AATA News

Through sharing their personal stories, clinical experiences, and research, the presenters will explore how cultural identity shapes their own work in the field of art therapy, from research on ETC-based interventions with teens to community-based approaches developed in Hong Kong, to culturally informed self-care, and embodied Gestalt art-making rooted in Chinese heritage. The diverse experiences of the presenters will highlight the many ways cultural identity can shape therapeutic practice and emphasize the importance of integrating culturally responsive approaches into art therapy. Presenters will also share practical, applicable strategies that have influenced their clinical work. Attendees will leave with meaningful tools drawn from Asian cultural frameworks to enrich their own art therapy practices, both in the U.S. and in global contexts.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while AATA works to raise awareness about the life-affirming work art therapists do every day, we want to also discuss the well-being of our own community.

We are proud to offer this upcoming virtual Continuing Education session, Healing the Healer: Artful Strategies for Sustainable Practice, on May 27, 7pm ET. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and chronic stress are pressing issues in our field.

This reflective and creative session is expressly designed for helping mental health professionals avoid, mitigate, and recover from burnout. As a way to recognize the life-affirming work our members do, AATA is offering this virtual session at NO COST to all our members. Attendees may receive 2 CE credits for this session.

Through sharing their personal stories, clinical experiences, and research, the presenters will explore how cultural identity shapes their own work in the field of art therapy, from research on ETC-based interventions with teens to community-based approaches developed in Hong Kong, to culturally informed self-care, and embodied Gestalt art-making rooted in Chinese heritage. The diverse experiences of the presenters will highlight the many ways cultural identity can shape therapeutic practice and emphasize the importance of integrating culturally responsive approaches into art therapy. Presenters will also share practical, applicable strategies that have influenced their clinical work. Attendees will leave with meaningful tools drawn from Asian cultural frameworks to enrich their own art therapy practices, both in the U.S. and in global contexts.