August 25, 2020 | By Ashley Skelly, ATR, LPCC-S
As an art therapist or art therapy supporter, you are often asked to take action to contact state government legislators/leaders. Politics can be confusing to navigate, and the prospect of contacting senators/representatives may seem intimidating.
However, legislators want to hear about the issues and changes needed from the people they represent – YOU!
Art Therapy Legislation 101 (created by myself and Skelly Learning Studio LLC) was designed to bring Ohio art therapists simple information to assist in understanding the legislative process and the steps you can take to advocate for art therapy licensure – in only 20 minutes!
While I developed this module specifically for the state political system of Ohio, most of the concepts apply for art therapy advocates in every state. However, please be sure to look up the specific policies and procedures in your state, as those vary!
Through a visually interactive process, you will be provided with all the tools you need to feel confident in your advocacy efforts!
This module will help you learn:
- The benefits of art therapy and why art therapy licensure is needed
- The process of passing a bill in the state of Ohio (this will vary significantly from state to state to find the specifics in your state, simply look up “how a bill becomes a law [insert state]”)
- How to locate your Ohio legislators (Senators and Representatives)
- Why your advocacy is so important
- 4 different ways to connect with your legislators
- 5 ways to be an advocate
Click here to begin!
Ashley Skelly, LPCC-S, ATR
Ashley Skelly is a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Counselor with Supervision designation. Ashley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy and Psychology from Capital University in 2011, and her Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Ursuline College in 2014. Ashley is a therapist and intern supervisor at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she provides trauma-focused and family-centered assessment and treatment for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers.
Ashley also provides counseling and art therapy services to adults in private practice, and is an art therapist with the Epilepsy Alliance in Columbus, OH. Ashley is certified in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Incredible Years Parenting Program. Ashley is beginning her second term as the Legislative Chair for the Buckeye Art Therapy Association.