March 8, 2018
Anna Riley-Hiscox, DAT, ATR, LMFT is a Forensic Art Therapist with the State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), has a private practice providing culturally diverse art psychotherapy to children, couples and families, and is the CEO of Domestic Violence Enterprises, an organization that focuses on art-based techniques to reduce intimate partner abuse. Dr. Hiscox has served on many AATA Committees over the years including: the Strategic Planning Committee (2015), Multicultural Committee (member 2012-14, Mosaic Committee Chair 1994-96), the Honors Committee (2003), and Chair of the Supervision Ad Hoc Committee (1999). She also served on the AATA Education Program Approval Board (2012-14) and the Art Therapy Credentials Board Certification Committee (1996-97). Visit her website to learn more about her practice.
When asked about how she has most benefitted from her membership, Dr. Hiscox highlights access to the Journal, which “keeps me abreast of research, as well as legal and ethical issues,” and the annual conference, which “provided an opportunity to learn about art therapy with diverse clients using cutting-edge techniques, and to understand professional challenges from pioneers in the field.” She continues:
I had a very special opportunity to contribute to the growth of art therapy when I participated as a member of the Art Therapy Credentials Board Certification Committee and as Chair of the Multicultural Committee (formally known as the Mosaic Committee). My involvement with these committees solidified my professional identity as an art therapist. This affiliation allowed me to meet important milestones in my career due to the guidance of and association with remarkable colleagues.
In her work with forensics patients, Dr. Hiscox explains that “art therapy offers a safe place to repair ego-dystonic thoughts and behaviors. Art therapy facilitates rehabilitation by encouraging patients to reveal and process meaning through image creation. Art therapy is also relaxing, and the outcome of participation is evidenced in the change of affect and corresponding emotions when patients leave group with a smile.”
Topics within the field of particular interest to Dr. Hiscox include research and social justice. She elaborates, “Research on the relationship between art therapy and neuroscience represents a major contribution to understanding human development, and is essential to my work with inmates. Understanding the influence of the patient/client environment on neuroplasticity can help art therapists develop innovative strategies to augment brain function and increase the well-being of clients.” She is also passionate about “the role of art therapists in addressing social justice issues, such as civil rights and environmental concerns.”
Dr. Hiscox’s vision for the future of the profession is that “all public schools include art therapy as a treatment option for children and adolescents. In addition, I hope the future will provide an opportunity for art therapists to engage in international forums to develop creative solutions to world problems.”
She concludes, “As art therapists, I believe we can change the world, one image at a time.”
“Little Rascal” by Anna Rilery-Hiscox.