[Self-Study] Same, Same But Different: Exploring and comparing art therapy history, education, and practice in the US and India.

Recorded On: 05/14/2024

About the Event

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.

Registration Information

Registration fees are $52 for AATA members and $82 for non-members.
Attendees receive 2 CE credits.

Aishwerya K. Iyer

ATR, MA

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.