October 26, 2017
Jessica Hauck, BFA will complete her Masters in Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization program at Caldwell University in December, 2017. She received her BFA from The College of New Jersey in 2011 and spent the next several years teaching preschool age children and making art. Hauck especially values her AATA membership for the experience of presenting and attending the annual Conference. Last year, she recalls, “I was surrounded by other people who were all as passionate about this work as I was. Growing up in a small town in NJ, I had never felt that connection before. I remember having this distinct realization that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”
During her time at Caldwell, Hauck has been involved in the Research Lab, where she has had the opportunity to study many topics she is passionate about, including ethical decision-making for art therapists and the efficacy of crisis hotlines as a training modality for students. She has had two papers published and looks forward to many more publications.
“Like another language of communication and healing,” she describes, “It [art therapy] provides a voice to those who are unwilling or unable to use their own.” She continues, “It can help individuals process their experiences, integrate new ways of living, and heal even the deepest wounds.” In the future, she hopes that art therapy “continues to be taken more seriously as a mental health profession and that more quantitative and qualitative research will be done to show how effective it can be with specific populations.”
“Alone, but not Lonely” by Hauck. Watercolor on canvas. 2013.
Artist statement: I created this piece as a reminder that everything changes over time, but we need to accept where we are in each moment and try to see the beauty in it.