Art Therapy for Initiating Trauma Treatment

Many patients who enter mental health treatment have had traumatic experiences, and what do we do about it? This lecture will focus on initiating trauma treatment through using artwork to establish safety and stability. Examples will be used from a weekly ongoing “Safety & Stability” art therapy group, with artwork created by adults in treatment for co-occurring mental illness and chemical dependency. 

Kate Mack, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT,CASAC is an art therapist and substance abuse counselor at Kings County Hospital’s Project Access, an outpatient day treatment program for adults who are dually-diagnosed with severe mental illness and chemical dependency. She has developed an extensive art therapy program that has become an integral part of the clients' recovery process.  Kate is a member of the hospital’s Trauma-Informed Care Committee, working to implement trauma-informed care across disciplines.

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