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About This Site
Welcome to the Art Therapy blog. I believe that art therapy can do many wonderful things and I’ve created this website with the intent of sharing general concepts, ideas, and activities surrounding art therapy, art, and its potential effect on our everyday lives.
Art is often looked at as one of the most “inaccessible” forms of communication, but why should it be? We are all capable of creating something in life. That “something” doesn’t have to be the Mona Lisa, it just has to be personal. It could be the most hideous piece of artwork in the world, but if you get something valuable from creating it, then that is what makes it beautiful.
While there are plenty of academic papers and research out there, they can often be a little daunting to the average person (they can certainly be that way with me at least). Therefore, I’ve created this site to provide a more practical resource for the average reader. This site is by no means meant to be a substitute for professional art therapy. If you feel you need professional help, please seek out the appropriate therapy or help you need.
Otherwise, feel free to use any of the ideas and activities shared here. If you enjoyed or got anything from any of the activities or ideas here, I’d love it if you shared your thoughts in the comments. I hope you enjoy and find some use of the resources provided here.
Patrick
Comments (52)52 Responses to “About This Site”
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Hello there, my name is Lee George and I writing to thank you for sharing my story with the rest of the global art community.
My many heartfelt thanks (and huggies) to my wonderful tidda Megan Bayliss from Imaginif, for allowing my dream to continue. In assisting in the healing journey of the six to eight wonderful, vibrant and dynamic women that I have been able met since the group developed, I have started my own “healing journey”.
I picked up a paintbrush three years ago because I couldn’t talk about my grief, however now I paint with women who have shared similar experiences as mine except our stories are unique.
For me, I have only ever painted using red, black and white because I haven’t had a lot of colour in my life, now I am using yellow….some brightness is shining through…..
Thank you thank you thank you!
Hey there, fellow blogger!
I mentioned you blog in my most recent post! Happy Creative Arts Therapies Week!
Lee
I can’t believe I JUST found this blog… unless you are relatively new! I have been looking for good art therapy blogs ever since I decided to apply to grad school for art therapy (months and months and months ago). I’m glad I found you! I’ve added you to my feeds
@JewishGal This blog is still young (few months old), so it hasn’t been around long…Glad you like it. Thanks for the comment and congratulations on getting into grad school (saw you got into a school in Chicago)…Congrats!
Hi!
I too have a blog on art therapy…mostly focusing on my thoughts, interventions and stuff I’ve been coming across in the news or on the internet. I’ve been checking out your blog, and I’ve been enjoying it a lot! Just wanted to say keep up the good work
@Liz I’m going to check out your blog in more detail when it’s not so late (It’s about 1am as I right this)
Thanks for the comments!
My name is Alexandra Snyder; I am the Content Editor at HealthCare.com. I’ve been reading your blog, The Art Therapy Blog, and was really impressed by the content. I would like to invite you to feed your blog to our blog community.
We have a growing community of bloggers, health care seekers and care providers, and are one of the top online health destinations in the U.S. We currently receive millions of visitors each month! By feeding your blog to our site you will expose your posts and work to the millions of users in our network since each post is featured on our homepage. This is a great way to increase traffic for your existing blog or website and gain notoriety.
Best of all, it’s simple, no need to write a separate blog or leave your current blog site. You would simply create an account at http://blogs.healthcare.com and feed your content. Please feel free to contact me if you need help setting up your blog feed, I will be glad to help you.
Have a great day!
@Alexandra Thanks for the very generous comments! I’d be honored to spread the word about art therapy to your readers…
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for reprinting all the AATA Press Releases I have written. Can you please include my name and AATA contact information as the author? Thanks a bunch, keep up the good work, thanks for spreading the word…
Cathy
@Cathy: Will do…Glad I can help and thanks for the words of encouragement!
Hello Patrick,
Thank you for creating this blog. I am hoping you could add the website for NWArtTherapy.com to your list of resources. It is a website directory of art therapists in private practice in Oregon and Washington. It also lists art therapy events and jobs for the Northwest.
Thank you,
Kristina DiTullo, ATR
Founder, NWArtTherapy.com
Therapy is a unique medicine system that can change very subtle emotional and psychological states of being. Terror,depression,anxiety, irritability,intolerance, lack of confidence,hatred or selfishness,two drops thrice a day of the right remedy can uproot such deep-seated personality traits. And,in the process,heal the body.
Wow! I came across this blog by accident, and Im so glad I’ve found it. I’ve been working as an art therapist fpr a year now, and it’s hard to continue to network and gain new ideas once you finish study. Art has always been cathartic for me, and I see its usefulness every day within mental health rehabilitation. Thanks for the site!
@Nita, Glad you like it…thanks for visiting!
I am a nursing student and while doing research for my art therapy project I stumbled across this page. I have always done my own healing with art from things like singing, dancing, writing and painting. It can be very helpful for anything in life that has got you down, stressed out or just plain out of wack. I am so excited to see how much is done with art therapy out in the clinical world. My goal is to work in mental health and since learning more about the use of art, I am looking forward to pursuing this after my RN. Thank you for the site and I plan to continue visiting and learning as much as I can.
Hi Patrick!
I came across your website in my search for research on the use of art therapy for children who have experienced a death loss. Do you know of any research on this topic that would be useful in my research paper? At this point, I am looking for anything as I am having a difficult time finding actual research. Thank you for your help!
–Jenna Hayes
@Jenna, The research on that topic might be sparse. If I find anything I’ll be sure to send it your way.
to Jenna Hayes
on http://www.pubmed.gov
Items 1 – 5 of 5One page.
1: A pilot study of the impact of a grief camp for children.
Nabors L, Ohms M, Buchanan N, Kirsh KL, Nash T, Passik SD, Johnson JL, Snapp J, Brown G.
Palliat Support Care. 2004 Dec;2(4):403-8.
PMID: 16594403 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related Articles
2: Grief masks.
Harting LB, Tompkins JM, Nancy AR.
J Pediatr Health Care. 2004 Nov-Dec;18(6):308-9. No abstract available.
PMID: 15523422 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related Articles
3: A bereavement support group for children: fostering communication about grief and healing.
Mulcahey AL, Young MA.
Cancer Pract. 1995 May-Jun;3(3):150-6.
PMID: 7599671 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related Articles
4: Sibling grief: a case report.
Heiney SP.
Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 1991 Jun;5(3):121-7.
PMID: 1929560 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related Articles
5: The experience of repeated and traumatic loss among Crow Indian children: response patterns and intervention strategies.
Long KA.
Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1983 Jan;53(1):116-26.
PMID: 6829717 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related Articles
Hi! I recently graduated from Emporia State University with my masters in art therapy. My husband and I now live in Webb City, MO. I am wanting to work towards my ATR but I cannot find an ATR supervisor close to me! Any suggestions?
@Whitney: Try emailing Julie Grant at the Missouri Art Therapy Association – gantja@yahoo.com
Hey! I am loving this blog site. I am studying to be an art therapist and help people all around the world discover how a little help from there creative side of their brain can save them from their issues. Thank you for this site!!!
@Madeleine: Thank you for the wonderful comments and encouragemet
Hi Patrick,
I am contemplating going to Grad School to become an Art Therapist, but I am confused and maybe you can help. I live in Texas with my husband and three kids, and in order to get a good Art Therapy education we would have to move out of state. I am also concerned with finding and keeping a job once I graduate. Is there desent job stability in this field? I read that with this economy that this is one of the many programs that could be cut. I would love your advice. I am wanting to work in a hospital with children, do you have any suggestions on which schools are best?
Thanks a bunch!
Lindsey
first, patrick i just found this site and am very excited about it – i am looking forward to being an art therapist one day!!
second: to lindsey – i am just figuring all of this out too, but it looks like you can get certified by AATA standards at st. mary of the woods college without being required to move or anything – so if i were you i think i would look into that
sophie
@Sophie: Thanks for the generous comment about the site and for suggesting St. Mary of the Woods for Lindsey. I’m working on creating a schools and education section for the site as I seem to get more and more people interested in becoming art therapists. Sounds like you’re well on your way though!
@Lindsey: Sophie’s suggestion certainly sounds plausible given your situation. They offer a distance learning program you can read about here.
You can also contact Kathy Gotshall for more information about the program: kgotshall@smwc.edu
Angelina Rodgriquez is a certified art therapist in Houston. I’m not sure where in Texas you’re located, but she may be able to help answer some of your questions regarding the stability in that area. Her email address is life@therapybyangelina.com. Her phone number is (713) 206-8429.
She got her counseling degree at Texas A&M an then specialized in art therapy at the University of Houston Clear Lake. So, that’s another potential option…taking most of your classes at a college near you and then taking the “art therapy” part at another college that offers it.
I would say that the job stability will certainly depend on where you’re working. If you’re working in a hospital where the art therapy program is more of an “extra-curricular” program and has a short history, then it’s probably more likely to get cut if economic times are bad. It’s tough to say what the economy will be like when you’re ready to enter the market.
Hope this helps and good luck Lindsey!
Thank you so much, Patrick and Sophie! It’s funny you mentioned St. Mary of the Woods because I have been thinking about that school! Thank you for the contact in Houston, it’s not close but it helps that she is in Texas. I will definitely keep my eye on this AMAZING website!! Good Luck, Sophie!
Hello,
I am currently an elementary school art teacher in northern virginia. I have just started to do some research on art therapy and I am interested in learning more about this field. Does anyone know of any classes or schools in the northern va area where I could become more educated? Or are there any online schools? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
-Lauren
Hello-
I am planning on attending graduate school for my masters in Art Therapy this fall. I am trying to decide between Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago and Naropa University in Boulder, CO. Does anyone have any recommendations or feedback on which program is better? I’d really like to go to Chicago as I enjoy the big city but Naropa’s program seems very appealing because they have better equipped art facilities and an actual campus. I’m not sure which one has better credentials or reputation. Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!
Denise
Patrick,
Thanks for this blog and the plug too. I am thrilled to bump onto this blog site. I think it is a great way to promote the creative arts and psychology. I am an Art Therapist in private practice and I love my work. I recently began a Art therapy Group that is meeting once a month. I am hoping to begin a second art therapy group that only focuses on romantic, sex and love issues. I will celebrate my fourth year in July. I am in Houston, Tx. and I really support all the experiential arts. I get many emails and calls about an art program in Texas, unfortunately there is none. But, I do offer workshops, with CEU’s for those considering a career in art therapy as a way to first experience art therapy before committing to the work. Thanks again Patrick.
Angelina
Hey I love your site!
I’m doing a project to inform others about art therapy.
I would like to cite your cite for use in a speech. Do you have any links to sites that could reinforce the effectivesness of art therapy? Maybe with some statistics or citing of credible sources ie. doctors, psychologist etc.
Thank you so much!
Patrick, I am using this site for my informative speech in my college speech class. I need your full name, coyright or update date. This would help to be able to actually use this site as a creditable source. Phena Keil artrocksbyphena@hotmail.com
@Phena, I emailed you some info.
@Bethani, The last article written was about a study that showed how art therapy helps women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. There’s a link at the end of the article that references the study for more detail. It’s a great study!
Hi Patrick,
I am doing a project on art therapy for victims of child abuse and I am using your website for information. I need your full name,copyright and update date to be able to use this very useful information in my project. Thank you.
Hi Patrick,
I just noticed Natasha was seeking the same information I am. I am conducting research on the effectiveness of art therapy on a client with PTSD. I will be using the Transformational Self-Portrait activity (which I very much appreciate!) as part of my intervention and I need to include the proper citation. Can you please provide me with this necessary information, including your name and copyright date? Great website and fantastic opportunity to network with other art therapists! Thanks!
its great research. here you can find more therapy miracles NAPACenter
I just found this blog and I think it absolutely amazing, I am currently a graduate student for Art Therapy and I find this is site to be so informative and helpful. I will share this site with all my classmates!!!!! If you are in NY you should come in as a guest speaker at our school =)
Hi. I am an AT in Montreal and recently came upon your blog. Thank you there is some very useful information here! I am just curious though, no where do we know who the author is. Patrick who?…do you have a bio you can include?
so i was reading everyone,s comments i realized many of you either work with art theraphy or are going that way. anyway i looked up for some activities and i have to ask how do any of these exercices work if you dont have an art theraphy coach. is it useless ?
This blog is really interisting, i am an italian art therapyist working in milan, i invite everybody to visit ohttp://arttherapyit.wordpress.com/ur blog,
thank you melania
hi…I was wondering what you think about this problem I have…I am doing an art therapy course at the moment and am concerned about a lot of new age ideas entering the course…for example: that medicine bags (in this case a bag with stuff you have collected from home) are healing…that there really are animal guides (not a part of the sub-conscious-but that they really exist???!!!) that if you image a white light around something or somebody it will protect them… i believe that art therapy works but I do not believe that these other phenomena exist…it is part of the course i am doing…
Hi Patrick – This is a great site. Thank you. Are you the Patrick that went to Ottawa University in Phoenix, Az?
@judith: Thanks for the kind comments, however, I did not attend Ottawa University.
Hi Patrick, I have just come across your site. I live in Australia and am completing a PhD looking at the lived experience of watercolour painting.
Much of the comment from your contributors is resonating with stories from my study participants. Look forward to following the site.
Congratulations on putting it all together, it’s great.
Ann
i’m looking for grad schools for art therapy. does anyone have any suggestions? thank you for this website. it’s wonderful.
Hello-
I hope you do not mind, but I have referenced your site quite a bit on my new “Art Therapy Page” on my blog (http://mymonsterhasaname.com/gallery/art-therapy/). If you do mind, just let me know.
Thank you for this site, it has so many great posts!
My Monster (MM)
@My Monster: Don’t mind at all…thanks for spreading the word about art therapy and your generous comment. I enjoy your blog as well!
I never ever post but this time I will,Thanks alot for the great blog.
Hi Patrick!
I’m Tamsin, A counselling psychologist from India. In two weeks, I will be presenting a paper on Art Therapy as a cathartic solution for infertility. I was wondering if I could get in touch with you via email so I could ask for your opinion or comments. Please let me know if this is okay with you.
Thank you!
@Tamsin Sure, if you’re an email subscriber, you can hit reply and I should receive your email.
I would like to cite you for a research project. I just need your full name and an update date or copyright date. Please email me at rachrach1212@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Hi Patrick.
I am one of the Producers who brought Kids With Cameras to the screen, and I presented the movie at the premiere last week in Hollywood. My wife is an Art Therapist! I was thrilled to see your blog post. I would be happy to send you a personal copy of the movie as it has gotten rave reviews. We are wanting to spread the word. Please email me back and i will make arrangements.
Best,
Greg Strom
I think you site is wonderful. I just discovered it through the story about the Jihad being taught art.
Art has kept me sane for over 50 years since I had the worst drug experience imaginable in 1960. I was obsessed with suicide and developed anxiety disorders. Slowly and through imitating Jakson Pollock’s work I discovered self through art. I love your statement about it’s not the final art work but what happens to one’s awareness while doing the work. I believe this is also a Zen Buddhist realization.
Thanks so much. Art has led me into activism which is a way to express my anger while fighting for social justice issues. The artist Joseph Bueys formed the Green Party as an art expercience, and called it social sculpture. He has been an inspiration to my work. Not for the faint at heart, but if you want to know more about my work it is at
http://www.merrillcharles.com
Thanks again for being here.
Hi Patrick,
I’m writing an article for FUSION e-zine, the IATO and Art Therapy Alliance’s zine, re: the recent bad press art therapy has been receiving and the reaction of the online art therapy community. I’m intending to quote a portion of your post, with the intention of crediting you and linking to your blog…but I don’t have a last name! Would you be able to email me with the info?
Thanks
- Liz
Hi! I love your blog! You have an amazing amount of helpful information on it! I’m a graduate student in the art therapy program at Emporia State University. I graduate in May and am currently working on my masters project. I noticed that you have some information on sexual abuse and art therapy and I was wondering if you could give me your information so that I can use the info in my project and could cite you properly. Also any other resources you might be able to suggest would be greatly appreciated! For my project, I am making a book of a collection of directives specifically designed to address the symptoms/issues of women survivors of sexual trauma. I thank you for creating such a wonderful art therapy blog and bringing so many of us together through our common interest! Would you mind if I continue to stay in contact and ask you questions about careers in art therapy, etc as I get closer to graduating? I feel very unstable about graduating and finding a job in art therapy and it would be nice to get advice and knowledge from one who has experienced the process! Thanks again! I look forward to following your blogging!
Jen
I just produced and wrote a half-hour documentary about an art therapy program for maximum-security patients at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC, who have been adjudged “not guilty by reason of insanity.” The film was broadcast on PBS twice in December 2009 and will be shown at the Our City Film Festival (in Washington, DC) on Valentine’s Day 2010 (in one week), where I will also appear on a Q & A panel after the film. I am looking for groups and institutions around the country that might be interested in screening the film,distributors,film festivals, etc. I also just wanted to let this readership know about it and see what happens. Email me if you have questions or would like more information. Thanks!
Deborah
In case it didn’t go through, my email address is deborahschull@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Deborah