October 21, 2020
“As mental health professionals, art therapists are closely connected to the needs of the communities they serve, especially now, during the Coronavirus pandemic.” – Dr. Carlock-Russo
AATA President Margaret Carlock-Russo, EdD, LCAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, spoke about the healing benefits of art therapy in times of trauma during a New York State Senate Virtual Public Meeting on October 21, 2020.
New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, opened the “Arts & Mental Health” panel recognizing that “the arts have restorative value for our mental health, as we navigate anxieties, grief, trauma, and other emotional challenges roused by the COVID pandemic.”
Dr. Carlock-Russo spoke of two converging dynamics leading to increased demand for art therapy services: “More people are recognizing their own personal need for mental health support during these times when they are feeling displaced, uncertain, stress, anxiety, maybe joblessness, illness, etc.” At the same time, they are “spontaneously turning to the arts as a way of coping.”
Dr Carlock-Russo also discussed the strong presence of art therapists in New York and how they can be supported to provide services to even more New Yorkers in this time of need.
Watch the recording online here (Dr Carlock-Russo presents 2:30:00-2:47:00).
