These were the most read articles and blog posts of 2022. While some were posted in recent years, they still remain important to our readers. Take a look, and we hope you share with others!
Special thanks to our AATA members who volunteered their time to write blog posts about their work. These posts have informed us, especially during the COVID lockdowns, and inspired us as art therapists and the public throughout the years.
#1 – Art Therapy is Particularly Effective in Times of Crisis: Results of the Coronavirus Impact Report (2020)
By AATA National Office Staff
During the coronavirus pandemic, art therapists have been serving as frontline “essential workers,” according to findings from the American Art Therapy Association’s May 2020 online survey. Half (53.1%) of art therapists surveyed said that they are continuing to go to work in person, with many workig in psychiatric hospital settings or outpatient mental health clinics. In addition, two thirds (69.9%) reported that they are also working from home at least some of the time during the pandemic, with many having transitioned to teletherapy via video platforms or telephone.
#2 – When Dreams Come True: Establishing an Art Therapy Master’s Program in India (2021)
By Sangeeta Prasad, MA, ATR-BC; Susan Ainlay Anand, MA, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT; and Bani Malhotra, MA, ATR-BC
With artistic practices embedded in everyday life in India, the widespread interest in the therapeutic use of art with various populations is not surprising. Several years ago, the three of us met in person for the first time in India. Bani was a graduate student in psychology at University of Delhi and planned to apply to US art therapy graduate programs since none existed in India at that time. From there on, our shared dream of finding ways for people to receive an art therapy education in India has sustained our mentoring and collaborative relationships, which first started on opposite sides of the world!
#3 – Unpacking the So-Called Art Therapist Character in ‘Parasite’ (2020)
By AATA National Office Staff
Parasite made history during the 2020 Oscars, winning four awards and becoming the first non-English-language film to win best picture, the Academy’s highest honor. This acclaimed playful yet dark satire thriller highlights the opposite spectrums of social class in urban South Korea, taking a microscope to two families whose paths become intertwined when Kim Ki-woo begins tutoring English to the daughter of the wealthy Park family. The clever Kim family devises elaborate schemes to secure employment for each family member without the Parks learning that they are related. The Kims expertly build narratives and forge documents to support claims of their unique qualifications and even carry out plots to have the current house keeper and driver fired as they con their way into various roles within the household.
#4 – The Art of Origami: An Art Therapist Explains its History and Use in Trauma Work (2019)
By AATA National Office Staff
Origami within the context of an art therapy session can have many uses, including — but not limited to — helping people deal with trauma, practicing mindfulness, and even promoting sensorimotor skills or frustration tolerance. However, the art form has a history that spans back even further than the term “origami” itself. We spoke with art therapist and creator of Expressive Origami Therapy (EOT), Toshiko Kobayashi, LCAT, ATCS, ATR-BC, to get a more in-depth look into the origins of origami, as well as its past and modern role in art therapy practice.
#5 7 Facts to Know on Veterans Day (2022)
By AATA National Office Staff
For art therapists, Veterans Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the mental health of veterans and service members. Among veterans who have served since the September 11, 2001, attacks, approximately one in five experiences mental health issues, including PTSD, major depression, and anxiety.
What Does Art Therapy Licensure Look Like Today?
#6 Why Licensing Matters to the Future of Art Therapy as a Profession (2022)
By Margaret Carlock-Russo, Ed.D., LCAT(NY), ATR-BC, ATCS, AATA Past President
Realistically, I understand that many of us have been caught in a system that doesn’t recognize art therapy and we’ve had to pursue other licenses to support our careers. I get that. Shortly, we will no longer have that option – so either we gather our strength now and advocate for future generations or watch our amazing profession slowly be relegated to a sub-specialty area. I, for one, do not want to see that after all the growth and legitimacy we have already achieved. It is critical to gain art therapy licensure to ensure professional sustainability for generations to come.
#7 – Best Practices for Using Art Supplies Hygienically during the COVID-19 Outbreak (2019)
By Andrea Davis, ATR-BC, LPC-AT-S
As we navigate the current coronavirus pandemic, it is a good time to be mindful about art supplies and ways to prevent the spread of illness. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) describes COVID-19 as an airborne illness. Droplets in the air can be breathed in and also land on surfaces including work spaces and art supplies. Protecting clients from harm includes having clean art supplies.
#8 – Honoring African-American Art Therapy Pioneers (2019)
By AATA National Office Staff
This Black History Month, and year round we honor the contributions of African-Americans to the field of art therapy and to the Association. This year, as we celebrate the 365 days of our 50th Anniversary, we reflect on our history and look to the future of the American Art Therapy Association. We are highlighting pioneers, trailblazers and current African-American leaders this month on social media. In case you missed our posts, scroll through to learn highlights on the formative contributions of pioneers Georgette Seabrooke Powell, ATR; Charles Anderson, BFA, ATR-BC; Sarah McGee, PhD; Lucille Durham Venture, PhD, ATR; and Cliff Joseph, ATR.
#9 – Findings from the AATA Credentialing Survey (2022)
By AATA National Office
Thank you to so many of you who shared your experiences in our credentialing survey conducted December 2021 – January 2022. Your personal stories and feedback are helping AATA continue to advocate for a remedy to the current credentialing crisis and frame the conversation about the future of credentialing. Please download the findings from the survey here. In addition, AATA members, leadership, and staff have been in continued conversation in the MyAATA Member Community about credentialing concerns. AATA will continue to do everything in our power to advocate for the best possible outcomes for our members and non-members.
#10 – New Jersey is Now Licensing Art Therapists! (2022)
By Traci Bitondo LPAT, LPC, ATR-BC, ACS, ATCS, New Jersey Art Therapy Association Government Affairs Chairperson
It feels so good to finally report this with confidence: New Jersey is licensing Art Therapists! While that alone is worth celebrating, for New Jersey art therapists, this is particularly amazing given the unexpected, winding journey we took over the years to get here.