AATA Blog

Art Therapy Legislation 101 Learning Module

Art Therapy Legislation 101 Learning Module

August 25, 2020 | By Ashley Skelly

As an art therapist or art therapy supporter, you are often asked to take action to contact state government legislators/leaders. Politics can be confusing to navigate, and the prospect of contacting senators/representatives may seem intimidating. However, legislators want to hear about the issues and changes needed from the people they represent – YOU!

Mental Health Policy Implications during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Mental Health Policy Implications during the Coronavirus Pandemic

August 24, 2020 

While the results of this survey of art therapists capture a particular moment during the Coronavirus pandemic—when 95% of Americans were under some sort of stay-at-home policy—the findings remain relevant as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise. We hope that these results will help inform how lawmakers address the ongoing mental health ramifications of the pandemic and better support mental health professionals.

Findings from AATA’s Coronavirus Pandemic Impact Survey

Findings from AATA’s Coronavirus Pandemic Impact Survey

August 14, 2020 

To better understand how art therapists are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic and coping themselves, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) conducted an online survey of art therapy professionals, educators, and students in May 2020. The findings offer a look into the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on art therapists, the clients they serve, as well as access to mental health care. (Download the full report.)

Connected While Apart: A Communal Tapestry by Domestic Violence Survivors

Connected While Apart: A Communal Tapestry by Domestic Violence Survivors

August 11, 2020 | By Farah S.A.

During the COVID-19 pandemic domestic violence survivors have been experiencing many hardships. Domestic violence cases have increased since the shelter-in-place order took place. Some survivors were unable to leave an unsafe living situation, while others recently left and were trying to maintain their sense of security after experiencing financial abuse prior.

A Colorful Canvas

A Colorful Canvas

July 30, 2020 | Louvenia Jackson

Why do we need racial diversity, equity and inclusion? Let’s think about a muslin canvas frame. Many painting frames are created for white canvases. What if the creation existed on a colored background, with many colors depicted on it? The narrative of the art changes, allowing for different perspective to arise with complexity, intrigue, and without colonization. We must not just add color to a white base; we need to change the base. One perspective cannot be the base for all others to exist or be cultivated by.

Art Therapy Licensure is Official Law in Washington, DC

Art Therapy Licensure is Official Law in Washington, DC

July 2, 2020

The AATA is thrilled to announce that licensure of art therapists in the District of Columbia is now official law! The art therapy licensure legislation passed congressional review, the final step of the legislative process, and was assigned Law Number L23-0115 on June 24, 2020. With the Virginia license recently enacted in May of 2020, art therapy licensure is now the law throughout the entire DMV (District – Maryland – Virginia) area.  

Honoring Pride and BLM: An Art Therapy Perspective

Honoring Pride and BLM: An Art Therapy Perspective

June 30, 2020 | Gabrielle Cooper

As art therapists, it is our duty to stay up to date on social issues and how they affect our clients. Black people, LGBTQIA+ people, and those with intersecting identities are especially traumatized by the videos and knowledge of the what is continuing to happen in America today. Right now is a perfect time for art therapists to show how much we care and support this movement by centering the voices of the most marginalized, evaluating our personal biases, and advocating for our clients.

An Art Therapist’s Tips to Help People with Dementia Cope during Coronavirus

An Art Therapist’s Tips to Help People with Dementia Cope during Coronavirus

May 21, 2020 | Margaret Carlock-Russo

We’ve all had to adjust our lives in many ways to protect ourselves and others during the novel coronavirus pandemic. For people living with dementia, sudden changes in daily life, social distancing, and increased hygiene precautions can produce confusion, anxiety, and isolation that may be difficult to manage. Caregivers are also impacted by added responsibilities, concern for loved ones’ safety, and may experience difficulty explaining the pandemic to their family member in an understandable manner.

Keep the Art in Teletherapy, Shift Your View

Keep the Art in Teletherapy, Shift Your View

April 28, 2020 | Barbara Robertson

In this time of “Talking Heads” teletherapy, don’t forget that you and your client both have a body, one that can be utilized in the process of making art, and perhaps more to the point, looking at art and perceiving some of what the art has to say. My first telehealth session for art therapy was scheduled with a new client, “Jan” (not her real name), whom I had seen only twice previously in my office. She began therapy with me just as word was beginning to spread that the Coronavirus had arrived in the United States. Some schools were closing, but serious social distancing rules had not yet been established.

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