Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with one of our art therapists, Val Koutmina ATR-BC, LCAT, who works with survivors of sexual trauma. In Part 2, you will read how Val approaches her sessions and how art therapy can transform trauma.
How do you approach your art therapy sessions?
Read MoreJanuary is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and The Art Therapy Project is honored to share with you some of the impact that art therapy has on the treatment for survivors of sexual trauma. In an effort to understand how art therapy can help access trauma and provide opportunities for self-transformation and recovery, we spoke with one of our art therapists, Val Koutmina ATR-BC, LCAT, who works with survivors of sexual trauma. The interview is split into a three part series. Here is the first part, which focuses on trauma.
What is trauma?
Read MoreThe holidays can be stressful. Many people forget to take care of themselves and become overwhelmed with family, events and overcommitment. It’s easy to neglect our self-care routines as well as our emotional wellbeing.Creating art, however, can serve as a self-care practice and form of meditation. It can have a healing effect for many ailments and eliminate the negative feelings that are associated with depression and anxiety.
Read MoreIt can be challenging to publicly exhibit client artwork because of its sensitivity. While the work in Illumination has been approved by clients and art therapists to be on view at Christie's, the artwork can be triggering for audiences.Lisa Cooper, gallery owner of Elisa Contemporary Art, curated Illumination at Christie's and provides an accessible format that takes the viewer on a sensory journey.
Read MoreThe Anti-Violence Project (AVP) empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy. Jess Benston MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, one of the art therapists for The Art Therapy Project, guides the group art therapy sessions for AVP clients.
Read MoreTo celebrate Military Appreciation Month, we talked with Lindsay Lederman, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS, Clinical Director of The Art Therapy Project, who works with two male veteran groups here at our studios.
1). What is unique about the male vet groups?There is a shared focus of having served in the military. There is something really powerful about their experiences. In the military, there was a camaraderie to have each other’s backs, be there for each other – a ‘no man left behind’ mentality
Read MorePart of The Art Therapy Project’s mission is to engage in, and support, the field of art therapy. Last year we began offering workshops that meet requirements for licensed clinical art therapists and social workers to obtain Continuing Education Hours in New York State. Workshops combine art therapy best-practice techniques and information, alongside hands-on art directives to enhance learning and connection to the material. Participants not only tap into our community of art therapists, but also learn from experts in the mental health community and established artists, which makes for truly unique learning experiences.The Art Therapy Project launched its continuing education program with an ethics workshop last October, presented by Clinical Director Lindsay Lederman, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS.
Read MoreAmong The Art Therapy Project’s newest program partners is Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, a provider of health care and related services targeted to New York City’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Callen-Lorde’s behavioral health department is comprised of one clinic for short-term therapy and psychiatry and another clinic for more complex and long-term behavioral health needs. Clinicians from both clinics are referring clients to the Art Therapy Project.“In the LGBTQ
Read MoreKelly Anne Sherlock is an Executive Board Member of the Young Professionals Leadership Group of The Art Therapy Project and associate consultant at Bain & Company, a global business strategy consulting firm, where she works with clients in industries from private equity to healthcare and retail/consumer products.
Read MoreStrewn with strands of beads everywhere, the Woods Room at Christie’s in Rockefeller Plaza was jumping as 40 employees celebrated Mardi Gras with The Art Therapy Project! To the soundtrack of New Orleans jazz, and a menu of traditional favorites including jambalaya, Voo Doo Chips and King Cake, Clinical Director Lindsay Lederman led guests in two art-making activities to educate new and potential volunteers about our work.Lederman, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS led the group through two directives:
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