AATA Blog
5 Tips from an Art Therapist to Get You through Holiday Gloom
December 16, 2020 | Nadia Paredes
I was born and raised in Mexico, in a very loving (I would even dare say enmeshed) typical Catholic Latino family. My grandfather had died close to Christmas, so my father always tried his best to erase that feeling of loss and live the ideals of what he called “the American Christmas.”
My Perspectives as a BIPOC Art Therapist
December 3, 2020 | Miki Goerdt
As a first-time facilitator of a networking event, I experienced some difficulties, which I took personally at first, telling myself that I was not experienced enough to lead it. Several days later, after processing my experience with colleagues, I realized that my difficulties were systemic rather than something attached to myself or any participants of the event. They were related to the racial dynamics of the American society and within our profession.
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
November 22, 2022
National Native American Heritage Month is a reminder each year to celebrate Native American people, arts, culture, and heritage. There are 3 million indigenous people in the United States, belonging to 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities and native villages) in the United States.
#AATA2020 Highlights from Days 1 and 2 — See you on Day 3!
November 5, 2020 |Susan Boxer Kappel
A huge thank you to all who are attending, participating in the chat features during sessions, and showing up (on camera) for the networking sessions! Check out some of our favorite #AATA2020 moments on social media so far, and there is still time to register for Day 3!
Vote with Mental Health in Mind — 2020 AATA Guide
October 19, 2020
As mental health professionals, art therapists are closely connected with the needs of the communities they serve, especially now during the Coronavirus pandemic. Election Day is an opportunity to be a champion for your clients—and an advocate for mental health and the values that are core to our profession.
In Tribute to Dr. Myra Levick, AATA Co-Founder
October 19, 2020
The art therapy community mourns the loss of Myra Levick, PhD, ATR-BC, a legendary pioneer in the field of art therapy. We sincerely thank each colleague and friend who submitted the below reminiscences and notes in memory of Myra Levick.
Art Therapy is Particularly Effective in Times of Crisis
September 24, 2020
In the survey, we asked respondents: “As an art therapist, how would you describe to someone unfamiliar with the profession why art therapy is uniquely suited to support mental health during this pandemic?” The survey takers explained that art therapy is particularly effective during times of crisis, especially in coping with isolation, changes in circumstance, trauma, and grief.
My First Art Therapy Job, at a Homeless Shelter, during a Pandemic
September 24, 2020 | By Jenelle Hallaert
Due to the inherent technological barriers that come with housing insecurity, all sessions with the guests are in-person — putting both the guests and myself at constant risk of contracting COVID-19. Even with these risks, the mental health services provided to our guests are essential for their wellbeing. Overall, the shelter has continued care as usual for this population.
Leading with Intention to Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
September 8, 2020 | Margaret Carlock-Russo
After July’s virtual member meeting, members told us they wanted to learn more about AATA’s next steps in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)—and hear more from Gary Smith, our DE&I consultant. In response, we are excited to share with you this webinar, “Leading with Intention to Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.” Gary put our conversation into this current reality, referring to the Coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented activism after George Floyd’s horrific killing. While we are defining diversity broadly, he posited in this moment, we may consider focusing on race.
Muddling My Way Through the Pandemic: A Visual Journal
September 3, 2020 | By Mindy Jacobson-Levy
I never had an extended period of time to just make art. Who would imagine that a “wish” to have a few months to do just that would turn into an ongoing altered book about my experience during the Covid-19 pandemic?