An art therapist with Elder Care Alliance recently was named to a leadership position for a board that credentials art therapists around the country.
Dr. Erin Partridge, experiential researcher in residence at Elder Care Alliance, has been appointed to the Exam Development and Standard Setting Committee for the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. Erin’s term on the committee begins immediately and ends in December 2018.
Role of the Committee
According to a letter sent to Erin by the Art Therapy board, the committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the primary examination for the board and setting the performance standard for the exam.
The organization notes that the committee’s charge supports the overall mission of the Art Therapy Credentials Board: protecting the public by issuing credentials ensuring the practice of art therapy in an ethical and competent manner. In November, the committee will meet in Greensboro, NC, to focus on standards-setting.
Erin’s appointment to the committee is not the first time she has been in the spotlight recently. In May, she presented her doctoral research at an international conference held at the University of Toronto, Canada. Her work focused on the ways in which technology and art are helping seniors to become more empowered while better enabling them to share their wisdom with others.
The Importance of Art Therapy
At Elder Care Alliance, Erin shares the benefits of art therapy with residents and their loved ones. The Art Therapy Credentials Board notes that art therapy incorporates the creative process — and the artwork that results — into overall therapy and healing.
Participating in art therapy allows people of every age to become more self-aware, improve their social skills, decrease anxiety and boost their self-esteem. It can help treat individuals who develop impairment of a medical, psychological, social or educational nature. Erin’s research has shown the added benefit of utilizing art and technology to enable nonverbal and minimally verbal seniors communicate – allowing them to play a significant role in the development of new technologies and the research related to them.
Art therapists play a dual role, with training and experience in both art and therapy practices. Individuals who wish to become art therapists must complete master’s degrees and meet standards set by the American Art Therapy Association.
As individuals participate in art therapy, they reduce stress, change behaviors, and enjoy the pleasures of creating art. We’re delighted that Erin assists Elder Care Alliance residents in reaping the benefits of art therapy as she continues to play a role at the national level.
