Illinois Art Therapy Association, Chicago, IL (2025)

08/24/2025

🎨Join us at Art in the Park! - IATA’s Community Art-Making Meetup🎨
📍 Wicker Park Fountain
(1590 N Damen Ave, Chicago IL)
🗓 Saturday, September 6th
⏰ 10:00 – 11:30 AM

The Illinois Art Therapy Association invites you to join us for a morning of creativity, connection, and community! Whether you are beginning your master’s journey, continuing your studies, or have been in the field for years, this event is a space to gather, make art, and network with fellow Illinois Art Therapists.

✨ What to Bring:
* Your own art materials 🖌
* A towel, blanket, or something comfortable to sit on
* Your creative spirit!
💧 Sparkling water will be provided. Afterward, we encourage you to explore the Renegade Craft Fair just a few blocks away (11 AM–6 PM).

🚇 Easily accessible by CTA bus and Blue Line train (Damen stop)
🚗 Street parking + SpotHero available

✅ Please RSVP here so we can gauge interest and attendance: RSVP Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDUVqP1B8V_laps00pXl-EVvKybKe_Thh-f9ugTcTzU5TdsA/viewform

Walk-ups are also welcome!

07/08/2025

Two more days to register!

Join us THIS SATURDAY, July 12, 2025 from 11am-12:30pm for a virtual course on Navigating Licensure Exam Accommodations led by IATA’s Program Chair, Rebecca Kramer, LPC, ATR-P. This course will provide valuable insights on securing accommodations for NBCC and IDFPR exams, facilitated by Pearson. New graduates, don’t miss out!

Registration Info: http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/exam-accommodation-event.html

Registration Deadline: July 10th, 2025

Price: $20 IATA Members
$30 Non-members

Not an IATA Member? Now you can join IATA by paying only the Chapter Membership.
$30 Chapter Membership
$25 Student Membership
Go to the Membership Page on the IATA website and join today! http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/membership.html

06/22/2025

IATA has an open position to fill on our Board.
We are seeking nominations for a Present-Elect. You can find the full description of the role here -http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/uploads/1/1/8/2/11825854/president_job_description_2024.docx.pdf

Once elected, this position starts immediately. The elected person will shadow the President until the end of her term to eventually take over the President position.

If you see yourself or someone you know as a great fit for the role, submit your nomination today! See nomination form on our website - http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/nominations.html

06/13/2025

Event Title: Navigating Licensure Exam Accommodations

Date: Saturday, July 12th, 2025
Time: 11am - 12:30pm

Register: http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/exam-accommodation-event.html
Registration Deadline: July 10th, 2025

Price: $20 IATA Members
$30 Non-members

Event Description: Join Rebecca Kramer, LPC, ATR-P, for a practical and empowering workshop designed to demystify the process of requesting testing accommodations for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in Illinois. Drawing from her personal advocacy journey and professional expertise, Rebecca will guide participants through eligibility criteria, required documentation, and timelines as outlined by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Attendees will learn how to navigate potential barriers, advocate for specific needs, and understand their rights throughout the licensure process. This session is especially valuable for students, recent graduates, supervisors, and educators supporting future professionals.

Presenter Bio: Rebecca Kramer, LPC, ATR-P (she/her)
Rebecca Kramer is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Provisionally Registered Art Therapist based in Chicago, Illinois. With a strong commitment to accessibility and neurodiversity-informed care, Rebecca brings both professional expertise and personal advocacy experience to her work. She has successfully navigated the process of securing testing accommodations throughout high school, college, and most recently for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) through the NBCC, in the state of Illinois.
Rebecca earned her Master’s in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling, along with a Certificate in S*x Therapy, from Adler University, in October of 2023. She currently serves as the Wellness Specialist: Art Therapist at Gateway to Learning, a nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this role, she conducts individual and group art therapy and counseling. She also leads the organization’s s*x education program, which is designed to promote autonomy, consent, and inclusive, developmentally appropriate education.
In addition to her clinical work, Rebecca serves as the Programs Committee Chair for the Illinois Art Therapy Association. Her approach is grounded in empowerment and practical guidance, and in this presentation, she offers a detailed, compassionate overview of how to apply for licensure exam accommodations in Illinois—with a focus on transparency, advocacy, and success.

Program Objectives

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Identify eligibility criteria for testing accommodations as outlined by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
2. Describe the step-by-step process for requesting accommodations for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), including required documentation and timelines.
3. Recognize common challenges and barriers applicants may face when navigating the accommodations process, and learn strategies to address them effectively.
4. Differentiate between types of accommodations commonly approved (e.g., extended time, separate testing room, breaks), and how to advocate for specific needs.
5. Apply knowledge of personal rights and ethical considerations related to disability disclosure and accommodations in professional licensure contexts.

Register under the Events tab on the IATA website by July 10th!

http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/exam-accommodation-event.html

Not an IATA Member? Now you can join IATA by paying only the Chapter Membership.
$30 Chapter Membership
$25 Student Membership
Go to the Membership Page on the IATA website and join today! http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/membership.html

05/26/2025

IATA Presents: Navigating Licensure Exam Accommodations! Join us for a virtual course led by Rebecca Kramer, LPC, ATR-P, on July 12, 2025, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. This course will provide valuable insights on securing accommodations for NBCC and IDFPR exams, facilitated by Pearson. New graduates, don’t miss out!
Registration Info: TBD

04/21/2025

Reclaim 13’s Survivor Art Show
Sunday, April 27, 2025
10am - 4pm

Reclaim13, a non-profit organization, committed to freeing children from s*xual exploitation, is hosting its 7th annual Reclaiming Voices Survivor Art Show on April 27th from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the Sycamore Room at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. Admission to the Morton Arboretum is free when you mention you’re coming to see the art show.

https://www.reclaim13.org/art-show

Come experience, share, learn, and find healing at a unique art show giving voice to survivors of s*xual abuse and exploitation.

03/17/2025

It’s Creative Arts Therapies (CATs) Week, March 17 - 23! CATs Week is an opportunity for us to talk about
Art Therapists support their clients within a therapeutic relationship through art making and the creative process to help improve a client’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Art Therapists work with people of all ages and backgrounds—from children experiencing developmental delays or emotional and behavioral challenges, to military service members with PTSD, and older adults struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Learn more at https://arttherapy.org/catsweek/

02/08/2025

Illinois Art Therapy Association wants to keep you informed and engaged about our most recent licensing effort for art therapists in Illinois. We are offering a 2 CE lecture on this topic to help everyone unpack the steps we have taken thus far.

Our president, Amber Przybyla, MA, LCPC, ATR-BC has been integral in this process and will be presenting. See details below:

Understand the Illinois Art Therapy Licensing Bill Webinar

Instructor names and credentials:
Amber Przybyla, MA, LCPC, ATR-BC, President, Illinois Art Therapy Association

Saturday, March 1st, 2025, 11AM to 1pm

2 hours, 2 CE Credit Hours

Place/location:
Online via IATA zoom meeting, this is a live event with recording turned on.

Registration deadline 2/24/2024,
REGISTER on IATA website: http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/2-ce-il-at-license-bill-webinar-2-ce-event.html

2 CREDIT HOUR of CEs for
National Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Ticket Fee:
2 CE,
Free for IATA members,
$20 for non-members

Registration link: http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/2-ce-il-at-license-bill-webinar-2-ce-event.html

Presenter Bio:
Amber Przybyla is a Board Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Amber is a child and adolescent therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and barriers to learning. A large focus of her work is on improving accommodations for students with 504 plans and individualized education plans (IEP).

She has been President of the Illinois Art Therapy Association since 2021. Since joining the board, Amber has worked on understanding the impact of licensing in mental health, assisted in writing Illinois’ art therapy licensing bill, and has collaborated with Illinois’ art therapy programs to better understand the needs of incoming professionals.

Course Objectives:
After the event, participants will be able to have the following learning outcomes:

1. Understand Legislative Efforts:
Participants will be able to identify and explain at least three key steps taken by IATA in evaluating and pursuing independent art therapy licensing in Illinois.
2. Evaluate Risks and Benefits:
Participants will critically analyze the financial, professional, and public implications of independent art therapy licensing and receive a written summary identifying at least two potential risks and two benefits.
3. Develop Advocacy Strategies:
Participants will be able to make an informed decision to advocate for independent art therapy licensing, including public education and engagement strategies, aligning with IATA’s identified action items for 2024-2025.

Program content description: This course provides a comprehensive overview of the efforts, challenges, and considerations surrounding independent art therapy licensing in Illinois. Drawing from legislation efforts made by the Illinois Art Therapy Association (IATA) and national perspectives, participants will explore the legislative process, the benefits and risks of pursuing an independent art therapy license, and the ongoing debate within the art therapy community.

Key topics include:
* The historical context and current status of licensing efforts in Illinois.
* Analyzing the financial implications of independent licensing for professionals and the public.
* The critical need for public education on art therapy and the qualifications of practitioners.
* Addressing the risks of unqualified individuals practicing art therapy.
* Understanding the role of accreditation and its importance to the profession.
* Collaborative approaches to aligning the art therapy community in Illinois for future advocacy efforts.

Participants will leave this course equipped with a deeper understanding of the complexities of licensing and practical strategies to advocate for and educate about the profession. This session is ideal for art therapists, students, educators, and anyone invested in advancing the field of art therapy.

This event covers NBCC category of: Career Development and Counseling

Registration deadline on Monday, Feburary 24, 2025, link: http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/2-ce-il-at-license-bill-webinar-2-ce-event.html

01/17/2025

The Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) is offering a free group for international undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Chicago-area colleges and universities. Students will join a supportive community where they can share their experiences and struggles related to studying abroad and student life with other students and MAHA staff. This safe space will support students in:
* Gaining skills to manage stress
* Exploring their identity
* Creating social connections
* And more!
These groups will consist of weekly 80-minute sessions and will last for 8 weeks. These sessions are expected to begin in February 2025. If you are interested in participating in these sessions, please complete the form – https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=AiYyY2cpBkuBppX55j-BxS3ke600VSZFurcRIbzAX5JUQUdLOUQyS1I4OUNBRzY3STVCUUlYUzUzNi4u&origin=QRCode – as soon as possible. Registration closes on January 27, 2025. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary, and all information you provide will remain confidential.

Next Steps: After submitting the survey, you can expect to be contacted by MAHA in the following weeks.

12/12/2024

Join us on December 15th, 11am-1pm for IATA’s 2025 planning meeting.
During this meeting, IATA will review what has been accomplished in 2024 and discuss plans for 2025. We would love for people to attend and share their ideas. If you are unable to attend, please fill out our 2025 Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFViWB5yYDC62HzkYfsEpSX_fI2_r3JumAtKJH8LdT78XBsw/viewform

You can find the zoom link to our meeting on the IATA website illinoisarttherapy.org
No registration required.

06/15/2024

East Meets West: Discover how Sumi ink art making transcends cultural differences in this cross-cultural exploration.

Location/ in-person: Augustana Lutheran Church,
5500 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago IL 60637

Date: June 22, 2024, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, CDT

3 CE hours of NBCC approved CE credits

Fee: $65 non IATA member, $55 IATA Member
(Only 12 seats total are available, first come first serve)

Light snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided. All art materials will be provided. Please wear black to prevent stains.

Registration method: Pay on IATA website, link below

http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/sumi-ink-event.html

Course objectives:
1. Participants will be able to describe the history of Sumi ink as well as Sumi related arts
2. Participants will know how meditation is an applied aspect and an expressive qualities of Sumi art
3. Participants will review materials specific to Sumi art
4. Participants will explore theoretical applications for making Sumi art

Course description:
This 3 hour CE workshop guide you to discover and explore the benefit of combining the rich monotone beauty of traditional Japanese Sumi art with contemporary expressive methods in art therapy.

The origins of Sumi date back more than 3500 years ago to China. 墨絵 Sumi-e and 書道sumi-writing were brought to Japan 1400 years ago by monks who were practicing 写経 Shakyo and meditation. Participants will be given an opportunity to use sumi ink, traditional brushes, Chinese Characters or any other symbols to incorporate into their art making. Participants who wish to incorporate Chinese Characters will be assisted. Instructor will led you to experience Eastern ancient art combined with Western expressive methods to open up a new possibility in the practice of art therapy.

Please visit the IATA events page on illinoisartherapy.org to register and learn more about the presenter.

05/21/2024

Title:
East Meets West: Discover how Sumi ink art making transcends cultural differences in this cross-cultural exploration.

Location/ in-person: Augustana Lutheran Church,
5500 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago IL 60637

Date: June 22, 2024, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, CST.

3 CE hours of NBCC approved CE credits

Fee: $65 non IATA member, $55 Iata Member
(Only 12 seats are available, first come first serve)

Light snacks, coffee, tea will be provided.

Registration method: Pay on IATA website, link below

http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/sumi-ink-event.html

Course objectives:
1. Participants will be able to describe the history of Sumi ink as well as Sumi related arts
2. Participants will know how meditation is an applied aspect and an expressive qualities of Sumi art
3. Participants will review materials specific to Sumi art
4. Participants will explore theoretical applications for making Sumi art

Course description:
This 3 hour CE workshop guide you to discover and explore the benefit of combining the rich monotone beauty of traditional Japanese Sumi art with contemporary expressive methods in art therapy.

The origins of Sumi date back more than 3500 years ago to China. 墨絵 Sumi-e and 書道sumi-writing were brought to Japan 1400 years ago by monks who were practicing 写経 Shakyo and meditation. Participants will be given an opportunity to use sumi ink, traditional brushes, Chinese Characters or any other symbols to incorporate into their art making. Participants who wish to incorporate Chinese Characters will be assisted. Instructor will led you to experience Eastern ancient art combined with Western expressive methods to open up a new possibility in the practice of art therapy.

All art materials are included and will be provided. The instructor will provide paper, brushes, mats, sticks, ink and ink based. You may bring your own paper to try if you like.

Please wear black clothes.

Please visit the events page http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/sumi-ink-event.html on illinoisarttherapy.org to register and learn more about the presenter.

Illinois Art Therapy Association has been approved by The National Board For Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7429. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Illinois Art Therapy Association is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Illinois Art Therapy Association

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