Join us for Master-Level Clinical Supervision Sessions at AATA’s In-Person Conference in Charlotte! These sessions are led by subject matter experts working with specific populations or settings to assist art therapy professionals to address clinical questions and concerns.

Master-Level Clinical Supervision Sessions

The Art in Art Therapy
Oct. 16, 3 – 3:50pm

Moderated by Simone Alter-Muri

Participants will discuss the multifaceted nature of art, and its capacity to facilitate self expression and therapeutic insights. Our discussion will question several issues. Including: what constitutes art in the therapeutic process and the relationship between our own artistic practice and our approach to working with clients. Other related issues will be discussed if time allows.

Chronic (Medical) Illness
Oct. 15, 4 – 4:50pm

Moderated by Gaelynn Wolf Bordonaro

Art therapists working with clients with chronic medical conditions are invited to this supervision group to share experiences (challenges and celebrations), identify best practices and special considerations, and weigh art media decisions.

Community Art Therapy Groups
Oct. 16, 2 – 2:50pm

Moderated by Julia Andersen

Community based art therapy takes place outside of traditional clinical settings and aims to reflect and support the needs of the communities it serves. This supervision session is an opportunity for participants to share challenges that arise when working in community-based art therapy settings and consider potential solutions for best practices. Those who practice or wish to practice community based art therapy are encouraged to attend this session to gain support in navigating challenges and learn from a supportive network of practitioners.

Dissociative Disorders
Oct. 15, 3 – 3:50pm

Moderated by Deborah Good

This Master’s Supervision group will focus on an exploration of the spectrum of dissociation, how dissociation shows up in artwork, and the differences between Dissociative Identity Disorder, Dissociative features and Borderline Personality Disorder. Participates are encouraged to bring artwork to process, case questions, and ideas for appropriate art therapy interventions.

Gallery and Museum Settings 
Oct. 15, 3 – 3:50pm

Moderator Erin Partridge

Art therapists are increasingly working in and collaborating with museums, galleries, and other fine art spaces. This supervision session is for all of us who are meeting and bringing our clients into museums and galleries. We will share ideas and discuss some of the unique ethical concerns related to art therapy in these contexts.

Immigrant and Refugee Populations
Oct. 16, 3 – 3:50pm

Moderated by Holly Feen-Calligan

Refugee Populations Master Supervision group welcomes everyone interested in a discussion about art therapy with refugee populations. Art therapists are encouraged to bring case material related to their work, including but not limited to cultural considerations, communication and other challenges as well as what has worked well.

Mindful Self-Compassion
Oct. 16, 12 – 12:50pm

Moderator Patricia Isis

Scientific studies have demonstrated that self-compassion offers a range of psychological benefits. Individuals who practice self-compassion tend to experience lower levels of anxiety, self-criticism, depression, and stress, and higher levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and emotional resilience. Many scientific studies have demonstrated that self-compassion offers a range of psychological benefits. This master supervision session will focus on specific self-compassion resources accessible for personal and professional practices.

Neurodiversity
Oct. 17, 2 – 2:50pm

Moderator Jessica Stallings

This session focuses on the experience of participants working with a neurodiverse population. A brief description of art therapy with this population will be shared. Participants are invited to share case vignettes, receive feedback and share successful experiences. Art therapy exercises and resources will be shared.

Private Practice
Oct. 17, 2 – 2:50pm

Moderated by Susan Kappel

The intention of this session is to offer participants an opportunity to reflect on current and future art therapy private practice realities and possibilities in an effort to clarify and validate different approaches and outcomes

Process Art in Supervision
Oct. 17, 3 – 3:50pm

Moderated by Shelia Lorenzo De La Pena

This master supervision session will focus on the incorporation and adaptation of el duende and process art within clinical supervision and field courses. Both el duende and process art can be used in support of the supervisor and supervisee relationship by accessing vulnerability and promote authentic exchanges. Whether through traditional face-to-face or telehealth environments, long-term art-based approaches when incorporated into the supervisory process can aid in self-awareness and clinical development. As part of the master supervision discussion, we will discuss pertinent issues brought-up by attendees which may include adaptations, accommodations, and the importance of visual documentation of the process.

Psychedelics and Art Therapy
Oct. 15, 12 – 12:50pm

Moderated by Rebecca Wilkinson

This supervision session is dedicated to exploring clinical and ethical issues that surface in working with psychedelics, art, creativity, and art therapy. Case material, practice questions, and resources are welcome. Participants at all levels of experience are invited to attend.

Substance Abuse and Addiction
Oct. 15, 2 – 2:50pm

Moderated by Patricia Quinn 

Professional art therapists who are working in the field of addictions treatment are invited to bring in both specific and general issues they are encountering in their clinical work. This might include case vignettes for consultation or more systemic difficulties of using art therapy in an addiction treatment environment.

Supervising New Professionals
Oct. 15, 4 – 4:50pm

Moderated by Emery Mikel

When supervising new professionals gaining their post-graduate experience hours it’s important to consider multiple ways of approaching the work. In this session, we’ll explore how a developmental framework and engaging in artmaking to explore the supervisory relationship, client content, countertransference, personal growth, and more, can create a supportive and reflective space for professional growth. Please bring specific questions and de-identified case material for discussion.

Veterans
Oct. 15, 11 – 11:50am

Moderated by Deborah Elkis-Abuhoff

The Veterans and Military Master’s Supervision Group brings together art therapists who work with veterans and active-duty military personnel to share knowledge, discuss clinical practice, and explore the evolving role of the art therapist within this specialized population. Participants will have the opportunity to present clinical cases, share their experiences, and learn from the diverse perspectives and approaches of fellow clinicians.

The group provides a supportive environment to discuss both successes and challenges in clinical practice, consult on complex cases, and seek guidance on assessment, treatment planning, ethical considerations, and other clinical questions. Through collaborative dialogue and peer supervision, attendees will strengthen their clinical skills while fostering professional growth and a deeper understanding of art therapy with military and veteran populations.