August 18, 2026
The American Art Therapy Association represents a diversity of professionals, students, and organizations across the nation. We recognize and celebrate the work of our members at all levels through our Featured Member series.
For this profile, we spoke with AATA Research Board Volunteer Dr. Liz Leara Glinzak
If you were talking to a potential client about why art therapy is unique what would you say?
Art therapy is the practice that circumvents language and becomes the safe space to process lived experiences. It is easier to talk through the art and about the art than it is to talk about ourselves where the art becomes an extension of the self to achieve goals individualized to the person, which include, but are not limited to, processing trauma, grief, existential concerns, relationships/group dynamics, boundaries, and decreasing anxiety, to name a few.
What drew you to volunteer on the AATA Research Committee?
Originally, I was not interested in research. However, after having Dr. Lynn Kapitan as a thesis advisor in graduate school, I realized research was a space of exploration, wonder, and even awe. Without art therapy research, our field does not have the support it needs for sustainability purposes.
I learned about the research committee from Dr. Penny Orr and Dr. Jill McNutt, and fast foward, I have been on this board for about a decade now.
“The Research Committee keeps me inspired; the passion this group brings always helps to make my light brighter, helps me consider new ideas along with collaboration, learn from others, and enhances my creativity.”
— Leara Glinzak, AATA Research Committee
Tell us about your path in art therapy and what an average day looks like for you today.
My background encompasses over a decade of working with those who experience grief and trauma, whether it has been with pediatrics in Hematology/Oncology, Palliative care with pediatrics and adults, adults in recovery, those with Dementia, and now with Veterans.
This work has altered my life in numerous ways and has given life lessons that have stuck with me and transformed me in my practice and as a person; some include staying curious, welcoming a lifelong learner mentality, the importance of being present with another, and this work has adjusted my worldview/perspective.
That background shapes what my average day looks like now. I work clinically for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System. As the first art therapist here, I developed the program and cover our entire healthcare system, with days ranging from virtual sessions, inpatient care, outpatient care, open studio, workshops, presentations, and community integration groups**, to networking and building relationships to bring art therapy services into community spaces.**
I also hold a Clinical Coordination and Teaching role at Edgewood University’s virtual Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Program, spanning teaching responsibilities, coordinating affiliation agreements, advising, development, and serving as committee chair for capstone. Additionally, I engage in research, and I always have projects going on simultaneously to my work.
In 2021, Leara Glinzak presented a Virtual Workshop CE Session, Gold Foiling Benefits with Heme/Onc Pediatrics [Click here to learn more].
What are your hopes for the future of the art therapy profession?
My hopes are that art therapy becomes a more accessible service and that more art therapists consider contributing to research for credibility, support for the field, and explore best practices clinically, in supervision, and in education.
“ For those pursuing a career in art therapy, I believe it is pertinent to keep your battery recharged and to stay inspired, curious, and creative.”
— Leara Glinzak, AATA Research Committee
Sunrise at Dream Lake
By Leara Glinzak, 2022
En Plein Air: Watercolor and Ink
Artist Statement: When I walk through Nature and take the time to observe Her through my art materials, I notice the constant change of color, shadow, and form that emerge. Mother Nature is always teaching me lessons, and engaging in En Plein Air gives me a chance to listen to Her and leave with some of her life lessons as wisdom, along with feeling more grounded, connected, and present.
About Leara Glinzak, PhD, LPC-IT, ATRL, ATR-BC, ATCS, ITR-CTS
Leara Glinzak, PhD, LPC-IT, ATRL, ATR-BC, ATCS, ITR-CTS is the Clinical Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program and Art Therapist for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System. She also has been providing supervision and has been teaching in higher education art therapy programs virtually, hybrid, and in person since 2019. Her background clinically spans across several populations and program development including topics surrounding grief and trauma, addiction, mental health, dementia, pediatric hematology/oncology, family therapy, palliative care, and working with Veterans. She has been practicing post Masters since 2014.
Dr. Glinzak holds a doctoral degree as a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. Her professional service involves engagement on the Research Board for the American Art Therapy Association, being an item writer for the Art Therapy Credentialing Board, an Ad-Hoc Reviewer for the Art Therapy Journal, and a reviewer for several journals. She continues to engage in scholarship that accentuates supervision, art therapy and counseling services in health care, specifically palliative care and oncology.