July 6, 2017
Courtney Carnes, MS, ATR-BC works at Monarch Center for Autism where she helped design and runs the art therapy program for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other diagnoses, ages 3 through 21. The program provides both group and individual sessions targeting a variety of goal areas including sensory integration/regulation, emotion/self-expression, imagination/abstract thinking, and recreation/leisure skills. Courtney values her AATA membership for the networking opportunities and other professional resources such as the Journal and the Institute for Continuing Education in Art Therapy (ICE/AT).
Courtney earned her Master’s in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI in 2013. While in graduate school, she interned at a local children’s hospital and a transitional housing facility for adults struggling with addiction. In her current position at Monarch, Courtney has presented two webinars with colleagues, titled, “Art, Music & Recreational Therapy: Incorporating Creative Approaches for Students with Autism” and “Art & Music Therapy: The Value of Co-Treating Students with Autism.”
Courtney is passionate about the integration of the art therapy profession into mental health care and accessibility for those clients who need it most. When asked how art therapy is effective, Courtney says, “Art therapy provides a deeper level of processing through art, where verbal communications are lacking. Verbal expression is difficult with individuals with ASD; art therapy offers a way to express themselves without words.” She adds, “In art therapy, the art making process is more important than the final product.”
