Art Therapy: In Process

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...

This week, Ann and Matt are joined by Julia Toal for a real, grounded conversation about the weight of life, current events, the emotional load we all carry, and how it shows up for both therapists and clients. Together, they explore the creative tools they lean on in sessions and in their own lives to process, regulate, and stay connected when things feel overwhelming. And because no conversation...

Ann & Matt take a real life, unfiltered dive into what it actually looks like to be therapists navigating the same chaos as everyone else. From AI and how it’s shaping expectations, to parenting, divorce, and the very human need for control, this episode weaves through it all. Along the way, they explore how art becomes a powerful tool for grounding, expression, and shared connection even when...

In this episode Ann and Matt share the artwork and artists that inspire them, how being parents shapes the way they see creativity, and why superheroes resonate so deeply from a psychological lens. From identity and resilience to the stories we carry, it’s a mix of art, real life, and the meaning we find in both

In this episode, Ann and Matt unpack the gap between client expectations and the real, often messy process of therapy especially in a world shaped by AI and social media. From “quick fix” mindsets to curated online narratives, we explore how these influences show up in the therapy room and what it means for both clients and clinicians. Also… it’s been a long day. So you’ll get plenty of unfiltered...

We’re diving into all things community in this episode how it’s supported us, inspired us, and helped bring Moon Magic to life. We share our appreciation for the art therapy world and get real about building a private practice that feels authentic and sustainable. Tune in for ideas on networking, local partnerships, and creative ways to connect with the people you’re meant to serve.

In this episode, Ann and Matt share some of their goto art directives for both individual and group sessions, creative prompts they return to again and again because they help clients explore feelings, build insight, and express themselves in meaningful ways. They also talk about their own creative processes, what helps them reconnect with creativity, and take a little walk down memory lane with c...

In this episode, Ann and Matt talk about the balance between being human and maintaining strong professional boundaries as therapists. They explore how personality, lived experience, humor, and authenticity can actually strengthen therapeutic relationships when used thoughtfully. At the same time, they unpack the importance of staying grounded in ethical practice and clear boundaries so the work r...

Join Matt with special guest Emily Schlosberg and Medora Frazier as they discuss how therapists cope with professional isolation and the importance of peer support in mental health practice. In the world of therapy, counselors often face a unique set of challenges that can lead to feelings of isolation. Medora and Emily share their journeys into the field, the isolation they encounter, and how the...

Ann and Matt get painfully honest about the realities of being therapists navigating insurance panels, self-pay rates, and the constant mental math of survival in private practice. They talk burnout, boundaries, and the emotional toll of trying to do ethical, meaningful work in a broken system while also daydreaming about building a model magic castle and collectively screaming into the void. Equa...

Ann and Matt chat with guest Sophie Restall, ATR-P, AMFT, APCC, to unpack what it really looks like to introduce creative tools to other mental health professionals. This conversation focuses on scope of practice, ethical boundaries, and how art therapists can support creative expression by other therapists without misrepresenting or diluting the role of art therapy. We also swap stories from scho...

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, we explore why therapy remains deeply and uniquely human. We talk openly about what’s helping us cope as therapists right now, how creativity supports regulation, and why human connection still matters. We also share the heart behind Moon Magic, our new children’s book, and how it grew from the same values that guide our clinical work.

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore what it means to be a therapist during a politically heavy and emotionally charged time. They talk honestly about the weight many clients are carrying, the impact on clinicians, and how to hold ethical, grounded, compassionate space without bypassing reality or burning out. The conversation highlights how creativity and art-based processes can help regulate th...

In this episode, Ann & Matt are  talking about unexpected coping skills, Pittsburgh comfort traditions, and what therapy can look like when it happens through a screen. They chat about video games as a surprisingly positive coping skill, the iconic Pittsburgh fish fry scene, and what Covid taught us about adapting personally and professionally.  Plus, they dive into a few mailbag questions, in...