November 28, 2020
For a long time, I’ve considered writing a blog. My challenge has always been figuring out what exactly to focus on writing about. As an art therapist and educator, I think I am stuck on the idea that I need to have sources, a plan, impart some new knowledge, etc. Well, what I’ve recently realized is that a blog can be what I want it to be and I’d really enjoy a place where I can write about and share some of my own ideas and experiences. This blog is going to start, at least, with ramblings about what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown over the more than two decades of my career. So, welcome to the first installment! Take what you will, ignore the rest, and leave a comment, if you are so inclined.
What comes to mind at the moment, and often when I begin a new term of teaching, are memories of the beginning of my career, those first days and months when I was terrified, wondering if I was in the right place and if I knew enough to be practicing. Of course, all new therapists must have supervision at the beginning and I did have a wonderful supervisor at the time. When I first became an art therapist, things were a bit different in the profession. While art therapy had been established as a profession some 30 years or so before I graduated with my master’s degree, it was still a little known profession and I had to continually define it for many individuals and employers I met. Luckily for me, I had already advocated for an internship position at the United Cerebral Palsy Association, in Nassau County, NY when I was searching for an internship. Once I graduated, I was offered a part-time position to begin a permanent art therapy program within the special education school on the campus. Exciting but terrifying! What did I know about starting a program? I didn’t even have my Certification yet. As I said, items were a little different. Now NY has a specific license for art therapy (LCAT) and one cannot practice in the state without either being a student intern or having an LCAT permit or license. I would have had to wait a couple of years until I have those credentials before beginning a program.
Well, as I said, I had a wonderful supervisor who helped me plan and navigate step by step. I started at 11 hours per week. Of course, I had to find another job to make up the additional income I needed as a single parent. I took the chance though because no matter how nervous I was, I also believed deeply in what I was doing and was determined to expand the availability of art therapy services to the students I worked with as part of my internship program.
I guess you could also say that I am determined and a bit stubborn when I set my mind to something. Most of the time, these traits have proved helpful to me in my life but sometimes, they’ve caused me heartache.
I took this job, with no supply budget, no art room or office, and an old projector cart that I was able to convert into a traveling art therapy cart. I’d travel to classrooms and initially worked with students in groups. I became very resourceful about procuring art supplies, whether pleading with teachers to use their paint supplies or gathering grocery bags to cut up for paper, I found a way to make it work. I actually believe this experience helped me expand my creativity and provide students with unexpected and unique experiences. I’ll get into the therapeutic aspects of my work a little later. I first want to establish a detailed image of my working environment.