AATA News
Research Committee’s Call for Proposal for the Research Roundtable
July 5, 2018
Description: The Research Roundtable provides a forum for student, junior, and accomplished researchers to present their research proposals and projects in various phases of completion to an audience of peers, colleagues, and experts. The purpose of the Research Roundtable is to create a dynamic environment that is mutually beneficial to researchers and audience.
Message from the AATA Board Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Initiative
June 28, 2018
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) are core to the American Art Therapy Association’s vision that the services of licensed, culturally proficient art therapists are available to all individuals, families, and communities. The success of our mission is dependent on DE&I, as we work with members on advocacy, education, networking opportunities, research, and all we do to move the profession forward. Everyone benefits when we allow diversity to influence our approaches, ensure our work results in equitable outcomes, and are inclusive of everyone that can advance AATA’s purpose.
Art Therapists Make the Case for Regulation in Virginia
By Clara Keane | June 28, 2018 | Advocacy | Events
On the morning of June 26, 2018, fifteen art therapists gathered for an open comment hearing during a meeting of the Virginia Board of Health Professions (BHP) to speak to the need to regulate art therapy to protect the public. The PHP’s initial draft report was positive, acknowledging the potential harm to the public if art therapy remains unregulated.
Don’t Miss these Opportunities to Support Your Art Therapy Research
June 21, 2018
Furthering research in art therapy is crucial to the continued growth and a priority of the Association’s Strategic Plan. The AATA works to support our researchers and future researchers by offering a variety of funding opportunities to reward excellence and promote further access to important research in the field. Whether your research project is still an idea unexplored or you are ready to be recognized for your contributions to the field, there is a research award or grant opportunity for you! The Research Committee is accepting applications for research awards and the new Research Seed Grants through June 29th.
Have a Summer Reading List? AATA Members Get 30% Discount on Routledge Books
June 21, 2018
AATA members interested in adding classic and recent art therapy literature to their summer reading can now get a 30% discount and free global shipping on all titles through Routledge. Login to MyAATA to retrieve your discount code and browse a selection of new and recent books curated just for AATA members.
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Renovations at the National Office
June 21, 2018
Dear Members and Public: The National Office will be undergoing renovations to its physical location from the end of June through July. The Staff expects business to proceed as normal during this time, though we will notify you of any changes to our status. We thank you for your patience during this transition.
The AATA’s Statement on the Traumatic Impact of Separating Children from Parents and Caregivers
June 20, 2018
The AATA wishes to respond to the deleterious and traumatic effects that separating children from their parents and caregivers can have on their well-being. Of great concern is the appalling separation of children from their parents as a result of the Trump Administration’s enforcement of the “zero tolerance” policy for families crossing the US-Mexican Border (June, 2018). Even as the separation practice is halted, steps need to be taken to re-unify the children with their families, ameliorate the trauma that has already been inflicted, and prevent future trauma.
Art Therapy Licenses Officially Implemented in Delaware
June 14, 2018
The AATA is thrilled to announce that art therapists in Delaware can now apply for the new Professional Art Therapist and Associate Art Therapist licenses. On June 7th, the Division of Professional Regulation announced new rules effective June 11, 2018 to implement the licenses. Read more about the advocacy journey that resulted in the enactment of this legislation on the AATA Blog.
“Stop Border Separation of Children from Parents!” — Sign the Petition
June 14, 2018
The AATA joined 10 mental health organizations and over 1,100 mental health professionals in signing a letter in opposition to the new Zero Tolerance policy that was sent to congresspeople on June 12, 2018. The letter cites clinical experience and decades of research on the psychological impact disrupted attachment [parental separation] has on children and asks policy makers to “remember what it feels like to be a child” as they consider the plight of over 700 children who have been separated from their families at the border between October 2017 and April 2018 in what amounts to systematic traumatization of children.
Call for Information: Art Therapy Programs Focused on Clients with Opioid Addictions
June 14, 2018
Given the national interest to address the opioid epidemic and the significant research supporting art therapy as an effective treatment for issues of substance abuse, the AATA is gathering information on art therapy programs with a focus on people who have been affected by opioids. If you work with clients struggling with opioid addiction, please contact the National Office (info@arttherapy.org) with some information about your clinical work.