Letter from IATA President, Stephanie Clark, LCPC, ATR-BC

RE: IATA programming during the coronavirus pandemic

Dear Illinois Art Therapy Community,
 
You may have noticed that after a robust IATA schedule full of programming and events we’ve taken a step back recently.  The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in one way or another, and in order to preserve the mental health of IATA board members we’ve decided to cancel some of our programs this year.  The pandemic has affected us all and mental health care workers have in many cases been on the front lines with nurses, doctors, and other medical staff.  Art therapists are helping others cope with the stress of this change and the burden of worrying about finances, family members, and work while we are also experiencing the weight of the pandemic.  It’s a difficult time to be a healthcare worker.
 
IATA is still here!  We are just operating at a lower frequency.  We still have monthly chapter meetings and bi-monthly consultation groups online.  Please join us for these events.  We want to hear from you as to what you want and need from us.  As fatigue sets in from the onslaught of virtual meetings perhaps you want less of them?  Or perhaps you want a different kind?  Would you like IATA to host virtual meet-ups and social gatherings or other types of events?  Would you like to see an online blog with stories from art therapists practicing virtual therapy?  We want to hear from you!  Please look for an online survey coming out soon soliciting feedback on what you’d like from us during this time.  Please also feel free to post on our social media pages or email me at president.iata@gmail.com.
 
Hope you are staying safe and healthy,

Stephanie Clark, LCPC, ATR-BC   
IATA President