Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Blog Series: Breaking the Chains of Racial Trauma in Therapy

Blog Series: Breaking the Chains of Racial Trauma in Therapy

February 13, 2020 | Gwendolyn Short

In recognition of Black History Month, it’s my pleasure to introduce this blog series building on the topics covered during the “Breaking the Chains of Racial Trauma” plenary panel I moderated at AATA’s 50th conference in Kansas City in November of 2019! If you were in attendance, this is an excellent opportunity to revisit the content, and I’m honored to present it to others for the first time.

The Art of Origami: An Art Therapist Explains its History and Use in Trauma Work

The Art of Origami: An Art Therapist Explains its History and Use in Trauma Work

May 29, 2019 | Trauma |#WeAreArtTherapists |

Origami within the context of an art therapy session can have many uses, including‒but not limited to‒ helping people deal with trauma, practicing mindfulness, and even promoting sensorimotor skills or frustration tolerance. However, the art form has a history that spans back even further than the term “origami” itself. We spoke with art therapist and creator of Expressive Origami Therapy (EOT), Toshiko Kobayashi, LCAT, ATCS, ATR-BC, to get a more in-depth look into the origins of origami, as well as its past and modern role in art therapy practice.

The History of the Annual Pearlie Roberson Multicultural Quilt Project

The History of the Annual Pearlie Roberson Multicultural Quilt Project

February 28, 2019 | By Delora Putnam-Bryant

Quilts and quilt making in the African American culture can be traced back to the times when black Americans were enslaved. There are several accounts of how slaves incorporated the techniques of quilting from their native land’s fabric making process, and enslaved Americans passed down quilting to other slaves.  Materials gathered from scraps of fabric that could no longer be used, were repurposed to create quilts.

Laura Greenstone’s Vision for the African-American and Afro-Caribbean Art Therapy Student Scholarship

Laura Greenstone’s Vision for the African-American and Afro-Caribbean Art Therapy Student Scholarship

February 21, 2019 | By Jack Harris | #WeAreArtTherapists

Laura Greenstone died on July 18, 2018 suddenly, but not necessarily unexpectedly. In the year before she died, she had begun increasingly to talk about where she had been and where she was going, as well as where her profession had been and where it was going. Together we began to take steps to secure Laura’s work and legacy as we began some intensive estate and disability planning. As part of these efforts, Laura made a bequest of $25,000 to the American Art Therapy Association for the establishment of a scholarship to support masters-level African-American and Afro-Caribbean art therapy students.

June is Pride Month: Here’s what art therapists need to know

June is Pride Month: Here’s what art therapists need to know

By Daniel Blausey | June 21, 2018 | #WeAreArtTherapists

For art therapists, Pride Month is not only a time to celebrate, commemorate, and march proudly in solidarity, it is also a time to reflect on the shifting political and cultural fronts impacting our clients within the LGBTQIA community on a day-to-day basis. It is important to recognize the varying social locations — cultural backgrounds such as religion, language, cuisine, social habits, arts, and specific family history of race, gender, socio-economic status, and education — that intersect for each of our clients, potentially manifesting as depression, suicidality, anger, low self-worth or any combination of emotions.

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