Breaking the Chains of Racial Trauma in Therapy (N/NY-MC8120)
Plenary
Gwendolyn Short, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT
Gwendolyn Short, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, received her master’s degree in art therapy from The George Washington University, in her home town of Washington D.C. Her membership in AATA, since 1976, includes attendance at every conference, dedicated service on many committees, and also 8 years on ATCB. She has served on AATA’s Honors Committees, Governmental Affairs, and Multicultural Committees and reviewed AATA business minutes. On the ATCB, she served as the Registration Standards Chair, Director and Liaison to the Standards Committee, reviewed the final draft of the first certification exam, and read the first exam on tape for a special needs candidate. Gwen has most recently served as the Chair of the Membership Committee and is an active participant on the Multicultural Committee.
Angela Roman Clack, PhD, LPC
Dr. Angela Roman Clack, is a licensed psychotherapist, doctorally-trained clinician and owner of Clack Associates, LLC, a private practice outpatient counseling agency in Southern New Jersey. She has been working in the mental health field for more than 25 years. Dr. Clack earned her doctorate in 2002 with a degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Washington, D.C. Dr. Clack is known for her ability to teach, supervise, coach, and provide training in various areas pertaining to children, youth, and their families. Because of her training and teaching abilities, Dr. Clack has made a massive impact in her community by reducing the stigma of people of color who seek mental health treatment.
Lindsey Vance, MA, ATR-BC
Vance’s professional interest and personal expertise focuses on creating art and providing workshops to her community and globally to effect social change. Through various mediums and some unconventional methods Vance uses her art to heal, to express, and to give back. Vance uses a trauma-sensitive approach in her practice with youth and families in community based, educational, and clinical settings.
Jordan Potash, PhD, ATR-BC, LCPAT
Jordan S. Potash, PhD, ATR-BC, REAT, LCAT (NY), LCPAT (MD) is Assistant Professor in the Art Therapy Program at The George Washington University and Editor in Chief of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association. For more information, podcasts, and articles, please visit www.jordanpotash.com.
Racial hostility, discrimination, and harassment are barriers to trust and effective therapeutic relationships. Addressing racial trauma and race-based stress in therapy, particularly with Black clients, is key to successful treatment. Acknowledging, assessing, and reflecting on the effects of racism requires intentional skills, especially in cross-racial therapeutic encounters.