March 28, 2019
Kyla Berry, LCAT, ATR-BC, works at a community-based healthcare program for adults and geriatrics over the age of 55 in New York City. “I thrive off of the creative energy and wealth of personalities that NYC possesses – and that keeps me inspired on a daily basis,” she says of her workplace. She values her AATA membership especially for the many opportunities to network with art therapists across the country: “It’s a beautiful thing to connect with other like-minded professionals who value the intention of creating art for its therapeutic service and helping others do the same.”
Berry graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011 with a BFA in Fine Arts and a double minor in Psychology & Art Therapy and continued to earn her MA from Hofstra University in 2013. Since graduating, she has gained experience working with a variety of client populations and settings, including: a Traumatic Brain Injury center, a Forensic Psychiatric inpatient treatment unit, adults and geriatrics in a skilled nursing & rehab facility, and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “My varied opportunities to explore different populations over the years have really helped me grow as a therapist and, ultimately, helped me find the right fit for me,” she notes.
“Self-Reflection” By Kyla Berry. Oil painting. 2011.
Artist’s statement: “As an artist, one of my favorite things to do is to create self-portraits. It’s interesting to see how my style and interpretation of myself change over the course of time. Progression is such an integral part of therapy, so creating art about me helps me as a therapist and challenges me to think about what clients might feel if presented with a similar directive.”