Art Therapy & Neuroscience: The Basics with A/Prof Juliet King

This presentation will explore foundational concepts linking art therapy and neuroscience to inform theory, guide practice and support interdisciplinary research. Framed within a translational science perspective, this presentation will introduce accessible neuroscience principles from cognitive science and neurobiology - and demonstrate how they intersect with core mechanisms of change in art therapy, including symbolic expression, sensory-motor engagement and relational attunement. Drawing on clinical examples and findings from art therapy neuroscience-informed theory and research, the session will offer a conceptual roadmap for clinicians, educators, and researchers.

Emphasis will be placed on integrating empirical rigor without sacrificing the profession's relational and creative foundations. Attendees will gain tools for articulating the value of art therapy using neuroscience-aligned language, enhancing communication with stakeholders, and inspiring collaborative innovation across disciplines. The session will be accessible and applicable to all experience levels.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify key neuroscience concepts relevant to art therapy theory and practice.
• Describe how cognitive neuroscience and neurobiology models align with mechanisms of change in art therapy.
• Apply translational frameworks to articulate art therapy's role in clinical, educational and research contexts.

PRESENTER BIO:

Juliet L. King, PhD, ATR-BC, LPC, LMHC, is an Associate Professor of Art Therapy at The George Washington University and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine. With over two decades of experience as a clinician, educator and administrator, Dr King's research focuses on the integration of art therapy and neuroscience, making the science of therapeutic arts accessible and adaptable to diverse sociocultural contexts. Her PhD in Translational Health Sciences culminated in the development and testing of a NeuroArts Toolkit ©JKE designed for the treatment of psychological trauma and stress-related conditions. She is the author and editor of Art Therapy, Neuroscience, and Trauma: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives, with the second edition published in 2024.

Date/time: Wednesday 30 April 10 am–12 pm AEST
12 pm–2 pm NZST
8 am–10am SGT/HKT/AWST
(Presenter date/time: Tuesday 29 April 8–10 pm EDT)
Duration/CPD: 2 hrs
Where: Zoom
Cost: $40 (+ GST for Australian members)
Open to: All ANZACATA Members
Recorded session: No (Privacy Reasons)

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