Sherry Evans, LPC, ATR

06/29/2026

Great resources!!

04/24/2024

Art therapists, artists, therapists, and healers have been practicing community healing that integrates art mediums and practices throughout history. “Creative and artistic expression has historically and simultaneously evolved as a part of human civilizations around the world (Dutton, 2010). Many scholars assert that art-making is an integral part of human functioning and would not have evolved or been a sustained part of human existence if it did not serve a significant adaptive purpose (Dutton, 2010; Davies, 2012; Kaimal, 2019). While the western world’s recognition of the therapeutic benefits of the arts is more recent, Indigenous societies have acknowledged the healing power of visual art, dance, music, drama, and storytelling for millennia. Indigenous knowledge (Chilisa, 2012; Pascoe, 2015) highlights the importance of traditional wisdom and insight, including the close interaction of artistic practice with natural materials, creative agency, and contemplative and spiritual meaning-making (Franklin, 2017) while recognizing our interconnectedness with other living beings in nature (Pascoe, 2015; Nagarajan, 2018).”- Girija Kaimal and Asli Arslanbek, 2020

Visual expression has been used for healing throughout history, but art therapy did not emerge as a distinct profession until the 1940s. In the early 20th century, psychiatrists became interested in the artwork created by their patients with mental illness. At around the same time, educators were discovering that children's art expressions reflected developmental, emotional, and cognitive growth. By mid-century, hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers increasingly began to include art therapy programs along with traditional "talk therapies," underscoring the recognition that the creative process of art-making enhanced recovery, health, and wellness. As a result, the profession of art therapy grew into an effective and important method of communication, assessment, and treatment with children and adults in a variety of settings.

04/24/2024

The internet is a modern-day playground for your kids. Learn how to keep them safer.

03/08/2024

Research shows that physical activity — even a little foot-tapping or gum chewing — increases levels of the neurotransmitters in the brain that control focus and attention. Learn how a subtle fidget may help block out distractions, fight boredom, and increase productivity.

02/28/2024

Barbie just embarked on a new career as an art therapist! Barbie has had more than 250 careers, but this is her FIRST in the field! 🩷🩷🩷

At a time when children are facing a multitude of mental health crises, AATA hopes will give parents and caregivers an opportunity to talk about mental health with kids and explore the power of art-making in wellness.

Learn more about : https://arttherapy.org/news-art-therapy-barbie/

01/30/2024

Autism rates are on the rise, and new treatments, such as art therapy, are emerging to meet the pervasive challenges it presents.

For instance, one individual with autism was disciplined at school for his compulsive habit of shredding paper. When taught to use his love of shredding to make collage, the child embraced this new outlet. Check out his amazing artwork!

01/30/2024

Redirect parental energy to the progress of their journeys.

07/14/2023

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/podcasts-and-webinars/webinars/digital-tech-and-family-webinar

Digital technology can be a safe, healthy and positive part of family life. Our webinar explains how to move beyond screen time and make tech work for you.