August 23, 2018
Laura V. Loumeau-May, MPS, ATR-BC, LPC, has been a dynamic member of the art therapy community for 35 years. In addition to her clinical work, she stays engaged through numerous presentations at conferences, publications, teaching art therapy courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and taking on leadership roles. She served on the AATA Board (2011-15) and has filled many volunteer positions, including Membership Co-Chair, Conference Proposal Review Committee and New Jersey Art Therapy Association Diversity Chair. She shares that “I believe that all AATA members can and should be actively engaged. Engagement is a win-win situation; it strengthens the profession and supports us. We are the Association, and should never forget that.”
Presenting, publishing and teaching have also enhanced her clinical skills. “They keep me growing and searching. I am continually rediscovering the power of art therapy as if for the first time through exploring a new aspect of materials, imagery, process or the therapeutic relationship.” For the last 24 years, Ms. Loumeau-May has worked with bereaved youth. She also provides open art studio for adults with mental illnesses.
A career highlight came when her work with children of 9/11 victims was featured on ABC-TV in 2002 and included in some of Judy Rubin’s films. She says, “It was an honor to provide traumatic bereavement support to those children. But I believe that all of our day to day work – quiet and powerful moments with clients who will never receive media attention – are of equal value and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.” She looks forward to seeing art therapy services become more accessible “and research more actively promoted, as research strengthens our ‘tool-kit,’ clarifies what we already know, and legitimizes our work with the public and related professions.”
“Meander” by Laura Loumeau-May. Water-soluble oil pastels and water color pencils.
Artist’s Statement: “My creative process has transformed since I became an art therapist. It is much more process-oriented as well as self-exploratory. My work is more abstract now. Continual transformation and presence with ambiguity emerge frequently. Before coming into this field, my work was figurative. I am interested in exploring archetypal themes in future work.”