An Art Therapist’s Calling: Clinician, Artist, Researcher

Art therapists are often called to take on different roles in order to understand and contain their clients’ experiences. They must continuously seek to deepen their work through evidence-based practices, art creation, and by keeping abreast of the latest research findings. 

This exhibition – organised by the Art Therapists’ Association Singapore (ATAS) in collaboration with LASALLE College of the Arts and The Ngee Ann Kongsi Library – aims to showcase the many facets of an art therapist’s role as clinicians, artists and researchers.

Practicing art therapists in Singapore, alumni from LASALLE’s MA Art Therapy programme, as well as current Art Therapy students, were invited to reflect upon their identity through their preferred area of research by transforming a prefabricated card stock box into a container or holding space for their ideas.

To further conversation within the community, a series of artists’ talks will also be conducted.

Full schedule below:

• 18 Sep: Dr Huma Durrani will present on the sensory-based relational art therapy approach. 
• 18 Sep: Dr Daphna Arbell Kehila will discuss how art-making supports identity formation for both therapist and client.
• 25 Sep: Lee Sze-Chin and Karen Koh will explore frameworks for community-based arts-health practices.
• 25 Sep: Lama Majaj will examine the importance of involving clients as active participants who are empowered to create their own experiences.
• 9 Oct: Dian Handayani will share a decade’s worth of insights
• 9 Oct: Kelly Reedy will talk about the necessity for art therapists to continuously cultivate their artist identity.