AATA Blog
The Evolving Role of Supervision in an Art Therapist’s Professional Journey: Insights from our 2025 Supervision Series Presenters
Many art therapists consider supervision as an integral part of their journey through the profession. It shapes the very core of their identities as art therapists. As we look forward to our 2025 Supervision Series, which will explore the developmental journey of art therapists from student to supervisor, we have invited our presenters to tell us more about their own supervision journeys.
Navigating Ethical Challenges in Art Therapy: Insights from our 2025 Ethics Series Presenters
It’s not surprising that art therapists consider ethics critical to their practice. As we look forward to our 2025 Ethics Series, which will explore everything from clinical referrals to social media and self-disclosure, we have asked our presenters about how these topics have affected them.
Featured Member: Jocelyn Patterson
“Don’t limit yourself to any visions or examples of art therapists you’ve seen. There needs to be many different types of therapists in order to ensure there’s a fit for the many different types of clients out there.”
Featured Member: Mike Fogel
“Consider this: If everyone in the world mindfully practiced the core social skills of accepting our human interdependence, empathy, a state of giving, balancing your needs with others’ needs, assertiveness, and compromise, the world would be a kinder, more peaceful place, and humanity could better tackle the immense issues facing us today.”
My Tips for an Outstanding Mentoring Experience with AATA’s Mentor Match Program
Considering joining AATA’s Mentor Match Program and still wondering what to expect? You have landed in the right spot! Thank you for embarking on this journey and taking time to understand how you can benefit from AATA’s Mentor Match program… and create a mentorship experience that fits your needs!
Re-introducing AATA’s Mentor Match
Whether you’re just entering the art therapy field or looking for a new career direction – a mentor may be able to help you. In fact, AATA members have told us that they want more opportunities for mentorship and networking. That’s why we are excited to re-launch our Mentor Match Program!
Featured Member: Annette Vaccaro
“I am most excited right now about the developmental journey of the art therapist. I have done recent research about the graduates from the program that I coordinate and have been supervising for 20 years now. In addition, I am learning more and more about online education and how to use technology to enhance our training. The pandemic brought the necessity to stretch our wings in this area.”
Featured Member: Ashley Stielow
“I think the weight of the world sits with so many right now. It makes me feel incredibly fortunate to be able to process events of race, diversity and social justice with my clients.”
Featured Member: Chioma Anah
“I feel so hopeful and encouraged about the way the Art Therapy field has evolved in its inclusion of race, diversity and social justice in its training of art therapist and art therapy professionals. I would like to see more of that. Ten years ago, questions about race and diversity were not even encouraged in art therapy conversations, or were spoken in whispers in corners, and I hope we never go back to that. I hope we stand firm in our inclusion of diversity and equity in our training’s, textbooks, articles, conferences, and practice. As art therapists, we must be more than allies– we need to be ‘co-conspirators’ and ‘accomplices’ to refute oppression and injustices, and advocate to protect our most vulnerable and racially/ethnically targeted communities around us today.”
Featured Member: Violet Newborn
“I’m inspired by the transformative power of art to help trauma survivors find their voice and reclaim their stories. Witnessing individuals experience healing and empowerment through creative expression drives my passion.”