As many of us were forced to pivot therapeutic practices when the COVID-19 pandemic altered society last spring, this lecture explores one art therapist’s efforts to find a way to meet their clients’ needs in the face of this crisis. 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 and 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.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be familiarized with the limitations of facilitating remote group art therapy through online video meeting platforms, and some possible ways to manage these limitations.

2. Participants will learn the value of shifting material selection towards the more concrete cognitive/ symbolic end of the Expressive Therapies Continuum.

3. Participants will learn how to address several ethical issues posed by providing telehealth.

Bio:

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, Joshua was placed as Acting Clinical Director and oversaw the development of The Art Therapy Projects’ telehealth program. Joshua 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 Joshua 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. Joshua 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.