Art Therapy: In Process
Join Ann Marie Hines, MA, ATR-BC, LPC and Matthew Brooks, MA, LPC, ATR as they dive into conversations about all things art therapy, therapy life, parent life, and the messy, meaningful process of navigating today's world. From creativity and counseling to the everyday realities of balancing family and professional life, this podcast explores the art—and heart—of being human.
Episodes
Back to School
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 BeckerH
Taking the Podcast to Charlotte
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 conversati
From Summer to School: Finding Balance
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 licensu
Showing Up Through It All
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
Characters, Creativity & Kid Chaos
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 fictio
The Motivation to Make
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.
The Friendship Shift
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
Raising Kids Who Talk: Safety Starts with Conversation
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
The Stories We Grew Up With
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
Therapists Off the Clock
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
The Art of Finding Your Path
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 how
The Art of Showing Up
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 convers
Now What? Navigating Supervision and Networking After Art Therapy School
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
The Stories That Shape Us
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.
Art & Awkward Moments
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
Behind the “I’m Fine” Mom Mask
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 hones
Life as a Therapist: Boundaries, Vulnerability & Community Support
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, a
Showing Up Human: Men in Therapy & Social Media Presence
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 little
Carrying It All and Still Creating
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
We’re Fine. Everything’s Fine.
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
Parenting, Paintings, and Superpowers
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
When Therapy Doesn’t Match the Highlight Reel
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
Grow Where You’re Planted: Community, Creativity, and Private Practice
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.
Inside Our Art Therapy Toolbox
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 ch
Toot! Toot! Hot Mess Express, Mercury is in Retrograde
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
Isolation, Connection, and How to Rot the Right Way
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 th
Insurance, Self-Pay, and Screaming Into the Abyss
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
Sharing Creativity Without Crossing Lines: Talking Art Therapy With Other Clinicians
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 schoo
Still Human: Therapy, AI, and Moon Magic
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.
Holding Space in Heavy Times: Therapy & Creative Resilience
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 the
Therapy, Tech, and a Side of Pittsburgh
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, inc
Notes, Laughs, and Lessons: Private Practice Real Talk
In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Tara Saunders AT-R, LPC for a fun, real-life conversation about the ups, downs, and unexpected adventures of running a private practice. We talk boundaries, balancing the business side of therapy, and the very relatable struggle of staying on top of notes….plus Tara shares some hilarious (and actually helpful) therapist “tricks” for getting things don
The Weight You Don’t See
In this episode, Ann and Matt are a little all over the place because honestly, life is too. They dive into the invisible load carried by primary parents, the mental tabs that never seem to close, and what it’s like to hold everyone else while trying not to drop yourself. It’s a thoughtful, relatable conversation that mirrors real life: layered, imperfect, and grounded in shared experience.
Across the Pond: Art Therapy, Nature, and Practice in the UK & US
In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, we’re joined by Lucy Baker, an art therapy student from the UK, for a thoughtful conversation on nature-based therapy, creative practice, and how art therapy looks both similar and different across the pond.Together, we explore Lucy’s work integrating nature and the outdoors into therapeutic practice, how environment shapes regulation and connection, and
The Grey Areas: Boundaries, Dating, Gifts & Running Into Clients at Target
What happens when the therapy room meets real life? In this episode, we unpack the grey areas therapists navigate every day like gift giving, self-disclosure, running into clients in the wild, and what it’s actually like to date as a therapist.This episode goes a little off the rails….in the best way? It’s honest, reflective, funny, and deeply human. No perfect answers, just real talk about naviga
Holding Space When Life Feels Overwhelming
Send us a textIn this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt explore the theme of control. What it looks like to hold space as therapists while also navigating their own personal challenges. They reflect on how the art process can provide grounding and a sense of stability when life feels overwhelming, and Ann shares insight into her own art practice as a way of staying balanced for herse
Friendship in Process
Send us a textNavigating friendships as adults is…. an adventure. In this episode, we dive into how relationships shift over time, how boundaries deepen connection, and what friendship looks like for therapists in and out of the therapy room. Add in a little Gen X and millennial humor and some gentle chaos and you’ve got Art Therapy in Process at its finest.Support the show
So… We Didn’t Even Get to Art Therapy
Send us a textIn our very first episode of Art Therapy in Process, we set out to talk about art therapy… but instead the conversation wandered. We ended up talking about therapists on social media, imposter syndrome, being parents and therapists, those awkward cancellation fees, and of course….”what are we even doing?”This is just the beginning, and we’d love for you to help shape where we go next
Therapists’ Favorite Things (aka: An Accidental Holiday Shopping List)
Send us a textThis week on Art Therapy in Process, we’re talking therapists’ favorite things from fidgets we actually use, to art supplies we swear by, to comfort items that somehow regulate everyone in the room. Somewhere along the way…we may have accidentally created a holiday shopping list…. and exposed the underground Pittsburgh Plant Trade. Support the show
Seasonal Stress, Full Moon Feels & Therapy Pets
Send us a textIt’s that time of year when therapists are holding space, dodging holiday chaos, and apparently tracking full moon energy like weather reports. We talk about what it’s really like being a therapist around the holidays, the emotional weirdness of moon cycles, and the therapy animals who somehow keep us grounded. A little humor, a little magic, and a lot of real talk.Support the show
The Muppet in My Mind: Parenting, Art, and the Therapist Brain
Send us a textThis week, we dive into what it’s like to live inside a therapist’s brain: balancing parenting, creative expression, and emotional awareness all at once. Ann and Matt explore how personal art supports their growth as therapists and humans, the parallels between raising kids and holding space for clients, and why even the Muppets have something to teach us about emotional depth and hu
Therapy Gets Spooky : Happy Halloween
Send us a textTherapists tell ghost stories…. kind of. Ann and Matt swap tales from inpatient units, share community mental health horrors, and find the humor in the haunting parts of the job. Therapy gets spooky (and silly) in this Halloween episode of Art Therapy in Process.Support the show
Authenticity in the Age of Algorithms
Send us a textAnn and Matt sit down with their first guest, Christopher Morrison, a licensed professional counselor and board-certified music therapist, to talk about what it really means to “show up” as a therapist both online and offline.Together they dive into the realities of being a therapist on social media, finding the balance between public presence and personal privacy, and how our human
What does it mean to be an Art Therapist?
Send us a textIn this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt break down what it takes to become an art therapist….from the education and training requirements to the ways we market ourselves as professionals. We dive into the important distinction between art therapy and art as therapy, and talk about how artwork itself becomes part of the process in session with clients.Support the show
What They Didn’t Teach in Grad School: Reactions, Non-Reactions & Real Talk
Send us a textA candid conversation with Tracy Weitkamp, LCPAT on what art therapy really looks like across settings, and all the things grad school didn’t prepare us for. We unpack how therapists react (or don’t) in sessions and in life, and the very human side of doing this work.Support the show
From Studio to Community: Creating Connection with Creativity
Send us a textIn this episode, Ann and Matt sit down with artist and art therapist Sara Roizen, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, to explore what happens when creative practice moves beyond the studio walls. From clinical work to community-based art groups, Sara shares insights on connection, process, and the power of group creativity. And yes, they also talk about Grape Nuts…. because nourishment comes in many f
Yinz Got Mail
Send us a textIn this “mailbag” episode, we attempt to answer your questions… but quickly detour into talking about Pittsburgh pride, childhood nostalgia, and of course Mr. Rogers. Consider this your cozy, hometown-flavored chat about community, kindness, creative roots, and why Pittsburgh just hits different.Support the show
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