N/NY-AU-183 - Using a Narrative Approach to Art Therapy with Young Adults with Autism

Ashley Hartman, PhD, ATR is an educator, registered art therapist, researcher, and artist. She earned her doctorate of philosophy with a specialization in art therapy from Florida State University where she also obtained a certificate in Museum Education and Exhibitions (MEX). Ashley was an adjunct professor at FSU’s Graduate Art Therapy Program. She earned a Master of Science Degree in art therapy from Florida State University, a Master’s Degree in educational psychology from Florida Atlantic University, and a BS in psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University and she completed studies in fashion design at the Art Institute of Seattle. Ashley’s scholarly endeavors focus on the areas of museum-based art therapy and medical art therapy. Her dissertation study was titled Utilizing the museum as a Space for Art Therapy for Adolescents with High Functioning Autism.

My goal as an Art Therapist is to help clients explore their personal voices and provide a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment to do so. My therapeutic style centers around a holistic approach that values the mind, body, and spirit as intertwined entities. I have a particular interest in Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy and working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. It is an honor to be a witness to my clients’ stories, and it is my hope that my clients find a sense of inner peace and empowerment throughout our Art Therapy journey together.