Foundations of Art Therapy: Theory and Applications

Meera Rastogi, PhD, MAAT, ATR-BC, CGP, is a licensed psychologist, board certified art therapist, certified group psychotherapist, and professor at the University of Cincinnati, Clermont College. She teaches in the psychology program and directs the University's Pre-Art Therapy Certificate Program. Dr. Rastogi offers weekly art therapy groups for people with chronic illness and people focused on mental health recovery. Her research interests include the intersections between psychology, neuroscience, and art therapy, art therapy and mental health conditions, and higher education. Rachel P. Feldwisch, PhD, MAAT, LMHC, ATR-BC, is a board certified art therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed School Counselor. She worked as an art therapist and counselor for about a decade before returning to graduate school for a PhD in Counseling Psychology. She is currently the Director of Counseling Programs at the University of Indianapolis where she oversees the graduate and undergraduate art therapy programs, provides art therapy training, and conducts research in art therapy, counseling, and trauma-informed practice. Michelle Pate, DAT, LCMHC, ATR-BC, holds a Doctorate in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University, is a board certified art therapist and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She teaches undergraduate art therapy at Lesley University and currently chairs the AATA Education Committee and co-chairs the AATA Undergraduate Education sub-committee. Her current research focus is on the inclusion of diversity in the undergraduate education curriculum. Joseph Scarce, PhD, ATR-BC, provides art therapy to medical hospitals, substance abuse facilities, and edited the first book on art therapy in disaster response, Art Therapy in Response to Natural Disasters Mass Violence and Crisis. He is an assistant professor at The University of Tampa and coordinates the BA in Art Therapy program. He partners with the Tampa Museum of Art working with The University of Tampa undergraduate students to provide art therapy to underserved populations through the Art Space Program.