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We are thrilled to announce our first-ever technology event, Artful Connections: Technology, Art Therapy and Mental Health, to be held Dec. 2, 2023!

Together, let’s explore how technology—from virtual sessions and virtual reality, to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and wearable tech—is transforming mental health care and the work art therapists do every day. Our presenters will address how they apply emerging technologies to their work and research as well as the ethical implications. The event will be held live (not pre-recorded) with dynamic, engaging discussion and opportunities to network with art therapists, researchers, and mental health professionals from around the world.

Registration for this virtual event will open in early Nov. Participants will have the option of earning up to six continuing education credits.

Most therapists aren’t aware of workplace bullying as a type of trauma. Even though many targets of workplace bullying wind up in therapy due to anxiety, depression, and PTSD, therapists generally aren’t educated about the widespread practice of this abuse. In the U.S. alone, 30% of the population has experienced it directly and another 19% has experienced it vicariously. 

International Workplace Bullying Awareness Week is a good time to start having conversations about this trauma-hiding-in-plain-sight with clients, colleagues, and anyone you care about.

The museum visit, paired with art-making, provides participants with an elevation of their museum experience, especially those who report rarely making or creating art themselves. What I have observed through my project on integrating art therapy in a museum was how connecting different community members over art-making fosters group cohesion as a sense of belonging in a museum. It allowed my participants to focus momentarily on the present moment, reducing their integrative social anxiety after any socially isolating event and promoting emotional wellness. Participants who created art in my project expressed a sense of spontaneity that came naturally and shared more insight into one’s mindset when feeling and experiencing isolation.

On Oct. 6, 2023, the Art Therapy Advisory Board of Virginia's Department Of Health Professions met for the first time since August 2021. Once the licensure regulations are approved, they will circle back to the Board of Counseling and then back to the desk of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Virginia's Governor. Learn more how you can get involved.

This year’s AATA conference in San Diego is collaborating with SoCal Safe Shelter Collaborative and California Against Slavery to help survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault. California Against Slavery works together with 22 organizations and agencies to find help and shelter quickly. The Local Arrangements Committee wants to help by bringing awareness to this issue and by donating art therapy kits to survivors. They are asking each conference attendee interested in participating to bring a journal of any size and some markers to the conference to donate for this cause. 

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), we spotlight members of the Latinx community. This week, we invited Ivan Lopez to talk to us about his heritage and his experiences as an art therapist and AATA member. 

This Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), we shared the art created by five inspiring Latina/o/xs art therapists and profiled the work they do in support of their clients and communities they serve.

Take a moment to read about their experiences.

Voting for AATA Leadership has started. You have until November 6 to cast your ballot. AATA Voting Members received an email containing your voting credentials and a link to access the ballot.  

Whether you are a seasoned author—or aspiring to be one—join us for the in-person Journal Special Interest Group (SIG) at AATA2023 in San Diego, Oct. 28, 4 p.m.