Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Findings from AATA’s DEI Listening Session Series and Survey
July 29, 2021
Last winter, AATA conducted a series of listening sessions and an online survey to hear from members and the broader art therapy community about their experiences and suggestions in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Barriers to entering the field and lack of diversity in the profession were identified as the two overarching issues that need to be prioritized.
Kristin Wunderlin, MEd, ATR-BC, LPC
June 30, 2021
One of the ways that I have used Art Therapy as a tool to advance this work is by incorporating interventions focused on identity exploration. By creating a safe space for individuals to express their identities, intersections, and ongoing development through art making, we can facilitate the processing of complex feelings and traumas and the validation of their unique perspectives.
Sharelle Langaigne, MA, ART-BC, LCAT
June 14, 2021
In my work I’ve tried to create a space where all feel welcome to come as they. I encourage every client that I come in contact with to discover their voice and use it in a way that feels safe for them. My own artwork gives me a place to honor and celebrate my own culture, heritage and intersectionality. It was especially important for me when I didn’t feel safe enough to express all the parts of my intersectionality with my voice. My art is limitless.
Featured Member: Dan Anthon, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC
June 1, 2021
“My first major internship in graduate school was on a hospital AIDS unit. This was early in the AIDS epidemic and nearly all my patients died from the disease, as did two of my dearest friends and countless others, back then mostly gay men. The work was emotionally challenging on a personal and professional level. At times it was very hard to witness the many ways their young bodies were failing them.”
Antiracist and Anti-Oppressive Publishing Practices in Art Therapy Journal
May 20, 2021 | Art Therapy Journal Editor, Associate Editors, and Advisory Board
As part of the American Art Therapy Association’s (AATA) broader Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative, Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association is incorporating a range of antiracist and anti-oppressive publishing practices. We began by intentionally recruiting reviewers who hold various identities – racial, cultural, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity, disability, and others. We are always looking for new reviewers to join our ad-hoc pool so that people can be ready to join the full review board.
Moments of Connection in Art Therapy with My Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Clients
May 17, 2021 | Miki Goerdt
As May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, I have been reflecting on my work with AANHPI clients. I am an East Asian immigrant, a Japanese art therapist, and a clinical social worker. I am sharing several stories from sessions with my AANHPI clients, hoping that they give you some understanding of AANHPI clients’ lived experiences.
AATA Statement in Support of Authentic Self Expression among Transgender Youth
April 22, 2021
The American Art Therapy Association stands in support of transgender youth. We are outraged by the onslaught of recent state legislation proposed across the country prohibiting gender-affirming care for transgender youth and banning transgender youth from participating on sports teams according to their gender identity. Simply put, these bills are dangerous because they systematically endanger the health and well-being of transgender youth.
De-Stressing Tips and Career Conversation – Atlanta University Center Consortium Students Learn About Art Therapy
March 25, 2021
Collaborating with the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective to raise awareness about art therapy during the Spring 2021 semester, AATA was thrilled to offer programming to support and inspire the Atlanta University Center community during career week and the stressful time of midterms.
For Justice, In Solidarity: A Response from Two Emerging Art Therapists to the Rise of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Violence
March 22, 2021 | Elisha-Rio P. Apilado and Zachary D. Van Den Berg
Two related but equally concerning trends have emerged during the Coronavirus pandemic in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community: the rise in violence and the rise in mental health care needs. This response blog post is a plea for art therapists to intervene and recognize that our services can have life-or-death consequences, especially for the AANHPI community.
New 2021 Member Demographics Report Available Now
March 19, 2021
AATA’s new 2021 Member Demographics Report is now available online! This report is intended to be a current, shareable snapshot of the AATA membership community and contains information collected through February 9, 2021.