Diane M. McKnight InnerSpirit Art Therapy

llow yourself to be open to the experience of interacting with the "InnerSpirit" that waits to be awakened within you. Feel free to post something on this page (your art, art by those of interest, links, comments, questions, observations, opinions, etc.), and/or send me a message via email or messenger. McKnight uses Art Therapy, Sandtray therapy and other non-traditional ways to help clients to understand themselves and to heal. Diane believes that creative expression is the key to learning about ourselves and getting in touch with the “InnerSpirit” that is in us all and to understand the ways that we can heal and lead happier lives. She also believes that creativity is an integral part of the human experience and she invites you to join her as a way of centering in the world and holistically creating a healthy life for yourself in your personal and/or professional worlds. Diane also uses various forms of artistic expression for her own personal healing, rejuvenation and for providing insights into her relationships others. A sampling of her artwork can be viewed on the photos tab of this page. EDUCATION

St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Terre Haute, IN—Master of Arts in Art Therapy (MAAT), July 2014. Western Michigan University Graduate Center, Grand Rapids, MI—Master of Social Work (MSW), June 2007. Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, Grand Rapids, MI—Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), April 1984. EXPERIENCE

Integrative Art Therapist
Diane M. McKnight InnerSpirit Art Therapy, Wilmington, NC —2000-Present
Providing online HIPAA secure Telehealth sessions to insured clients in North Carolina and Michigan and private pay clients in all 50 states. Providing Art therapy, Sandtray therapy, EFT (Tapping), and other non-traditional way to heal. Theme-focused art and healing workshops are also conducted throughout the year. Adults, adolescents (14-18) and tweens (11-13). Areas of specialization include Trauma/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Women’s Issues, Grief/loss, LGBTQ+ Issues, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships Issues, Major Life Transitions (aging, divorce, job loss, major medical/physical changes, etc.), Spirituality Issues and Exploration, Religious Trauma and overall Stress Reduction. Integrated Art Therapist/Psychotherapist—Integrated Therapy Associates, Wilmington, NC—April 2019 to Present. Areas of specialization include Trauma/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Women’s Issues, Grief/loss, LGBTQ issues, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships Issues, Major Life Transitions (aging, divorce, job loss, major medical/physical changes, etc.), Spirituality Issues and Exploration, Religious Trauma and overall Stress Reduction. Art Therapist/Psychotherapist-
Carolina Counseling Services, Fuquay-Varina, NC—September 2016 to April 2019
Provided Art therapy, Sandtray therapy, EFT (Tapping), traditional talk therapy and other non-traditional ways to heal individuals, couples, adolescents and children. Areas of specialization included Trauma/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Women’s Issues, Grief/loss, LGBTQ issues, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships Issues, Major Life Transitions (aging, divorce, job loss, major medical/physical changes, etc.), Spirituality Issues and Exploration, Religious Trauma and overall Stress Reduction. Psychotherapist/Art Therapist—Serene Pathways Counseling, Lansing, MI—August 2015 to September 2016. Provided individual and group art therapy and traditional talk therapy to a variety of diverse populations. Psychotherapist/Art Therapist—Kremer Behavioral Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI—November 2014 to September 2016. Provided psychotherapy and art therapy in a private practice office environment to a variety of populations. Specialized in Pain Management, Anxiety and Depression within the healthcare environment. Hospice Medical Social Worker—Faith Hospice, Grand Rapids, MI—May 2014 to November 2014. A hospice organization that cares for those facing life-limiting illness through direct support of patients and their families, public education, and public advocacy.
•Performed initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments of patients/families, developing and maintaining individualized patient care plans, and assisting the Interdisciplinary Hospice Team in understanding the significant social/emotional factors related to terminal illness
•Provided counseling and support to patients/families including referrals to community resources, short-term crisis intervention, advocacy, bereavement referrals, and end of life education
•Maintained clinical records of the psychosocial, spiritual, physical and financial conditions affecting the coping abilities of the patients/families that impact end-of-life issues

Hospice Medical Social Worker—December 2009 to May 2014. Bereavement Coordinator—December 2014 to May 2014. Great Lakes Caring, Grand Rapids, MI—A hospice organization that cares for those facing life-limiting illness through direct support of patients and their families, public education, and public advocacy.
•Performed initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments of patients/families, developing and maintaining individualized patient care plans, and assisting the Interdisciplinary Hospice Team in understanding the significant social/emotional factors related to terminal illness
•Provided counseling and support to patients/families including referrals to community resources, short-term crisis intervention, advocacy, bereavement referrals, and end of life education
•Maintained clinical records of the psychosocial, spiritual, physical and financial conditions affecting the coping abilities of the patients/families that impact end-of-life issues
•Coordinated bereavement assessment and provided grief counseling and services (one-to-one, support groups and ongoing follow-up) for family members/friends after a patients death, provided counseling support for anticipatory grief for high risk family members, researched grief resources, and maintained ongoing documentation of the bereavement services provided. Art Therapist Intern—August 2013 to May 2014. Center for Disability Services at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI—The Creative Abilities Art Studio at the Center assists adults with disabilities to explore art therapy and provides them the opportunity to create and sell their artwork through local exhibits. Volunteer LLMSW Therapist—November 2008 to April 2009. Art Therapist Intern—July 2008 to November 2008. Center for Women in Transition, Holland, MI—A community-based assistance center for women and children who are dealing with significant life challenges resulting from domestic violence and sexual assault.
•Provided individual and group counseling/art therapy treatment, family and group half-day counseling/art therapy workshops
•Performed psychosocial and art therapy assessments, developed treatment goals for individual and group sessions, charted client progress notes, worked closely with sexual assault/domestic violence advocates in a team approach to maximize client services

Social Work Intern/Cancer Resource Specialist—September 2006 to May 2007. The Lack’s Cancer Center of St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI—A full-service hospital cancer center promoting a mind, body, and spirit holistic healing perspective.
•Performed psychosocial assessments, charted patient interventions, contributed to the multi-disciplinary team and problem-solved patient’s concerns regarding current and future treatment plans
•Provided patients/families with counseling and support through all phases of treatment; including initial diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
•Attended and participated in weekly multi-disciplinary patient rounds and hospital in-service trainings
•Assessed and monitored patient/family needs, provided community resource referrals patient/family advocacy as needed

Social Work Intern—September 2005 to May 2006. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, MI—A cancer community that provides support groups, networking groups, workshops, lectures and social gatherings for people living with cancer, their family members and friends.
•Facilitated weekly support groups, maintained progress notes, provided assessments and interventions through referrals to program activities, support groups or community resources
•Developed and provided monthly art therapy workshops
•Developed, organized and coordinated Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids first Member’s Art Show Fundraiser

ART THERAPY EXPERIENCE/Community Volunteer

Strokes for Strokes Volunteer Art Therapist—September-October 2014. Co-Sponsored by The American Heart Association and Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids, MI—A nationally recognized center for diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological disorders.
•Co-led several Strokes For Strokes Art Therapy Groups for adults who have suffered from strokes to help them explore their creativity, meet others facing similar challenges and express the emotions and unique challenges that they face in an open and accepting environment
•Selected artworks were displayed in the The American Heart Association Lounge during ArtPrize 2014. Studio E Volunteer Art Therapist—June-July 2014 and June-July 2013. Co-Sponsored by The Epilepsy Foundation and Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids, MI—A nationally recognized center for diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological disorders.
•Co-led a weekly Studio E Art Therapy Group for adults with epilepsy to help them to explore their creativity, meet others with epilepsy and express the emotions and unique challenges that they face in an open and accepting environment

Adult Day Recreation Program Volunteer Artist—Summer 2006-Summer 2007. We Care Homes, Wyoming, MI—A collective of adult foster care homes for developmentally disabled adults.
•Developed and provided weekly art therapy groups

Support Group Volunteer Artist—January 2005 to October 2006. Eating Disorder Weekly Support Group, Novi, MI—A support group for individuals with Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa

TRAININGS/WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES

•Michigan Art Therapy Association 30th Anniversary Art Therapy Conference—Detroit, MI, May 2007.
•Disease, Death & Dying: Understanding End of Life Issues, a Cultural Perspective—Grand Rapids, MI,
March 2006.
•Mt. Mary College Art Therapy Annual Symposiums—Milwaukee, WI, April 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.