The Art Therapy Project

“'I drew this because sometimes I miss my parents and I feel sad,' says Abul*, a 14-year-old Rohingya refugee who became separated from his parents while fleeing Myanmar. It has been 2 years since he first arrived at the temporary shelter in Tak."

Read about how art is helping refugees from Myanmar to cope with military violence and displacement:

Thailand: art therapy as a lifeline for Rohingya refugee children caught in limbo For decades, the 2,400-kilometre border with Thailand has served as a crossing point for those seeking a better life. Among them are waves of Rohingya refugees who have been fleeing armed attacks and severe human rights violations since the 1970s.

👋 Meet Ally Womack, one of TATP's newest Young Professionals, who shares her motivation for participating in Move for Mental Health! Ally, who begins graduate school in the fall to pursue a career in art therapy, brings a strong passion for supporting The Art Therapy Project's mission. She truly embodies the core values of our Young Professionals Leadership Group and what it means to Move for Mental Health!

🥇 Join Ally and the YPLGs from NOW through August 8th in fundraising to support group art therapy for those in need of mental health services! Prioritize your self-care while making a meaningful impact on the mental health journeys of people in our community.

🏃‍♂️ We'll see you out there on the fundraising field!

🔗Where to sign up:
charity.pledgeit.org/MoveForMentalHealth2023

Remember to share and tag:
and post your progress on your Pledge It page!

"Cultural humility involves understanding the complexity of identities — that even in sameness there is difference."

July is minority mental health awareness month! Here is an article that explains what cultural humility vs competence looks like for healthcare providers, and the importance of both:

live-healthcity2.pantheonsite.io

According to research, "even a single session of real and honest self-expression can improve self-confidence and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and burnout."

Read more about how important (and fun!) it is to tap into our natural creativity here: ⬇️

Opinion | Making Art Provides a Wellspring of Health Benefits "Creative self-expression provides an outlet through which a person can regain a sense of agency and control," Girija Kaimal writes.

🤸🏾 One week into Move for Mental Health and we're here to remind you to keep pushing forward and believe in your journey! You've got what it takes to keep strong!

🙏 Thank you to everyone who has signed up, organized teams, pledged, and embraced Move for Mental Health! Your support is invaluable to our clients!

🔗 Want to join the fun?
Follow the link: charity.pledgeit.org/MoveForMentalHealth2024

Remember to share and tag:
and post your progress on your Pledge It page!

“When you are in talk therapy for an eating disorder, it’s almost like the therapist is the villain because you want to keep that eating disorder self intact, and talking to a therapist threatens that. With art making, it's much harder to filter your emotions and it’s more natural to be fully expressive."

Read about how the Expressive Therapies Continuum can be utilized to treat anorexia nervosa via art therapy and more:

Concordia alumna develops a new trauma-informed art therapy program for people with anorexia nervosa - Concordia University People with anorexia nervosa often view the condition as a close friend that they are hesitant to cut out of their lives, shunning therapy that might undermine their identity. There is evidence that anorexia nervosa can be caused by physical or emotional trauma in relationships, but most recovery p...

"After struggling with his own mental health, Mr. Phillips said he wants his art to become an outlet for others."

Here are the sculptures of one artist whose artwork has become a well known symbol of resilience:

Glastonbury wings sculpture inspired by mental health Sculpture artist Edgar Phillips says the designs are influenced by his own mental health journey.

🧘 Reminder to join TATP on Thursday, July 18th for a relaxing hour of yoga in Central Park! Follow the link below to reserve your spot!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-in-the-park-move-for-mental-health-2024-tickets-934524807857

All levels are welcome, so whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, we have a spot for you! All proceeds from this event support group art therapy for those in need of mental health services across NY.

🙏 Style: “heARTful Vinyasa” flow class, focused on integrating movement and breath, and using art along the way. Lead by Clare Murray (YTT200 +25H Uplevel through NY Loves Yoga)
🏞️ Location: Mineral Springs, Central Park West 70th Street New York, NY 10019
📅 Date and time: Tuesday, July 18 · 7 - 8pm EDT

💙 Please bring a yoga towel (mats are not permitted), water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing.

"When I have panic attacks Delta will come and sit on my feet, or put his chin on my leg or alert me in some way shape or form, when my heart rate is getting elevated.”

Read a heartwarming story about how one service animal helped his owner combat PTSD here:

Local veteran finds passion for life again after being paired with her service dog, Delta Sarah is an Air Force veteran suffering from PTSD. She got the help she needed after getting her service dog, Delta.

Stay strong during Move for Mental Health, hit these milestones, and earn chances to win amazing prizes! 🧘‍♀️🏋️‍♂️

Move for Mental Health 2024 Milestone Rewards:
🎁 Log 150 minutes by July 15th to secure a chance to win a 3-day pass to Central Rock Gym - a $115 value!
🎁 Raise $750 by July 28th to secure a chance to win a 5-pack of yoga classes at Heatwise- a $165 value!

All proceeds from this event support group art therapy for those in need of mental health services across NY!

You can register and participate in MFMH anytime - there is no hard deadline for joining but there's no time like the present!

🔗 Where to sign up and log your minutes:
charity.pledgeit.org/MoveForMentalHealth2024

🧗‍♀️ Remeber to share and tag

"It’s not about teaching people how to do art or make something specific. It’s really about helping people get reconnected to that creative source that everybody has."

Here's the difference between art class and art therapy, as explained by an art therapist of 35 years:

KY therapist uses Art Therapy to help kids and adults who may or may not be artistic Art Therapist Janet Osborn uses Art Therapy to help kids and adults. She says you don't have to be good at art to participate.

The hope is to "encourage fellow veterans to speak and to let those struggling with mental health issues know that there’s help and hope."

Read more about the veteran artist who sought to shed light on the issue of veteran su***de:

Local artist honors late veteran with portrait, promotes mental health awareness A veteran who died by su***de, was honored today by a local artist who gifted a portrait of the veteran to the veteran’s family.He also has information on how t

🚴 Join the movement with Peloton! Whether you're part of or just love to ride, use on Peloton (Peloton) from July 8th to August 8th! Raise awareness for mental health, connect with fellow movers, and support improved access to art therapy together!

Remember to share your progress on your Pledge It page too!

“Somebody might not be willing to talk. But use a piece of paper, and give them a watercolor palette, and they start painting. The words can just flow right out of them."

Read more about the benefits of art therapy for a geriatric population:

Art therapy provides comfort, fun for seniors Several studies have looked into the benefit of art therapy for America’s aging population.

“At the intersection of art and technology exists a bridge to help former servicemen and servicewomen build connections and forge relationships with other veterans who may be struggling too.”

Learn more about the online community of veterans who are engaged in creative pursuits:

Art therapy online platform connects veterans Chicago-based Navy veteran William Schranz founded the International Veteran Art Collective, an online community that helps veterans create art and build friendships.

🏁LET'S GET MOVING! Move for Mental Health has officially begun!

🏃 🏊‍♂️ 🏀 Starting TODAY through August 8th, set aside time for self-care and fundraise to support TATP's mission to provide art therapy to those in need of mental health services!

Ask family, friends, and colleagues to make a pledge, and let's get moving to contribute as many minutes as we can!

Need inspiration? Minutes can be accumulated in limitless ways by walking your dog, running with a friend, swimming, playing tennis or Pickleball AND through creative activities such as knitting, cooking, dancing, gardening or painting!

🏅🎁🏆Individual and team prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers and the participants with the most minutes logged!

You can register and participate in MFMH anytime - even after the start date. There is no hard deadline for joining but what are you waiting for?

🔗 Where to sign up and log your minutes:
charity.pledgeit.org/MoveForMentalHealth2024

🙏 Thank you to everyone who has signed up, organized teams, and said yes to Move for Mental Health! Your support means the world to our clients!

Remember to share and tag:
and post your progress on your Pledge It page!

At the Barnstable County Correctional Facility, a group of incarcerated women are participating in an art therapy program by creating a mural project called Metamorphosis.

Check out the mural:

See the 'Metamorphosis' mural inmates at Cape Cod correctional facility painted A group of incarcerated women at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility are working on a mural that is part of a program called Metamorphosis.

"The Palais des Beaux Arts museum in the city [of Lille] has been developing art therapy for more than six years.

Marie Vidal de la Blache, the museum’s development manager, says: 'In partnership with the teaching hospital [Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, or CHU] and other local associations, we offer art therapy to five different categories of patients.'”

How art therapy is proving a lifeline for patients in Lille Scheme brings patients together to escape from their condition and to socialise

"Feelings are invisible but art can make them visible. We can give words and imagery to something that is abstract like trauma and stress."

Watch one art therapist explain the potential value of art therapy to patients recovering from physical trauma:

How art therapy can help patients recover from physical trauma Amy Mattingly, an art therapist with UofL Health Trauma, said the injuries people experience can be from anything ranging from car accidents to gun shot wounds.

🧘‍♀️ Join us for a peaceful hour of yoga in the park with a “heARTful Vinyasa,” led by TATP Young Professional, Clare Murray! This unique flow class integrates movement, breath, and art. Reserve your spot through the link below! Space is limited - sign up today!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-in-the-park-move-for-mental-health-2024-tickets-934524807857

📅 Date and Time: Tuesday, July 18 · 7 - 8 PM EDT
🏞️ Location: Mineral Springs, Central Park West 70th Street, New York, NY

All levels are welcome! Whether you're an experienced yogi or new to the practice, we have a spot for you.

💙 Please bring a yoga towel (mats are not permitted), water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. All proceeds from this event support group art therapy for those in need of mental health services across NY.
👋 Meet Your Instructor: Clare Murray (YTT200 +25H Uplevel through NY Loves Yoga) is an art museum director, artist, educator, and doctoral student with a passion for inspiring others to take time to breathe, move, and connect their minds, bodies, and souls. Clare sees her yoga classes as curatorial projects that reveal the strength and beauty in each yogi, whether they’ve practiced yoga before or not. Her classes blend rhythmic movement and breath, and always include some form of heARTful inspiration. Clare serves on The Art Therapy Project’s Young Professionals Leadership Board and champions the organization’s Move for Mental Health campaign.

“I think the reason that the fibre arts touch people so deeply is it just touches on all of these aspects of what it means to be human. It's history, it's beauty, it's art, it's creativity, it's problem solving ... it's challenging yourself mentally, but also learning something by rote as well."

Read more about the various benefits of fibre arts here:

Grief could have torn their world apart by the seams. How these women used knitting to weave a different story Hannah Taylor-Johnson began to knit a scarf by her father's hospital bed. After he died, she went back to school to study art therapy, studying grief and fibre arts for her thesis and later publishing her results and the research she conducted with others who'd used knitting to help through difficul...

Yale School of Medicine and The Ely Center of Contemporary Art collaborated to "bridge our sectors and create new opportunities for artists within the art healing sector".

Read more about the project here!

Yale Med/Peds Residents Explore Role as Healers in New Arts-Healing Workshop The Yale Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program emphasizes culture building and bonding in an effort to better themselves as healers and

⚠️ 1 week until we MOVE for Mental Health!

🏃‍♂️ Join us from July 8th to August 8th to by raising funds to support improved access to art therapy across New York! Every step, minute, and pledge makes a difference! Together we'll ensure art therapy is accessible to those still seeking mental health services.

💪 Sign up as an individual, start or join a team, or pledge your support! Move those fingers and sign up today!

🔗Where to sign up:
charity.pledgeit.org/MoveForMentalHealth2024

According to research, "participants with dementia saw at least one of the following benefits from art therapy: improved wellbeing, better quality of life, reduced biological and psychological symptoms of dementia, or better cognitive function".

Read about the preexisting body of research on the intersection between art therapy and subjective cognitive decline here:

Art Therapies for Seniors There's some evidence that art therapy can help slow or prevent cognitive decline in seniors. Here's what we know so far.

Remembering Stonewall on International Pride Day 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Today's opening of The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York marks the 55th anniversary with a space dedicated to LGBTQIA+ history and culture.

"The center – organized by two q***r women of color, PrideLive’s Diana Rodriguez and Ann Marie Gothard – hopes to serve as a living monument to those who have shaped the LGBTQ equality movement."

Learn more ⬇️
https://abcnews.go.com/US/stonewall-uprising-veteran-honors-protest-historic-lgbtq-center/story?id=111454893

"When patients look at this beautiful mural, they’ll be able to see all the beauty that’s in the world and get out of that dark spot in their minds. This is good for our staff as well – they can also come out here and reflect, because they don’t have an easy job."

Read about the positive influence of an art mural in one hospital community:

www.centralfloridahealthnews.com/winter-haven-hospital-mural-reflects-connection-between-art-health/

Winter Haven Hospital Mural Reflects Connection Between Art, Health - Central Florida Health News provided by BAYCARE Most people might have looked at the long, tall and blank wall bordering the outdoor recreation area at Winter Haven Hospital and seen just that. But some members of the Winter Haven Hospital Center for Psychiatry team saw an opportunity for beauty and healing for behavioral heal...

June 27th is annually observed as National PTSD Awareness Day, a time to bring attention to the challenges faced by those with post-traumatic stress disorder. For TATP, it is a time to share the unique therapeutic benefits of creative expression for individuals living with PTSD.

🎨 Many survivors of trauma find it difficult to express their feelings with words. When facilitated by a licensed art therapist, creative expression can help those living with PTSD to:
-Process traumatic memories through non-verbal interventions
-Gain insight into their internal experience to identify triggers and coping mechanisms
-Manage overwhelming emotions through the art-making process

📞 If you or someone you know needs immediate support please call the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787

👕 Get your t-shirt from Penn State WCPC’s Art it Out campaign! Wear your gear during Move for Mental Health to show double the support for The Art Therapy Project! Makes for a great photo op, too! 🙌

100% of proceeds from mugs, t-shirts, and sweatshirts sold in 2024 will support TATP's programs, providing improved access to art therapy for those in need.

🔗 Shop now: https://wcpc.creator-spring.com/ 🔗

🏃 🏀 About Move for Mental Health:
From July 8th to August 8th set aside time for self-care while also raising funds to support the mission of The Art Therapy Project!

Sign up as an individual, start or join a team, or pledge your support! Just don't forget to bring your Art it Out T-shirt to the fundraising field!

🔗Where to sign up:
charity.pledgeit.org/MoveForMentalHealth2024