Art Therapy Ethics CEU Series (2024)

Session 1

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 7th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET

Presenter: Mercedes Ballbé ter Maat Ph.D., LPC, ATR-BC, HLM

Doing the Right Thing: Ethics, the Law, Technology, and More

Session Description: Using the American Art Therapy Association (2013) Ethical Principles for Art Therapists and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (2021) Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures as the basis for art therapy ethical practice, this presentation is intended to assist participants in exploring ethical and legal concepts related to the practice of art therapy services, whether remotely, using a video/conference platform, the telephone, or text/email. This involves addressing ethical decision-making models, moral principles and personal values, self-care, practicing within the art therapist’s area of expertise, cultural sensitivity, knowledge of licensing laws, and professional boundaries. Participants will engage in activities regarding a series of topics, including federal and state laws/statutes, ethical codes, the use of technology in art therapy and counseling, telehealth platforms, and personal values. HIPAA, FERPA, the counseling interstate compact, and other key legislation will be discussed with emphasis on art therapy and telehealth. This presentation meets the CEU requirement for art therapy credentialing.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to:
1. Name and recognize the pertinent AATA and ATCB ethical guidelines and codes of conduct that pertain to the practice of art therapy, including practicing remotely.
2. Name and recognize at least 5 moral principles, boundary issues, cultural considerations, and personal values that affect art therapists when engaging in service delivery.
3. Learn and name federal, state, and inter-state legislation that rule and impact the practice of telehealth services, including the practice of art therapy.

Bio: Dr. Mercedes Ballbé ter Maat is a professor in the Department of Counseling at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Before joining NSU, she was the director of the school counseling graduate program at the George Washington University, Alexandria, VA campus and an assistant professor at Virginia Tech. She has over 33 years of combined working experience as a counselor educator, mental health counselor, school counselor, and art therapist.

Dr. ter Maat participates in local, state, national, and international leadership undertakings in the fields of mental health counseling, school counseling, and art therapy, and has presented and published articles and book chapters on topics related to multicultural counseling, ethics, motivational interviewing, and the use of art in counseling and therapy. She actively participates in humanitarian work, most recently in Peru, Argentina, Swaziland, and Lebanon. Her research interests are enhancing the quality of life of immigrants, minority families, and refugees in crisis by identifying risk and promoting protective factors through school and community-based interventions.

She is a past president of the American Art Therapy Association, the European Branch of the American Counseling Association, and the Croatian Art Therapy Association. Dr. ter Maat is a licensed professional counselor and a board-certified/registered art therapist.

Session 2

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 14th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET

Presenter: Aishwerya K. Iyer, ATR, MA

Same, Same But Different: Exploring and comparing art therapy history, education, and practice in the US and India.

Session Description: Ethical and effective art therapy is culturally relevant and culturally responsive. Based on her experience as an art therapist in the US and teaching in the first Master's art therapy program in India, Aishwerya K.Iyer, ATR, MA will examine the historical contexts of art therapy, approaches to art and mental health, and cultural values and frameworks in the two countries. Themes, similarities, and differences that are revealed can offer new insights, deepen understanding, promote collaboration, and contextualize art therapy, translating into cultural competence and ethical art therapy practice.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, Participants will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast the history, development, and practice of art therapy in both countries.
2. Develop a deeper understanding of the factors shaping art therapy.
3. Use the insights gained to provide ethical and culturally competent art therapy services.

Bio: Aishwerya K. Iyer, ATR, MA is a registered art therapist from Rochester, Michigan. She works as an art therapist in the inpatient behavioral unit at Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, Michigan. She also teaches online in the MFA Art Therapy program at MIT- ADT University, Pune, India. Aishwerya graduated with an M.Ed in Art Therapy from Wayne State University and also has an M.A in Clinical Psychology from the University of Pune, India.

Before coming to the US and embarking on the art therapy journey, Aishwerya taught undergraduate psychology in Pune, India, and also taught at a school in Dubai, UAE. As an artist, Aishwerya's sense of aesthetics is very influenced by Indian culture and heritage as well as her training in Indian classical dance. She enjoys exploring different art media but is drawn to clay and has recently started exploring pencil portraiture.

Session 3

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 28th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET

Presenter: Traci Bitondo PhD, LPAT, LPC, ATR-BC, ATCS, ACS

Beyond the Breach: Strategies for Responding to Confidentiality Crises

Session Description: This presentation focuses on building knowledge and strategies to effectively manage breaches of confidentiality and building ethical awareness, which are both pivotal aspects of therapeutic integrity and client trust. The presenter will explore relevant HIPAA regulations and art therapy ethical codes to provide participants with the tools to navigate the complexities surrounding privacy in therapy. Real-world case examples will be used to examine and explore practical strategies for preventing and managing confidentiality breaches. Ethical decision-making models will also be explored to help participants identify structured approaches to navigating complex critical incidents. By the end of the presentation, participants will have an increased understanding of how to respond effectively to confidentiality breaches, ensuring the preservation of trust and adherence to professional standards within their practices.

Learning Objectives: 

Upon completion, Participants will be able to:
1. Articulate the key elements of HIPAA rules and art therapy ethical codes related to confidentiality breaches, demonstrating an understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks governing confidentiality in art therapy.
2. Recognize confidentiality breaches and formulate effective response strategies that uphold ethical standards and maintain the integrity of the therapist-client relationship.
3. Apply ethical decision-making models to real-life confidentiality breach cases, showcasing their ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in art therapy with informed, principled actions.

Bio: Dr. Traci Bitondo combines her passion for art therapy and counseling with a rich educational background, holding an MA in Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She has been honored with several prestigious awards, including having her advocacy work recognized with the 2022 Nancy Shoebel Legislative Service Award by AATA. As the President of the New Jersey Art Therapy Association and Member of the AATA Professional Affairs Committee, she values the opportunity to contribute to the field and support her community. 

Her professional journey includes extensive experience working with diverse client groups, providing innovative art therapy and counseling services to individuals facing a range of challenges, including those dealing with severe mental illness, children and families in crisis, and individuals in the blind and low vision community. 

In her current private clinical practice, she works to treat mental health clients, alongside her dedication to supervising and mentoring emerging professionals. Additionally, an adjunct faculty member at Caldwell University and Cedar Crest College, she shares her passion for the field by contributing to the growth and development of future counselors and art therapists.

Each 2-hour virtual session can be purchased individually or as a 6-hour bundle.