ABCs for Therapists: art based clinical peer supervision groups, consulting services, and continuing education workshops for illuminating the art of therapy.

As mental health care professionals, we’re adrift on a sea of acronyms. And they all mean something important, but after a while the complexity of our terminology belies the simplicity beneath our decision to pursue this career path: we like people and want them to be well. That’s elementary, just like the ABCs. So while ABCs for Therapists borrows the acronym in its name from the actual services it provides, the acronym and the services behind it also hope to remind clinicians about how important it is to get back in touch with the basics when it comes to being a therapist.

Being a therapist means being human. And being human means that we’re prone to a great range of thoughts and feelings. Too few professional development opportunities for us acknowledge how our role in the therapeutic experience is affected by and affects our inner world. It’s not that approach-and-application-oriented professional endeavors lack credibility or substance. But if we’re going to connect with the humans who come to us for treatment, we also have to ensure that we're connected to ourselves.  This sentiment is echoed in recent neuroscientific research findings that stress the importance of the clinician's mindfulness and intuitive attunement as agents of change in the therapeutic process.

And so ABCs for Therapists is here to expand our awareness of these essentials in order to encourage professional development at a level seldom addressed by approach and application methods. The services offered here are hands-on to facilitate experiential learning and promote inquiry, and they are open to therapists regardless of artistic inclination. All 2012 events will be held at the Arc of the Arts Studio & Gallery, 6717 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757.  See below for inspiring photos of the space that will hold us as together we step away from the darkness of uncertainty and illuminate the art of therapy. 

ABCs for Therapists is glad to extend a warm welcome to you and to have the opportunity to play a part in building a community of mental health professionals in the Austin area.  Space at these events is limited, so register early and be sure to bring your business cards with you when you arrive. While we’re connecting with ourselves, we’ll also be connecting with each other, so be prepared to broaden your horizons in many ways!

Looking forward to illuminating the art of therapy with you,

Megan Van Meter of ABCs for Therapists