As many of us were forced to pivot therapeutic practices when the COVID-19 pandemic altered society last spring, this lecture explores art therapist Joshua Brancheau's (MPS 2017 Art Therapy) efforts to find a way to meet his clients’ needs in the face of this crisis. Presented by MPS Art Therapy. Register here.

The objective of this talk is to share some best practices for running group art therapy through video conferencing platforms, as well as to evaluate some of the limitations inherent in this mode of therapy. Through an initial presentation, followed by Q&A, this workshop will cover approaches to working within the limitations inherent in video conference technology, consideration of material choice when working with clients remotely, as well as solutions to some of the ethical hurdles posed by practicing tele-art therapy. Throughout the lecture, theoretical framework will be reframed in the context of telehealth, group rituals and directive ideas will be introduced, and the potential for incorporating digital media will be explored, all with a focus on the necessity of co-creating this new therapeutic space with our clients.

Joshua Brancheau, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, is currently working as a full-time art therapist at The Art Therapy Project in NYC. When the current public health crisis hit, Brancheau was placed as Acting Clinical Director and oversaw the development of The Art Therapy Project's telehealth program. Brancheau has worked with adolescents and adults in the criminal justice system, as well as helped children with severe emotional disturbances develop a new language for their emotions. More recently, he has been working with adolescents in an after-school setting, supporting their identity development and bolstering their self-esteem. He is currently working with adult trauma survivors and underserved youth in a group tele-art therapy format. Brancheau is an alumnus of the School of Visual Arts Art Therapy Department.

School of Visual Arts, MPS Art Therapy Department is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0054.

1.5 CE hours available for LCATs.

Note: All events listed on sva.edu/events are in Eastern Time (ET).

Talk

Community Lecture Series: Art Therapy in the Time of COVID-19

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