AATA News
AATA Urges the VA to Exempt Recreational Therapists and Creative Arts Therapists from Layoffs
AATA joined the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and other associations that represent Creative Arts Therapists in sending a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins urging him to place Recreational Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy on the exempt list from potential layoffs within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Welcoming our 2025 AATA Leaders
Congratulations to our 2025 AATA elected leaders.
Celebrate Creative Arts Therapies Week
Creative Arts Therapies Week, the third week of March, is an opportunity to spread awareness about art therapy and other life-enhancing mental health professions!
2025 Supervision Series: Navigating the Developmental Journey of the Art Therapist from Student to Supervisor
Art therapy is a unique profession that requires both a strong professional identity and a nurtured creative process. Art therapists often need additional support to sustain both aspects of their work.
As art therapists face unique developmental challenges throughout their careers, supervision can guide us through different phases of professional development. In this three-part virtual learning series, presenters Annette Vaccaro, EdD, LPAT, LCSW, SCPsyA, LPC, ATR-BC, ACS, ATCS; Cindy Concannon, LPAT, LPC, ATR-BC, NCC; Dan Summer, Ph.D., LAC, ATR-BC, LCAT, LPAT, ATCS; and Traci Bitondo, PhD, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, ACS, ATCS will explore the developmental journey of art therapists, from early-career challenges to more advanced stages, and how supervisors can tailor their approach to meet the evolving needs of their supervisees.
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!
Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times
A special message from AATA President Nadia Paredes, MA, LMFT, ATR.
2025 Ethics CE Series
Join presenters Anna O’Brien, LPC, ATR-BC, Deborah Fung, LCAT, ATR-BC, LMSW, Lacy Mucklow, MA, ATR-BC; LPAT-S, LCPAT, ATCS, CCTP, CIMHP, Gretchen M. Miller, MA, LPAT, ATR-BC, Alicia Seymour, MA, ATR-P, NCC, and Heather Grey, LCSW, LCAT, ATR-BC, ATCS for a three-part series focusing on the ethical use of self disclosure and clinical referrals. Ethical decision-making is at the core of every art therapist’s practice, yet navigating the complexities of referrals, self-disclosure, and social media engagement can present ongoing challenges. Through expert-led discussions, interactive role-plays, and hands-on art experientials, this series will provide clinicians with practical tools and frameworks to make ethical, informed choices while maintaining therapeutic integrity.
This three-part series will take place from 7:00–9:00pm ET on three Tuesdays in February and April, with each session focusing on a key ethical challenge in clinical practice.
Honoring Black History Month 2025
As we honor Black History Month, we celebrate the Black visionary architects of art therapy. This February, AATA is offering an inspiring virtual Continuing Education session, Black History Continues – The Future of the Field, at no cost to all AATA Members.
New Year, New Opportunities for the Art Therapy Profession
As we begin this New Year, I invite you to watch the virtual plenary session, Arts & Health Continuum. As a member benefit, AATA is offering this session at no cost to AATA Members. For me personally, it was an eye-opening conversation for the potential of art therapists to be recognized as innovators and leaders in our communities.