Art Therapy: In Process

In this special episode, we connect in person with students from a variety of art therapy programs at the AATA Conference to hear their stories, experiences, and perspectives on becoming art therapists.

Through these conversations, we explore what brought them to art therapy, their experience at conference, what they learned, and their hopes for the future of the profession. Each student brings a unique perspective shaped by their program, personal experiences, and passion for the healing power of creativity.

Join us for an inspiring collection of voices celebrating the next generation of art therapists and the diverse paths that lead to this meaningful work.

Ann and Matt sit down with fellow art therapist and podcaster Megan Campbell at the AATA Conference for a conversation about all things art therapy! Together, they explore the many ways art therapists show up in the field, from navigating the ins and outs of private practice to the unique experiences and challenges of working in inpatient settings.

They also dive into the role of social media in the art therapy world, discussing how therapists can use online platforms to connect, share their work, build community, and make art therapy more visible and accessible.

Whether you’re a student, a seasoned art therapist, or simply curious about the many paths an art therapy career can take, this conversation offers insights, shared experiences, and plenty to think about. Join Ann, Matt, and Megan for an engaging discussion celebrating the diverse ways art therapists practice, connect, and grow within the field.

Ann and Matt talk about their excitement for the upcoming conference next week and everything they’re looking forward to doing, learning, and participating in while they’re there. They also take a broader look at what it’s like for therapists to step away from their practices whether for a conference, vacation, or family time. The conversation explores the behind the scenes work of managing schedules, communicating with clients, arranging coverage, balancing family responsibilities, and making time away actually feel like time away. With plenty of relatable discussion about the logistics of family life and the challenges of keeping everything organized, Ann and Matt reflect on how therapists can prepare for time off while still maintaining healthy boundaries and enjoying life outside of work.

Matt and Ann sit down with AATA President Raquel Farrell-Kirk for a conversation about all things conference! From tips and tricks for making the most of your AATA conference experience to what you absolutely won’t want to miss, Raquel shares her insider perspective on what’s in store this year in Charlotte. Together, they talk about connecting with colleagues, navigating the packed schedule, finding opportunities to learn and grow, and making the most of everything AATA2026 has to offer. Whether you’re a conference veteran or attending for the first time, this episode will help you feel prepared, excited, and ready to be part of the AATA community in Charlotte.

One year of the podcast! Ann and Matt are celebrating by doing what they do best: hanging out, talking about art therapy, and reflecting on how this little podcast became something much bigger than they ever imagined.

In this special anniversary episode, they look back at how they got here, why art therapy matters so deeply to both of them, and the incredible ways this podcast has connected people across the art therapy community. From conversations with inspiring guests to unexpected friendships and connections, they reflect on the community that has grown around the show and how grateful they are to be a part of it.

And because this podcast is also about two friends who genuinely enjoy spending time together, they wrap things up with a little game of Friendship with plenty of laughs, questionable answers, and a reminder that sometimes the best conversations happen when you’re simply hanging out.

Here’s to one year of creativity, connection, community, and friendship and to wherever the next year takes us.

In this episode, Ann and Matt take a personal and playful tour through some of their favorite Pittsburgh spots for art, creativity, and art therapy-inspired experiences. Along the way, they talk about what it really looks like to balance life as a parent and an art therapist

From favorite creative places around Pittsburgh to finding small moments of connection and creativity in everyday life, this conversation explores how art can support wellbeing, relationships, and self-expression at every stage of life

Ann and Matt explore what happens when the helpers of the world need help themselves. They discuss the challenges of navigating care, asking for support, and how therapists and other helping professionals can respond differently when the person seeking help is also a professional helper.

Ann and Matt welcome Mary Ellen Ruff, PhD, for an insightful conversation packed with practical wisdom for therapists and mental health clinicians. Dr. Ruff shares why thoughtful, thorough note taking matters, what clinicians should know when becoming involved with the court system, and the challenges and responsibilities that can come with serving as a therapist in legal proceedings

Ann and Matt are getting ready for back to school season! In this episode, they chat about the excitement and challenges of heading back to school, share thoughts on media and TV shows that kids are watching, and discuss how families can navigate screen time. Plus, they have some special announcements and updates you won’t want to miss.

Flightless Bird Podcast- Youtube for Kids with Kaitlyn Becker

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Ann and Matt welcome Elizabeth Hlavek, DAT, LCPAT, ATR-BC, an art therapy clinician, scholar, advocate, and AATA 2026 Conference Chair, for an inside look at the upcoming American Art Therapy Association conference in Charlotte this October.

Elizabeth shares what attendees can look forward to at AATA2026, the importance of gathering together as a professional community, and the ideas and conversations shaping the future of art therapy. Ann and Matt also announce that they’ll be broadcasting live from the conference bringing listeners along for the experience with conversations, insights, and highlights from the event.

Whether you’re attending AATA2026 or following along from home, this episode is a preview of what’s ahead and an invitation to be part of the conversation!

In this episode, Ann and Matt chat about the back to school transition and the mix of excitement, stress, and shifting routines that parents and therapists experience this time of year. They celebrate the exciting news that their children’s book, Moon Magic, is now available at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, while also sharing the less glamorous side of the profession keeping up with licensure requirements, continuing education, board certifications, and the ongoing pressure to stay current. It’s an honest conversation about juggling family life, professional growth, and finding moments to celebrate along the way.

Ann and Matt get real about the many sides of being a therapist. They talk about the full moon, navigating unexpected crisis calls from clients, and the advice they wish every new clinician could hear.

They also share what it’s like to experience unexpected challenges in their own personal lives while continuing to show up for clients and manage their businesses. From boundaries and balance to the emotional realities of the work, this conversation is an honest look at what it means to be a therapist while also being human.

In this episode, Ann and Matt take a nostalgic journey through the TV shows that shaped who they are, exploring the characters that stayed with them long after the credits rolled. They discuss how storytelling influences our values, sparks creativity, and helps us make sense of the world.

The conversation also dives into the role of characters in art therapy, how creating and connecting with fictional characters can help children and adults process emotions, build resilience, and tell their own stories in meaningful ways.

Of course, no parenting podcast would be complete without a few surprise guest appearances from the kids in the background. Their interruptions are a reminder that real life rarely happens in silence and that’s exactly the beauty of it.

In this conversation, Ann and Matt explore what fuels the creative process and why making art is often less about waiting for inspiration and more about following curiosity. They reflect on the motivations that drive artists, the challenges of creating in everyday life, and why embracing the weird can lead to the most meaningful work.

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore the evolving nature of friendships throughout different stages of life. The conversation also examines the lasting effects of the COVID and social media on how people meet, sustain, and perceive friendships, including increased isolation, shifting communication patterns, and heightened comparison. Throughout the episode, Ann and Matt share personal stories alongside professional insights, offering practical strategies they use in therapy to help clients navigate loneliness, build authentic relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and foster deeper connections in today’s increasingly digital world

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore what it means to keep kids safe both as parents and as therapists. They discuss how to navigate difficult but necessary conversations with children about safety, boundaries, emotions, and the world around them. Drawing from their unique perspectives, they examine the differences between parenting and being a therapist, the challenges of wearing both hats, and how to build trust so kids feel comfortable coming to the adults in their lives. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or mental health professional, this conversation offers practical insights and reassurance for fostering resilience, open communication, and emotional safety in children.

In this episode Ann and Matt explore the psychology of fairytales, the deeper meaning behind children’s stories, and the books that helped shape who they are. From the symbolism and emotional truths hidden in classic tales to the comfort, imagination, and life lessons found in favorite childhood books, this conversation looks at why stories matter so much especially for kids. Along the way, they share personal favorites, reflect on the books that stayed with them, and discuss how fairytales and children’s literature can help us make sense of feelings, fears, and the human experience.

In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt share some of their favorite weird and unexpected therapist stories, chat about their children’s book Moon Magic, explore how therapists actually socialize outside of work, and wander through plenty of random tangents along the way. From creativity and connection to the strange moments that make therapist life memorable, this conversation is equal parts insightful, funny, and delightfully off track.

This week on Art Therapy in Process, we’re joined by David Gussak for a conversation that weaves through art therapy, career journeys, and the unexpected paths that shape our work. Dave shares his experiences pioneering art therapy within correctional settings and discusses the unique role creativity can play in environments often defined by restriction and isolation.

Along the way, we explore how each of us found our way into the field of art therapy, the mentors and moments that influenced our careers, and how we somehow all ended up sharing our work on social media. As always, the conversation takes a few delightful detours, with reflections on professional identity, connection, creativity, and the stories that emerge when therapists get together.

This week on Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt explore what it means to navigate life and work with a Type B personality in a world that often celebrates hustle and perfection. From spontaneous adventures and embracing flexibility to building a strong support system, they discuss the vital role friendship, community, and authentic connection play in personal and professional growth. The conversation also dives into the impact of social media on relationship building and how it can sometimes complicate genuine connection. Join us for a candid, relatable discussion about support, belonging, and finding your people along the way.