A handmade alcohol ink painting on Yupo paper. Usable as an abstract background or as a texture.

Jefferson College of Health Professions Presents
Art Therapy Art Show

Art Therapy at Jefferson: A Note from the Coordinator

Welcome to the 2024 Art of Art Therapy Show, hosted by Thomas Jefferson University, the Community and Trauma Counseling program, and the Art Therapy concentration. We are proud to be able to host an in-person art show event, and also share the creativity of our community online.  

The Art Therapy concentration at Jefferson is in its 8th year and has grown in the CACREP-accredited Community and Trauma Counseling Program. We train trauma-responsive clinicians in counseling and art therapy in our master's program and post-master's certificate program. At Jefferson, students merge an understanding of ethical practice in art therapy, studio techniques, art assessments, the neurobiology of trauma, and advanced interventions to emerge as trauma-trained clinicians who are changing the landscape of trauma preparedness in our field. 

I am happy to meet with you to discuss if our program may be the right fit for you. We hope you enjoy the show.

Warmly,

Rachel Brandoff, PhD, ATR-BCCS, LCAT, LPAT
Associate Professor, Community & Trauma Counseling Program
Coordinator, Art Therapy Concentration

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession, in which masters-level trained clinicians employ visual art materials to help clients. Art therapists tap into client’s inherent creativity as a way of helping them to process trauma, identify goals, increase self-awareness, gain coping skills, minimize symptoms, improve self-esteem, develop communication strategies and better their quality of life. 

Art therapists treat a broad spectrum of clients, including children, adolescents, adults, seniors, as well as couples, families and groups. Clients in art therapy come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and are dealing with a variety of psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and physical challenges. There is no need for prior experience or skill in art to engage in and benefit from art therapy. All people have the capacity for creativity, and it is one of our greatest tools in understanding ourselves and shaping the lives that we want to live. Art therapists can help clients harness their creative potential in the service of themselves.  

Previous Art Shows

Interested in Studying Art Therapy?

Students at Jefferson study the most current theory and research in art therapy through a social equity framework. Our instructors are active in the field and bring diverse clinical experiences to the classroom. Our masters and post-masters professional certificate programs prepare graduates for national art therapy credentials through the ATCB. Jefferson’s art therapy concentration is embedded into the exceptionally unique Community and Trauma Counseling program, which prepares students for state licensure and national counseling certification. Learn more by visiting our program pages.  

The Jefferson Center of Immersive Arts for Health

A design, research and academic initiative dedicated to studying the impact of dynamic and interactive art + design on healing.