Art Therapy Supervision
Finding a good supervisor is important; finding a good supervisor who you feel safe to show up authentically with is crucial and can truly change the trajectory of your early career.
Kelsey Dugan, LCPAT, ATR-BC is a Maryland Board approved art therapy supervisor, practicum supervisor for Notre Dame of Maryland University and Lesley University interns as well as a published author with experience working internationally and across disciplines.
I offer both individual and group art therapy supervision for LGPAT clinicians working towards Maryland state licensure and ATRs working towards national accreditation.
Individual Art Therapy Supervision $125
Group Art Therapy Supervision $35
I offer a sliding scale fee for recent graduates and sliding scale slots for those experiencing financial hardship.
Approach to Supervision
My educational training was informed by experiential learning theory so my approach to supervision is grounded in the Reflective Learning model. This means that I work from a holistic perspective - incorporating the use of role playing, opportunities for co-facilitation & observation, weekly process journals & creating art in response to client interactions, client art, supervision, and the overall emotional toll of the work we do. I prioritize the development of empathic attunement so that supervisees can gain a deeper understanding of the client experience and therefore respond effectively by implementing appropriate interventions. This model also considers the developmental level of the supervisee & where they are in their professional journey. I still use aspects of this model and the tools I’ve learned in the field, but my focus has shifted towards the need to address the systemic & oppressive forces in the lives of our clients and how they must inform our work. I’ve moved towards more of a social justice framework in order to combat the inherently unequal hierarchy & power dynamics at play so that my supervisees can feel safe coming to me with challenges/insecurities without fear of consequences or being seen as incompetent. This is a time where you are meant to make mistakes and learn from them. You will continue to make mistakes well into your career - the learning never stops! My hope is that we are able to hone in on and strengthen your clinical skills - rapport building, active listening, self & boundary awareness and ethical decision making.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Supervision Training and Experience
I began supervising creative arts therapy interns in 2022 and currently supervise both graduate level art therapists and expressive arts therapists as well as LGPAT clinicians new to the field. I sit as the Internship Coordinator at CPHS which involves orienting our new interns to the practice and providing thorough trainings on clinical and administrative aspects of the placement. I’ve served as an AATA Professional Mentor previously and an Art Therapist Mentor with Frederick County Public School’s Academy of Fine Arts Program. I’ve run virtual Creative Arts Therapy Group Consultations for the varying clinicians at our practice. I’ve completed & continue to take trainings on expressive arts/art therapy clinical supervision and actively seek consultation to strengthen my supervisory skills by participating in both individual & group supervisor supervision on a consistent basis. I openly welcome all feedback & make every effort to continue my learning & more importantly unlearning when necessary.