AATA2025 Author Showcase

Thank you to our amazing AATA Member Authors who will be on hand at the AATA2025 Annual Conference in Portland to share their publications with us!

Stop by the Author Meet-and-Greet on the evening of October 9, alongside the Arts & Crafts Marketplace.

Additionally, they will be participating in informal chats to help us learn more about their writing and research process. Please join us in celebrating them throughout the conference.

Lyndsey Hedger

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Art Therapy for ASD Students in Schools: Group Activities to Build Connections

The purpose of this book is to provide a starting point for creating a semester-long curriculum for an art therapy group inside a school. A credentialed art therapist has led each of these directives with school-age ASD students varying from 7 years – 22 years old, with modifications when necessary. The groups that these directives were modeled for were 10 students; however, they are all easily sized up or down as needed. As you move through this book, each directive will explain the benefits and importance of the activity for autistic students. As mentioned, this book is primarily based on this author’s work with level 1 ASD individuals, who typically have emotional and behavioral concerns, along with comorbid mental health difficulties. However, with modifications, most directives can still be effective for level 2 and even level 3 students.

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Alicia Seymour

Artful Grieving

Based on empirically supported, award-winning research, a renowned grief model and proven clinical experiences, Artful Grieving provides a collection of 50 grief-specific art therapy directives to address the wide range of potential emotional responses and life adjustments for the grieving client. The topics draw from a range of theoretical and philosophical perspectives to facilitate the grieving processes necessary to prevent complicated grief.

This is not a how-to manual. Designed to facilitate Worden’s four tasks of mourning, it is an adaptable and accessible framework to inspire and encourage clinical intuition through art-based prompts that guide conversation and goal setting. An essential, critical, and effective guide for the well-being of those experiencing profound loss and grief.

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Lynn Kapitan

Introduction to Art Therapy Research, 3rd Edition

Since the initial publication of Introduction to Art Therapy Research, research interest has grown along with dramatically along with public policy demands for an up-to-date, culturally relevant evidence base on which to practice. Thoroughly updated with references to newly published research and engaging first-person reflections from art therapist researchers working throughout the world, the third edition of this seminal text Iplaces art therapy research within a socially complex world of compelling questions and emerging trends, while guiding readers through the basics of quantitative, qualitative, and art-based research design.

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Marcia Cohen-Liebman

Forensic Art Therapy: The Art of Investigating, Interviewing, and Testifying

Forensic Art Therapy is designed as an educational and informative resource for individuals from a diverse array of disciplines that engage in investigatory undertakings, interview victims and witnesses, and provide evidentiary testimony.

The material presented serves as a primer for professionals that may present in court on behalf of a client. Ethical issues inherent in the forensic arena, as well as the use of novel scientific evidence in the form of drawings, legal proceedings, testimonials, and practical tips and strategies for effective witnessing, are shared. Research regarding a forensic art therapy investigative interview process, the Common Interview Guideline, examines the facilitative factor associated with the effect of drawing. 

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Elizabeth Davis, Jocelyn Fitzgerald, and Sherri Jacobs

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EMDR and the Creative Arts Therapies

This book guides therapists trained in EMDR in the successful integration of the creative arts therapies to make the healing potential of EMDR safer and more accessible for patients who present with complex trauma.

Contributors from the respective fields of creative and expressive arts therapies offer their best ideas on how to combine EMDR with these therapies for maximum benefit for people from diverse backgrounds, orientations, and vulnerable populations. Chapters offer detailed case studies and images, insightful theoretical approaches, and how-to instructions to creatively enhance clinical work. Additionally, the book addresses current critical issues in the field, including the importance of an integrative and open approach when addressing cultural, racial and diversity issues, and creative interventions with clients through teletherapy.

Creative arts therapy practitioners such as art therapists, play therapists, and dance/movement therapists will find this a compelling introductory guide to EMDR.

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Peg Dunn-Snow and Jill McNutt

Art Therapy Through the Lifespan: A Collection of Case Studies

Art Therapy Through the Lifespan: A Collection of Case Studies introduces theories and models of human development highlighted by case studies written by art therapists and broken down by developmental age ranges.
Each chapter introduces vignettes written by seasoned art therapists, illuminating the clinical practice of art therapy across relevant developmental levels. Chapters cover major developmental factors through a range of theoretical perspectives, including the definition and use of art therapy, and how developmental knowledge and understanding impact art therapy practice with clients of all ages.

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Jennifer Albright Knash

Art Therapy as Cumulative Trauma Repair 

Bringing together case studies, research, and the author’s clinical and personal experience, it outlines different clinical approaches as well as numerous art therapy interventions that are processed through somatic, metaverbal, and narrative means. It further aims to answer the question of “how art therapy works,” by pairing aspects of Lusebrink’s Expressive Therapies Continuum with Perry’s four functional domains (from the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics) to demonstrate how these practices may increase relational capacity and the patient’s access to higher level functioning, in turn, decreasing trauma responses.

Foregrounding a person-centered and multi-dimensional approach to trauma repair and creative interventions, this book will appeal to postgraduate students in art therapy and counselling, as well as professionals and researchers in somatic work and trauma specialties.

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Patricia Quinn

The Neuroscience of Art Therapy for Addiction and Trauma

Art making’s sensory-motor aspects engage many regions of the brain that are impacted by addiction, as well as the trauma that usually underlies addiction. This illustrated volume explores 20 ways that art therapy can improve outcomes for long term recovery from addiction based on these neurological advantages Chapters include the impact of art on the reward system, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, learning and speech challenges and 17 more specific advantages. It includes a brief case example and specific art interventions for each area of recovery benefit.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers purchase link coming soon!

Jennifer Deluca

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Social Entrepreneurship in Art Therapy: Creative Change Makers in Action

This book explores social entrepreneurship in art therapy through case studies presented by contributing authors, highlighting the work of art therapists who have used innovative and collaborative approaches to increase access to art therapy services and promote system-level changes within the communities and institutions where they practice. As creative changemakers, art therapists are often developing innovative solutions to address social problems impacting the communities they serve. This book reveals practical aspects of these initiatives by offering strategies, skills, and practice-based examples. By addressing issues related to equity, inclusion, and access through innovative programming, grassroots advocacy, and policy development, the authors demonstrate how their entrepreneurial initiatives in art therapy produce social impact. Practitioners in art therapy and allied mental health professions will be inspired to seek and embrace opportunities for innovation.

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Eileen Misluk

Treatment Approaches for Body Image in Art Therapy

Body image is constantly evolving and impacted by thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are integrated over a lifetime. This book examines how the development of a sense of self and body, and the social, cultural and situational factors responsible for that shaping, are understood through a therapeutic lens.

Intended for practicing art therapists to enhance their understanding and treatment of body image within their work, this book applies contemporary research in neuroscience and diverse clinical populations. With a specific focus on body image in medical settings, eating disorder treatment, and trauma – including chapters on amputations, sex trafficking, military trauma, queer body image, postpartum bodies and oncology – each chapter will include an understanding of body image within the population, art therapy approaches to addressing body image, best practices and clinical case examples.

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Einat Metzl

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Korot: A Collection of Poetry and Artwork

A collection of visual and written works, a personal anthology of a sort, which I hope will resonate and mark, just between us?, the beginning of my 50th year. All the book proceeds, both electronic and printed versions, are donated to “Galilian Spirit”/”Tikva Initiatives” NGOs.

Purchase via korotpoetrybook.com

Deborah Montoya

Building Better Therapeutic Relationships with Children

Working with children can be magical and rewarding. It can also be challenging and this book was written to help therapists who are new to working with young clients. It’s important to connect with your own playful imagination and curiosity and this book explores some key ideas to help you create a therapeutic experience that helps children feel safe.

(This book is published under the name Deborah Schroder.)

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Why Would I Tell You? How Louisa Draws Out Her Worries

Why Would I Tell You? How Louisa Draws Out Her Worries, is a children’s book that helps children and adults understand how art therapy can work. It normalizes the idea of going to therapy, and helps parents understand that making art is a creative way to engage in the therapeutic process. Kids will enjoy the very real images that Louis creates as she makes art during therapy sessions.

Elizabeth Gronke

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Art Side by Side

Arte a la par (Spanish language version)

This 36 page picture book is especially created to foster meaningful connections for people living with dementia with friends, family, and care partners. Beautiful full-color images of artworks from across time and place are paired with open-ended questions designed to activate the imagination, awaken senses, and evoke feelings.

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Gail Wirtz Costello

Seeing the Unseen

Feeling safe is the first step toward healing. When people feel secure, they can open up, take risks, and move forward in their development. Yet in the creative process, it’s not only what art experience you choose — it’s why you choose it. Too often, we start with art directives without understanding their deeper purpose.

Seeing the Unseen provides that “why.” Drawing on over 50 years as an art therapist, educator, and artist, I reveal a five-level framework for Creative Development that creates the vital sense of safety needed for true growth. This level-based approach gently guides individuals through creative exploration, showing how the right materials and structure aren’t just tools for making art but catalysts for emotional, developmental, and spiritual transformation.

Part sourcebook and part personal journey, Seeing the Unseen offers practical tools and insights into the healing power of creativity — helping therapists, educators, and seekers alike understand not just what to do, but why it matters, and how art can unlock pathways words alone cannot reach.

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Melissa Masters

The ART Of Life: Holistic Creative-Based Lessons For Living

A valuable resource for art therapists to promote discussion and engage others in an exploration of the four domains of Self: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual using creative activities to gain personal insight. Easily adaptable for youth elementary through high school. 

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Charmaine Husum

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Sacred Geometry Visionary Art — Coloring Book

The Visionary Artwork within these 135 high quality printed pages are for you to explore and enjoy the calming and restorative practice within your meditation. For you to creatively express finding inner peace as you enjoy the therapeutic benefits, colouring can bring. Included are original artworks you may frame as well as outlined versions for you to explore and express your own process.

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Psychedelics and Art Therapy: A Trauma-Informed Manual for Somatic Self Discovery 

This book offers a groundbreaking and unique approach to preparing for and integrating psychedelic experiences and non-ordinary states by blending art therapy, somatic healing, transpersonal psychology, meditation, and neuroscience. Throughout history, art has helped people express the ineffable, processing what words alone cannot capture. However, in psychedelic research and therapy, it has been missed and underrepresented. This book fills this gap by promoting Art Therapy within the three stages of psychedelic therapy. Its trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach includes specific protocols for lasting life changes through clinical applications. It serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and experiencers alike. (Preview a book excerpt)

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Gretchen Miller

The Art and Art Therapy of Papermaking: Material, Methods, and Applications

The Art and Art Therapy of Papermaking provides a comprehensive collection about the contemporary practices, media, and value of hand papermaking as social engagement, art therapy, and personal voice. Divided into three parts that highlight each of these areas, contributors explore topics such as advocacy, work with survivors, community outreach, medical challenges, and how papermaking can empower creative expression, stories of change, recovery, and reclamation to address trauma, grief and loss, social action, and life experiences. Previous books have covered hand papermaking or art therapy media as stand-alone subjects; this text is the first of its kind that unites and describes the convergence of papermaking in all these forms.

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Sarah Balascio

Art Therapy Directives

Art Therapy Directives: An Intervention Toolbox is an all-inclusive manual of art therapy directives designed to be a comprehensive and organized resource for art therapists and other trained mental health professionals. Art therapy directives are directions for creating art and often require use of specific art media, both of which are tailored to the client’s particular need. Using this book, art therapists will be able to search by population, themes, and art media to find just the right project for their session whether working with individuals or in groups. Comprised of a compilation from traditional art therapy directives, the author’s own experiences, and other published practices, a wide range of mental health topics are included such as depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and trauma. Special consideration is given to populations like adolescents, older adults, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community. This manual is the answer that many in the field of art therapy have been missing for an all-encompassing, organized reference book to guide art therapy sessions with a wide variety of client populations.

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Kate King

Find Kate on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube. 

The Radiant Life Project: Awaken Your Purpose, Heal Your Past, and Transform Your Future

The common problem in our society is precisely this: We are not as alright as we seem. Trauma, physical and mental illness, and disembodied value systems are at an all-time high across our communities. Additionally, issues of pervasive social justice imbalances, inequality for marginalized communities, and painfully charged political dynamics clearly demonstrate a large-scale desire for collective change and transformation. Society is waking up to a new reality without the shackles and numbness that have previously limited our potential. This book is the timely resource to support the expansive elevation humanity demands.

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Mend or Move On: A Guide to Healing or Leaving Toxic Relationships

“Mend or Move On” Statements like these are considered truisms: “Blood is thicker than water.” “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” “Once a friend, always a friend.” These are clichés. But they can be wrong. In Stick or Split, licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist, Kate King, helps readers recognize the noxious qualities of dysfunctional, toxic relationships and advocates for the controversial idea that when they can’t be fixed, they should be left behind. It is now time to challenge outdated narratives about friendship, family bonds, professional ties, and partnership that have kept vicious patterns alive for generations in relationships of all kinds. When you prioritize your psychological health and safety above peace-keeping and people pleasing, you realize that it’s not always about making destructive relationships work. Sometimes you must break free with dignity from poisonous connections that will not improve—even if it means going no-contact with someone who has been an intimate part of your life for years, decades, or even your entire lifetime. 

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Find where both books are sold at The Radiant Life Project at https://theradiantlifeproject.com/shop

Chioma Anah

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Art Therapy for Racial Trauma, Microaggressions and Inequality: Social Justice and Advocacy in Therapy Work

Emily Nolan

Community Art Therapy: Theory and Practice

Community Art Therapy: Theory and Practice provides a narrative exploration woven from rich practice roots, theory, the multiple ways that it can be applied in practice, and through practitioner reflections.The applications of community art therapy are numerous, and this book provides knowledge to practitioners, guiding them in their own work and grounding their theoretical approaches. The community approaches presented in the text have been developed through careful research, strategy, and implementation. Community Art Therapy is for the benefit of art therapists, community artists and psychologists, and anyone interested in learning more about the stories of community art therapy.

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Moon’s Ethical Issues in Art therapy, 5th edition

Moon’s Ethical Issues in Art Therapy is intended for art therapy students, art therapists, and expressive therapy professionals, the supplemental textbook addresses ethical issues that art therapists confront and offers advice on how to resolve them, using vignettes to help stimulate student reflection and discussion. Topics include client and workplace responsibility, the rights of artworks, professional boundaries and responsibility, research participants, dealing with ethical violations, advertising, private practice, telehealth, social media, and diversity. The fifth edition adds a chapter on ethical decision making models, and refers to the most recently published Art Therapy Credentials Board guidelines for practice.

Susan Ridley

The Expressive Use of Masks Across Cultures and Healing Arts

The Expressive Use of Masks Across Cultures and Healing Arts explores the interplay between masks and culture and their therapeutic use in the healing arts such as music, art, dance/movement, drama, play, bibliotherapy, and intermodal. Each section of the book focuses on a different context, including viewing masks through a cultural lens, masks at play, their role in identity formation (persona and alter ego), healing the wounds from negative life experiences, from the protection of medical masks to helping the healing process, and from expressions of grief to celebrating life stories.

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Krystal Demaine

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Expressive Therapeutic Writing: Guiding Transformation and Restorative Care Through Intermodal Arts, Word by Word

This book brings engagement and conversation to a cross‑pollination of creative and expressive writing and multi‑modal art forms.

Through the lens of expressive arts therapy, the authors demonstrate how writing can reveal the unexpected that emerges from art making. The lineage of expressive arts therapy includes artful writing, poetry, associative, creative, and memoir, for example, to engage in self‑discovery, growth, and restorative care. Each chapter is grounded in intermodal expressive arts with a central focus on creative and expressive writing, which is informed by movement, visual art, storytelling, music, sound, photography, and physical performance, including response art, and has writing prompts and invitations as well as playful and improvisational integrative arts writing explorations.

Creative arts therapists and expressive therapists actively searching for creative playful self‑reflective writing practice will find this book a rewarding resource.

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Christianne Strang and Juliet King

Art Therapy and the Neuroscience of Trauma

Art Therapy and the Neuroscience of Trauma, 2nd edition, lays out a unified framework of neural plasticity and resilience and places it within a broader social context. Using a lens grounded in multicultural humility, renowned figures in art therapy have updated chapters with content that takes a systematic yet inclusive approach. New chapters and new authors offer stimulating insights into individual and community factors that drive comprehensive care.

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