The American Art Therapy Association represents a diversity of professionals, students, and organizations across the nation. We recognize and celebrate the work of our members at all levels through our Featured Member series.
June 30, 2022
What excites (or inspires) you most about your job right now?
“The Therapeutic Relationship.” Collage and acrylic on canvas. 12/6/2021. Artist statement: “This piece depicts a plant being “bottom watered” by absorbing water poured from a pitcher into the basin the plant is resting in. It is a metaphor for the therapeutic alliance between an art therapist and their patient.”
The most exciting part of being an art therapy student is outreach. I enjoy introducing the field of art therapy to others as a career choice and treatment option.
How have race, diversity, and/or social justice impacted your work as an art therapist (or art therapy student)?
I incorporate race, diversity, and social justice into all of the work I do. One of my goals in becoming an art therapist is to create space for people American psychology has historically discriminated against. I believe that diversity can and should be incorporated into everything an art therapist does.
How has your role changed as an art therapist (or remained the same) during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused me to rethink what interactions with patients can look like. I have explored telehealth more and ways that people can use what is in their own homes to create art. I think it’s been a positive shift because telehealth can be used as a tool to increase accessibility to those that can not come into an office.
Kaalex Ash-Green
Kaalex Ash-Green is a student in George Washington University’s Masters of Art in Art Therapy program with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University. Kaalex primarily creates mixed media paintings combining a variety of materials with acrylic paint. She is passionate about introducing art therapy to culturally diverse spaces. As a member of Howard University’s HUEman Arts Research Lab, she has co-facilitated programs to bring art therapy to spaces such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities and presentations such as the American Art Therapy Association’s 51st Annual Conference.