Avila University Celebrates New Program

On Friday, May 19, 2006, Avila's Thornhill Gallery will host a reception for an exhibit featuring the art of local art therapists. The exhibit will be followed by a special presentation about art therapy and the new Avila University art therapy graduate program.  Robert E. Ault, M.F.A., A.T.R.-BC, HLM, one of the contributing founders of art therapy, will be speaking, as well as Kayra Moloney, M.S., A.T.R., of Corporate Art Therapists.  

Avila's School of Psychology is the only program in the state of Missouri offering graduate study in art therapy. The program is designed to meet the educational requirements of licensure as a counselor, as well as credentialing as an art therapist.

“Art therapists are professionals who bring together a passion for art and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.  They understand the power of the creative process to heal and create opportunities for growth.  Art therapists provide opportunities for groups, families, adults and children to explore verbally and visually their potential as well as their problems.  The use of imagery in art therapy allows clients to access their individual symbolic language to gain personal insight, contain painful feelings, communicate more fully, and bring meaning to their life experience.  During the art therapy process clients become creators discovering new possibilities and transforming both their artwork and their lives,” said Laura Aube, M.S., A.T.R.-BC, director of counseling and art therapy, Avila University.