The Clackamas print., May 29, 2019, Page 5, Image 5

“ That’ s how I was able to cope with all of
the emotions,” Elliott said. “ I share my work
each day on my Instagram, so my friends and
family could see how I was coping her with her
death. Friends shared how they saw the change
in my subject matter when I didn’t realize it
was happening while creating it. Art was and is
my escape.” :
Oregon House Bill 2434, which provides
art therapy licensing and title protection for
credentialed professionals, was signed into law
by Governor Kate Brown in May 2O17<
For a directoryof art therapists in private
practice in Oregon, and for current art therapy
groups, lectures, workshops and conferences in
the area, go to nwarttherapy.com.
Lewis & Clark College adopted an art therapy
program that was previously housed at Marylhurst
University, which closed last year. The master’ s
degree program in art therapy is the only one of
its kind in Oregon, and one of only 34 approved
programs in the country,
Mary Andrus, the Art Therapy A ssistant
Professor and Program Director at Lewis and
Clark College said “ I helped spearhead the Art
Therapy Law, which protects the ethical practice
of art therapy in the state. I am committed to
impacting social change byjensuring art therapy
services are a mainstay in Oregon to help meet
the mental health needs of marginalized and
underserved populations.”
If art therapy sounds like a career you would
be interested in, check out the Master of Arts
degree at Lewis & Clark College. Students still
have time to apply for fall 2019.
Art therapy is not currently offered at CGC, but
according to counselor/academic adviser Ignacio
Gonzales-Reyes, the counseling department
offers services to students who present mental
health or behavioral challenges. _
Gonzales-Reyes said, “ Art Therapy is a well-
known form of therapy and clients who engage in
this type of service report very positive results.
We provide some services on-site as well.as offer
referrals to our partners in the community at
large. Each student is assessed individually to
figure out what their needs may be, and services
are offered accordingly. If a student specifically
requests art therapy services, we are likely to
refer them to a community partner.”
Elliott said, “ I am hoping that many college
students take a break from the stresses'hf school
to create art as a coping m echanism .” If you
want to doodle, not necessarily create a master
painting, she recommends Zentangling to hex
students who are stressed and overwhelmed.
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to -learn ,
relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images
.by drawing structured patterns. The invention of
the Zentangle was intended to make the act of
drawing pleasurable, meditative and accessible
to all.
Students who feel overwhelmed or pressured
Could try some form of art therapy. Creating art
gives a chance to slow down and explore issues.
Working with a licensed therapist has its,
advantages because a professional can tailor each
activity to individual needs. However, to receive
benefits from art, students don’ t necessarily
need to see a therapist.
There are many simple activities such as
sketching, making collages, art journaling,
painting, or sculpting with clay. What matters
is feeling comfortable and enjoying it.
Photos p rovided by Kristine Bella
Left, art supplies help people cope at Lewis & Clark College. Above, students participate In the art therapy program at Lewis & Clark College.