AATA News
Message of Support Following High School Shooting in Santa Fe, TX
May 24, 2018
We mourn the senseless loss of life and our hearts are with all those impacted by the mass shooting that took place in Santa Fe High School on May 18th. Our nation is facing a public health crisis, with the events of Friday morning marking the 41st school shooting in 2018. The AATA will continue to advocate for a path forward toward comprehensive legislative solutions to firearm-related injuries and fatalities and for stronger presence of mental health care providers, such as art therapists, in our schools.
Spring Issue of the AATA Journal Published Online
May 24, 2018
The spring issue of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, Volume 35, Issue 1, is now available online for AATA members and subscribers. Connect with the latest in art therapy research and professional news by reviewing your copy of this leading publication today. AATA members can access the Journal online by logging in to MyAATA.
New Video on Art Therapy and Childhood Trauma
May 24, 2018
The AATA collaborated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to create this video to showcase the benefits of art therapy for youth who have experienced trauma. The video was shown as part of the pre-event for SAMHSA’s 2018 annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Event, themed “Partnering for Health and Hope Following Trauma.”
AATA Launches New Interactive Art Therapist Locator
May 17, 2018
The AATA is excited to announce our new and improved Art Therapist Locator! Take some time this week to check out this new tool. Finding art therapy services is now easier than ever, with a mobile-friendly map that can help clients, members of the public, and other professionals connect with art therapists in their communities.
The locator helps AATA members promote their private practices, highlight professional qualifications, and expand access to their clinical work. Fill out the form under the Career Center section on MyAATA to list your practice. You must be an AATA member to be included on the Locator‒ renew your membership today to ensure that your listing remains active. Please contact membership@arttherapy.org with questions, or if you need assistance updating your listing.
Be More than Just an Attendee — Enhance Your Experience
May 17, 2018
Now that early bird registration is open for the AATA’s 49th Annual Conference to be held in Miami, FL, October 31 to November 4, 2018, we wanted to share some ideas to add value to your conference experience. It goes without saying that most people attend the AATA conferences to learn new things and expand their knowledge. With 230 educational sessions offered on the program in Miami, that’s an easy item to check off your list. Another reason people attend the AATA conference is to network and meet art therapists. Last but not least, making art, and expressing creativity is another reason attendees keep coming back to the AATA conferences year after year.
Unique Opportunities to Learn, Connect and Create Art
May 3, 2018
The American Art Therapy Association’s 49th Annual Conference to be held October 31 to November 4, 2018 in Miami provides a unique opportunity for art therapists, future art therapists, and others in related mental health fields to come together at a pivotal time in the history of our profession. This year’s theme, Honoring Yesterday, Celebrating Today, and Building for Tomorrow could not be more appropriate. We have much to honor, celebrate, and discuss about the future of art therapy, and we hope you will be part of it!
Announcing Speakers and Open Registration
April 19, 2018
The Conference Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Joy DeGruy will be our featured keynote speaker during the opening plenary session on Thursday, November 1. Dr. DeGruy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Social Work Research. She is a nationally and internationally renowned researcher, educator, author and presenter.
New Resource: Read about the Research of Art Therapy Graduates across the Country
March 29, 2018
The Research Committee’s brand new resource, the National Art Therapy Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Compilation (NATTDAC), and the 2018 updated Assessments Bibliography are now available online! Look out for an upcoming announcement in ATT when the 2018 updated Outcomes Bibliography is released. Research Committee bibliographies and more can be found on the Research page.
AATA President Christianne Strang Spotlighted in UAB Article
March 29, 2018
“We all have those experiences where we can’t find the words — words don’t carry what we’re feeling. Art is one way to work through those thoughts and feelings.” — AATA President Christianne Strang, PhD, ATR-BC.
Read about Dr. Strang’s career as an art therapist — working in inpatient psychiatric facilities, with HIV/AIDS patients, and clients who struggle with eating disorders or traumatic experiences — and about her passions for neuroscience, research, and teaching in University of Alabama at Birmingham article, “Art therapy helps liberate emotions when words fail.”
Ohio State Rep. Anielski Testified in Support of House Bill 557, to License Art Therapists
March 29, 2018
On March 21, State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) gave sponsor testimony before the House Health Committee on behalf of House Bill 557. The bill would grant a license to Art Therapists to practice under the guidance of the State of Ohio Medical Board. “Art therapy has proven to be an incredibly useful tool in dealing with a myriad of issues where many individuals suffer,” said Rep. Anielski. Committed to improving mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Ohio, Rep. Anielski has been a passionate supporter of the Ohio licensure effort and spoke at the Buckeye Art Therapy Association’s (BATA) Hill Day back in November.