Art Therapy: In Process

Ann and Matt sit down with fellow art therapist and podcaster Megan Campbell at the AATA Conference for a conversation about all things art therapy! Together, they explore the many ways art therapists show up in the field, from navigating the ins and outs of private practice to the unique experiences and challenges of working in inpatient settings. They also dive into the role of social media in t...

Ann and Matt talk about their excitement for the upcoming conference next week and everything they’re looking forward to doing, learning, and participating in while they’re there. They also take a broader look at what it’s like for therapists to step away from their practices whether for a conference, vacation, or family time. The conversation explores the behind the scenes work of managing schedu...

Matt and Ann sit down with AATA President Raquel Farrell-Kirk for a conversation about all things conference! From tips and tricks for making the most of your AATA conference experience to what you absolutely won’t want to miss, Raquel shares her insider perspective on what’s in store this year in Charlotte. Together, they talk about connecting with colleagues, navigating the packed schedule, find...

One year of the podcast! Ann and Matt are celebrating by doing what they do best: hanging out, talking about art therapy, and reflecting on how this little podcast became something much bigger than they ever imagined. In this special anniversary episode, they look back at how they got here, why art therapy matters so deeply to both of them, and the incredible ways this podcast has connected people...

In this episode, Ann and Matt take a personal and playful tour through some of their favorite Pittsburgh spots for art, creativity, and art therapy-inspired experiences. Along the way, they talk about what it really looks like to balance life as a parent and an art therapist From favorite creative places around Pittsburgh to finding small moments of connection and creativity in everyday life, this...

Ann and Matt explore what happens when the helpers of the world need help themselves. They discuss the challenges of navigating care, asking for support, and how therapists and other helping professionals can respond differently when the person seeking help is also a professional helper.

Ann and Matt welcome Mary Ellen Ruff, PhD , for an insightful conversation packed with practical wisdom for therapists and mental health clinicians. Dr. Ruff shares why thoughtful, thorough note taking matters, what clinicians should know when becoming involved with the court system, and the challenges and responsibilities that can come with serving as a therapist in legal proceedings

Ann and Matt are getting ready for back to school season! In this episode, they chat about the excitement and challenges of heading back to school, share thoughts on media and TV shows that kids are watching, and discuss how families can navigate screen time. Plus, they have some special announcements and updates you won’t want to miss. Flightless Bird Podcast- Youtube for Kids with Kaitlyn Becker...

Ann and Matt welcome Elizabeth Hlavek, DAT, LCPAT, ATR-BC , an art therapy clinician, scholar, advocate, and AATA 2026 Conference Chair , for an inside look at the upcoming American Art Therapy Association conference in Charlotte this October. Elizabeth shares what attendees can look forward to at AATA2026, the importance of gathering together as a professional community, and the ideas and convers...

In this episode, Ann and Matt chat about the back to school transition and the mix of excitement, stress, and shifting routines that parents and therapists experience this time of year. They celebrate the exciting news that their children’s book, Moon Magic , is now available at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, while also sharing the less glamorous side of the profession keeping up with licens...

Ann and Matt get real about the many sides of being a therapist. They talk about the full moon, navigating unexpected crisis calls from clients, and the advice they wish every new clinician could hear. They also share what it’s like to experience unexpected challenges in their own personal lives while continuing to show up for clients and manage their businesses. From boundaries and balance to the...

In this episode, Ann and Matt take a nostalgic journey through the TV shows that shaped who they are, exploring the characters that stayed with them long after the credits rolled. They discuss how storytelling influences our values, sparks creativity, and helps us make sense of the world. The conversation also dives into the role of characters in art therapy, how creating and connecting with ficti...

In this conversation, Ann and Matt explore what fuels the creative process and why making art is often less about waiting for inspiration and more about following curiosity. They reflect on the motivations that drive artists, the challenges of creating in everyday life, and why embracing the weird can lead to the most meaningful work.

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore the evolving nature of friendships throughout different stages of life. The conversation also examines the lasting effects of the COVID and social media on how people meet, sustain, and perceive friendships, including increased isolation, shifting communication patterns, and heightened comparison. Throughout the episode, Ann and Matt share personal stories alo...

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore what it means to keep kids safe both as parents and as therapists. They discuss how to navigate difficult but necessary conversations with children about safety, boundaries, emotions, and the world around them. Drawing from their unique perspectives, they examine the differences between parenting and being a therapist, the challenges of wearing both hats, and...

In this episode Ann and Matt explore the psychology of fairytales, the deeper meaning behind children’s stories, and the books that helped shape who they are. From the symbolism and emotional truths hidden in classic tales to the comfort, imagination, and life lessons found in favorite childhood books, this conversation looks at why stories matter so much especially for kids. Along the way, they s...

In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt share some of their favorite weird and unexpected therapist stories, chat about their children’s book Moon Magic , explore how therapists actually socialize outside of work, and wander through plenty of random tangents along the way. From creativity and connection to the strange moments that make therapist life memorable, this conversation is...

This week on Art Therapy in Process , we’re joined by David Gussak for a conversation that weaves through art therapy, career journeys, and the unexpected paths that shape our work. Dave shares his experiences pioneering art therapy within correctional settings and discusses the unique role creativity can play in environments often defined by restriction and isolation. Along the way, we explore ho...

This week on Art Therapy in Process , Ann and Matt explore what it means to navigate life and work with a Type B personality in a world that often celebrates hustle and perfection. From spontaneous adventures and embracing flexibility to building a strong support system, they discuss the vital role friendship, community, and authentic connection play in personal and professional growth. The conver...

Matt and Ann discuss the transition from graduate school into professional life as art therapists, exploring the importance of supervision, mentorship, and building authentic connections within the art therapy community. They talk about navigating the uncertainty that can come after graduation, finding supportive supervisors, creating professional relationships, and learning how networking can fee...

On this episode Ann and Matt have a conversation with Brianna Cox about our journeys to becoming art therapists, the role of community art, personal creative processes, and everything in between. Exploring creativity, connection, healing, and the many paths that lead us to this work.

Matt and Ann dive into the chaos and comedy of therapist life from awkward client related nightmares to the wildly unexpected moments that somehow become normal when you work in mental health. They also talk dating, emotional baggage, vulnerability, and the weird transition from independence to letting people in. Mixed in with all of that: creative outlets, humor as survival, and finding ways to s...

On this episode of  Art Therapy in Process , Ann Hines and Matt Brooks get real about the emotional weight of parenting, motherhood, masking, and trying to raise emotionally healthy kids while managing their own mental health. From overstimulation and mom guilt to emotional regulation, burnout, and the pressure to “do it right,” they unpack the invisible labor parents carry every day. They talk ho...

In this episode of Art Therapy in Process , Ann and Matt dive into the nuanced experience of dating as therapists. From managing professional identity outside the therapy room to balancing openness with healthy boundaries, they unpack the real-life dynamics that come with forming relationships in this field. The conversation also highlights the importance of feeling supported by peers, community,...

Ann & Matt are joined by special guest Ben Earnest LMHC for a real, honest conversation about why it matters for therapists to show up authentically on social media as actual humans, not just highlight reels. They dive into the importance of male therapists in the field, breaking stigma, and creating space for more voices in mental health. Of course… it wouldn’t be this podcast without a littl...