Art therapy sessions include both art-making and conversation with the therapist. You can choose to work with a variety of art materials such as paints, oil pastels, markers and clay. The art therapist may suggest a starting point and will offer technical help as needed.

Individuals may be focused on concerns such as the following: their illness, stress from being in the hospital, missing home and loved ones, coping emotionally, relationships, spiritual issues, or other areas of life.

Once you complete your art piece, you will have the opportunity to talk with the therapist about the process and whatever is on your mind. While each session is unique and shaped by your individual needs, most people find art therapy relaxing and fun.

While each person’s experience is unique, the most commonly reported effects are feelings of enjoyment and relaxation. Specific positive results can include pain relief, reduced anxiety and depression, and feelings of both physical and emotional well-being.

There is research to support the use of art therapy, under the guidance of a trained therapist. Art therapy has been shown to reduce pain, depression, anxiety and fatigue.

It has also been found to strengthen positive feelings, raise overall quality of life and increase perceptions of general physical and mental health.

For more information about art therapy, visit the American Art Therapy Association at www.arttherapy.org.

Art therapy is offered per doctors’ orders. Inpatients may ask their physicians to place an order for the service. 

For more information about art therapy, please email arttherapy@uky.edu or call 859-323-HEAL (4325).

Art therapy graduate students

The art therapy program offers pre-practicum, practicum and internship experiences for graduate students enrolled in a program accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CCAHEP). Accepted students will gain experience working with adult oncology patients at Markey Cancer Center, adult general medicine patients at Albert B. Chandler Hospital, adult general medicine patients at Good Samaritan Hospital, adult patients in the UK Birthing Center, pediatric patients at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, pediatric patients in the Behavioral Health Unit and adult patients at Eastern State Hospital.

For further information about this opportunity please contact the art therapy internship director, Amber Bruce, at amber.bruce@uky.edu.

Other students

Students participating in a structured program that offers credit for volunteer experience may apply through the Office of Observation and Learning (OLE). Accepted learners will assist with the preparation of art materials, observe art therapy sessions and groups, and interact with patients.

Observers

Individuals who are interested in shadowing/observing a licensed art therapist for up to eight hours are strictly observers and do not interact with patients. Clearance for participation through the Office of Learning Experience (OLE) is required for accepted observers.

Volunteers

Individuals who are interested in volunteering with the art therapy program and do not fit the criteria for Observation and Learning participation may apply through UK Volunteer Services. Accepted volunteers assist with preparation of art materials for patients and may have direct patient contact.

For further information about any of the above opportunities, email arttherapy@uky.edu or call 859-323-4325 (HEAL).

Amber Bruce, M.Ed., ATR-BC, LPAT

Amber is a Registered Art Therapist with Board Certification (ATR-BC) and a Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) originally from Hopkinsville, Ky. After completing two associate degrees in 2016, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in American Sign Language and art from Western Kentucky University in 2019. She received her Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services with a concentration in Art Therapy from the University of Louisville in 2021. Amber has experience utilizing art therapy in psychiatric care, foster care, outpatient private practice, and the medical setting. She is a member of the Kentucky Art Therapy Association and the American Art Therapy Association. Amber is serving as the Delegate for the Kentucky Art Therapy Association from 2024 to 2026. Amber is the Art Therapist for all of Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Markey Cancer Center, and The Birthing Center. Amber is also the Art Therapy Internship Director at UK HealthCare and is on the UK Staff Senate. Her favorite art mediums are paint and ink.

Tiffany Rose, MA, LPATA, ATR-P

Tiffany is a licensed Art Therapist associate originally from Bourbon county, KY. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Humanities with a minor in Counseling Psychology from Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, KY, and her Master of Arts in Art Therapy with an Emphasis in Counseling Psychology from Saint Mary’s-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, IN. Tiffany has experience providing art therapy services with individuals of various ages in psychiatric care hospitals, hospice, adult day centers, substance recovery centers, and in private practice. Tiffany enjoys altered book art journaling and various forms of fiber arts. She is currently serving as an Art Therapist at Eastern State Hospital.

Our classes and services are easily accessible for UK HealthCare patients, faculty and staff, with convenient parking in the outpatient lot in front of the Whitney-Hendrickson Building on the UK Markey Cancer Center campus.