Two short years ago in San Francisco, at the annual APA convention, creative arts therapies emerged as a coherent, wide-ranging and compelling specialty, heretofore silent, within the ranks of APA members. Before then, few of us knew each other existed. Then clinical trials identified mechanisms and clientele while delineating boundaries and limits to effectiveness. Subsequently, psychologists in behavioral neuroscience, aging, public service, development, schools and integrated medicine either used creative arts therapies or collaborated with creative arts therapists. New technologies began telling the complete creative arts story, compelling the re-evaluation of the primary importance of creative arts for health, recovery from illnesses like post-traumatic stress and mild traumatic brain injury and wellness. The creative arts were represented by Div. 10 (SPACA) in almost 20 programs featuring many different aspects of creative arts therapies. Last year in Chicago, more creative arts therapies programming appeared.
What will happen in 2020? Like the Whos in Whoville in the animated film "Horton Hears a Who," needing to shout together in one voice, “We are here! We are here!” so their town would be saved, those APA members interested in creative arts therapies will continue to raise their voices in unison so that we can collaborate across disciplines, communicate our value and serve as models for our up and coming leaders. Hayward, J. & Martino, S. (Directors; 2008) ("Horton hears a Who!" Los Angeles: 20th Century Fox.)
The Drexel University conference, as well as APA’s 2020 convention, are imminent opportunities to do just that.
Now is the time to contact Drexel University conference coordinator Elaine Perignat and Honorary Chairs Jen Katz-Buoincontro and Paul Silvia to register your interest and to learn about how creative arts therapies will be offered in the program. Let them know if you want to present a program, teach a course or lead a discussion on creative arts therapies.