July 10, 2019 | By Janeane Grisez ATR-BC, LPCC, LICDC-CS
Tell us about yourself
I received my undergraduate degree (BA) from Lake Erie College in Forensic Psychology, in Painesville, Ohio. I then received my graduate degree (MA) in art therapy and counseling from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. I have had the privilege of working with both adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, including community mental health, incarcerated and in the hospital setting. My primary focus has been on mental health, trauma and substance abuse treatment. I currently offer art therapy services to adolescents and adults at my private practice in Mentor, Ohio. I am currently serving my second term as the Buckeye Art Therapy Association (BATA) Clinical Chair.
What excites (or inspires) you most about your job right now?
One of the most exciting things for me is the continuity in the healing power of art. Art therapy brings a voice where no voice may have been heard, connects people creating a common thread and bond, opens doors long closed to provide immense healing, insight and growth. I am inspired when working with interns in their creativity and ongoing progress of the art therapy field.
What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in art therapy?
I would encourage anyone pursuing a career in art therapy to learn more about the profession and what art therapists do as professionals. I would also encourage the individual to research what is required in their individual state as far as education, internships and licensure. I would recommend that they might talk to others about their experiences in working as an art therapist and find out more about the evidence based theories that art therapy is based in. A solid knowledge about populations that art therapy can be used with and some basic idea of how the process works may be beneficial in the final decision making. It is so much more than just making art! I’d also like to encourage always the importance of self-care. Always practice self-care in some fashion and always continue to make your own art.
What are your hopes for the future of the art therapy profession?
My hopes for the future of art therapy profession is its continued growth and unity. I am also hopeful in the ongoing efforts towards title protection and licensure for art therapists and the profession as a whole.
“Unselfishness” by Janeane Grisez. 2019. Silk mandala painting.
Artist’s statement: “I create the silk mandalas as an act of self-care to process my day after providing art therapy for my clients. I choose the mandala as it is a container for my feelings, a center point for my process, an ongoing spiritual guide in the work that I continue to do. The silk absorbs the paint, as it absorbs my thoughts, feelings and letting go, unselfishly, so that I might be refreshed to give again.”