…have lots of ideas, but no time to dedicate to posting them.

Speak to you soon!