Explore every episode of the podcast Art Therapy: In Process

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore the evolving nature of friendships throughout different stages of life. The conversation also examines the lasting effects of the COVID and social media on how people meet, sustain, and perceive friendships, including increased isolation, shifting communication patterns, and heightened comparison. Throughout the episode, Ann and Matt share personal stories alongside professional insights, offering practical strategies they use in therapy to help clients navigate loneliness, build authentic relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and foster deeper connections in today’s increasingly digital world

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore what it means to keep kids safe both as parents and as therapists. They discuss how to navigate difficult but necessary conversations with children about safety, boundaries, emotions, and the world around them. Drawing from their unique perspectives, they examine the differences between parenting and being a therapist, the challenges of wearing both hats, and how to build trust so kids feel comfortable coming to the adults in their lives. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or mental health professional, this conversation offers practical insights and reassurance for fostering resilience, open communication, and emotional safety in children.

In this episode Ann and Matt explore the psychology of fairytales, the deeper meaning behind children’s stories, and the books that helped shape who they are. From the symbolism and emotional truths hidden in classic tales to the comfort, imagination, and life lessons found in favorite childhood books, this conversation looks at why stories matter so much especially for kids. Along the way, they share personal favorites, reflect on the books that stayed with them, and discuss how fairytales and children’s literature can help us make sense of feelings, fears, and the human experience.

In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt share some of their favorite weird and unexpected therapist stories, chat about their children’s book Moon Magic, explore how therapists actually socialize outside of work, and wander through plenty of random tangents along the way. From creativity and connection to the strange moments that make therapist life memorable, this conversation is equal parts insightful, funny, and delightfully off track.

This week on Art Therapy in Process, we’re joined by David Gussak for a conversation that weaves through art therapy, career journeys, and the unexpected paths that shape our work. Dave shares his experiences pioneering art therapy within correctional settings and discusses the unique role creativity can play in environments often defined by restriction and isolation.

Along the way, we explore how each of us found our way into the field of art therapy, the mentors and moments that influenced our careers, and how we somehow all ended up sharing our work on social media. As always, the conversation takes a few delightful detours, with reflections on professional identity, connection, creativity, and the stories that emerge when therapists get together.

This week on Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt explore what it means to navigate life and work with a Type B personality in a world that often celebrates hustle and perfection. From spontaneous adventures and embracing flexibility to building a strong support system, they discuss the vital role friendship, community, and authentic connection play in personal and professional growth. The conversation also dives into the impact of social media on relationship building and how it can sometimes complicate genuine connection. Join us for a candid, relatable discussion about support, belonging, and finding your people along the way.

Matt and Ann discuss the transition from graduate school into professional life as art therapists, exploring the importance of supervision, mentorship, and building authentic connections within the art therapy community. They talk about navigating the uncertainty that can come after graduation, finding supportive supervisors, creating professional relationships, and learning how networking can feel more genuine and less intimidating. Through personal experiences and honest conversation, this episode highlights the value of community, continued growth, and staying connected while developing your identity as an art therapist.

On this episode Ann and Matt have a conversation with Brianna Cox about our journeys to becoming art therapists, the role of community art, personal creative processes, and everything in between. Exploring creativity, connection, healing, and the many paths that lead us to this work.

Matt and Ann dive into the chaos and comedy of therapist life from awkward client related nightmares to the wildly unexpected moments that somehow become normal when you work in mental health. They also talk dating, emotional baggage, vulnerability, and the weird transition from independence to letting people in. Mixed in with all of that: creative outlets, humor as survival, and finding ways to stay grounded in a world that feels increasingly overstimulating and strange. Equal parts therapist talk, personal stories, and “how is this our life?”

On this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann Hines and Matt Brooks get real about the emotional weight of parenting, motherhood, masking, and trying to raise emotionally healthy kids while managing their own mental health. From overstimulation and mom guilt to emotional regulation, burnout, and the pressure to “do it right,” they unpack the invisible labor parents carry every day.

They talk honestly about how therapists aren’t immune to overwhelm, why so many parents feel like they’re constantly performing stability, and how healing ourselves impacts the way we show up for our children. The conversation is validating, funny, chaotic, and deeply human . A reminder that perfect parenting doesn’t exist, but connection, repair, and self awareness matter more than perfection ever could.

In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt dive into the nuanced experience of dating as therapists. From managing professional identity outside the therapy room to balancing openness with healthy boundaries, they unpack the real-life dynamics that come with forming relationships in this field. The conversation also highlights the importance of feeling supported by peers, community, and partners and how that support can foster authenticity, connection, and growth. Expect honest reflections, a little humor, and the kind of insight that reminds you you’re not alone in the process.

Ann & Matt are joined by special guest Ben Earnest LMHC for a real, honest conversation about why it matters for therapists to show up authentically on social media as actual humans, not just highlight reels. They dive into the importance of male therapists in the field, breaking stigma, and creating space for more voices in mental health.

Of course… it wouldn’t be this podcast without a little ADHD chaos, life tangents, and some laughs along the way

This week, Ann and Matt are joined by Julia Toal for a real, grounded conversation about the weight of life, current events, the emotional load we all carry, and how it shows up for both therapists and clients. Together, they explore the creative tools they lean on in sessions and in their own lives to process, regulate, and stay connected when things feel overwhelming.

And because no conversation is complete without a little unexpected turn… they somehow find themselves diving into The NeverEnding Story and Disney princess psychology....

It’s thoughtful, honest, a little nostalgic, and very much real life as therapists navigating a heavy world while still finding space for creativity, humor, and meaning.

Ann & Matt take a real life, unfiltered dive into what it actually looks like to be therapists navigating the same chaos as everyone else. From AI and how it’s shaping expectations, to parenting, divorce, and the very human need for control, this episode weaves through it all. Along the way, they explore how art becomes a powerful tool for grounding, expression, and shared connection even when life feels all over the place. Honest, relatable, and a little scattered in the best way, this one captures the heart of being a therapist and a human.

In this episode Ann and Matt share the artwork and artists that inspire them, how being parents shapes the way they see creativity, and why superheroes resonate so deeply from a psychological lens. From identity and resilience to the stories we carry, it’s a mix of art, real life, and the meaning we find in both

In this episode, Ann and Matt unpack the gap between client expectations and the real, often messy process of therapy especially in a world shaped by AI and social media. From “quick fix” mindsets to curated online narratives, we explore how these influences show up in the therapy room and what it means for both clients and clinicians. Also… it’s been a long day. So you’ll get plenty of unfiltered thoughts, tired brain tangents, and the kind of honest, slightly chaotic conversation that happens when therapists are very real humans at the end of it all.

We’re diving into all things community in this episode how it’s supported us, inspired us, and helped bring Moon Magic to life. We share our appreciation for the art therapy world and get real about building a private practice that feels authentic and sustainable. Tune in for ideas on networking, local partnerships, and creative ways to connect with the people you’re meant to serve.

In this episode, Ann and Matt share some of their goto art directives for both individual and group sessions, creative prompts they return to again and again because they help clients explore feelings, build insight, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

They also talk about their own creative processes, what helps them reconnect with creativity, and take a little walk down memory lane with childhood photos.

And because no episode would be complete without it a little random chaos, Ann and Matt chat about why so many therapists love psychological thrillers and murder mysteries? Is it curiosity about human behavior, emotional processing after a long day, or something else entirely?

Expect creativity, nostalgia, and a few laughs along the way

In this episode, Ann and Matt talk about the balance between being human and maintaining strong professional boundaries as therapists. They explore how personality, lived experience, humor, and authenticity can actually strengthen therapeutic relationships when used thoughtfully. At the same time, they unpack the importance of staying grounded in ethical practice and clear boundaries so the work remains safe and effective for clients.

Along the way, the conversation takes its usual turn into the chaotic reality of therapy life from messy schedules to “how did this become my day?” moments proving that therapists can be relatable, imperfect humans without losing their professionalism.

Because sometimes therapy is deep clinical insight… and sometimes it’s riding the hot mess express while still holding the container.

Join Matt with special guest Emily Schlosberg and Medora Frazier as they discuss how therapists cope with professional isolation and the importance of peer support in mental health practice. In the world of therapy, counselors often face a unique set of challenges that can lead to feelings of isolation. Medora and Emily share their journeys into the field, the isolation they encounter, and how they cope with the demands of their profession. If you're a therapist or interested in mental health, this episode covers insights into the importance of connection and community in the counseling profession.

Ann and Matt get painfully honest about the realities of being therapists navigating insurance panels, self-pay rates, and the constant mental math of survival in private practice. They talk burnout, boundaries, and the emotional toll of trying to do ethical, meaningful work in a broken system while also daydreaming about building a model magic castle and collectively screaming into the void. Equal parts real talk and coping through imagination.

Ann and Matt chat with guest Sophie Restall, ATR-P, AMFT, APCC, to unpack what it really looks like to introduce creative tools to other mental health professionals. This conversation focuses on scope of practice, ethical boundaries, and how art therapists can support creative expression by other therapists without misrepresenting or diluting the role of art therapy.

We also swap stories from school-based work and touch on ethical considerations around art shows and the public display of client artwork.

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, we explore why therapy remains deeply and uniquely human. We talk openly about what’s helping us cope as therapists right now, how creativity supports regulation, and why human connection still matters. We also share the heart behind Moon Magic, our new children’s book, and how it grew from the same values that guide our clinical work.

In this episode, Ann and Matt explore what it means to be a therapist during a politically heavy and emotionally charged time. They talk honestly about the weight many clients are carrying, the impact on clinicians, and how to hold ethical, grounded, compassionate space without bypassing reality or burning out.

The conversation highlights how creativity and art-based processes can help regulate the nervous system, support emotional expression, and build resilience when the world feels overwhelming.

This episode is a reminder that steadiness is built  and creativity is not extra, it’s essential.

In this episode, Ann & Matt are  talking about unexpected coping skills, Pittsburgh comfort traditions, and what therapy can look like when it happens through a screen. They chat about video games as a surprisingly positive coping skill, the iconic Pittsburgh fish fry scene, and what Covid taught us about adapting personally and professionally. 

Plus, they dive into a few mailbag questions, including how art therapy can work virtually, what it looks like to use artwork as a tool during video sessions, and how creativity can still feel supportive even when we’re not in the same room. 

In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Tara Saunders AT-R, LPC for a fun, real-life conversation about the ups, downs, and unexpected adventures of running a private practice. We talk boundaries, balancing the business side of therapy, and the very relatable struggle of staying on top of notes….plus Tara shares some hilarious (and actually helpful) therapist “tricks” for getting things done when your brain is not cooperating. Expect laughs, honesty, and a few takeaways you’ll want to try this week.

In this episode, Ann and Matt are a little all over the place because honestly, life is too. They dive into the invisible load carried by primary parents, the mental tabs that never seem to close, and what it’s like to hold everyone else while trying not to drop yourself. It’s a thoughtful, relatable conversation that mirrors real life: layered, imperfect, and grounded in shared experience.

In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, we’re joined by Lucy Baker, an art therapy student from the UK, for a thoughtful conversation on nature-based therapy, creative practice, and how art therapy looks both similar and different across the pond.

Together, we explore Lucy’s work integrating nature and the outdoors into therapeutic practice, how environment shapes regulation and connection, and the role creativity plays in healing. We also dig into the differences between art therapy training, licensure, and professional identity in the UK versus the US highlighting what we can learn from each other as a global art therapy community.

What happens when the therapy room meets real life? In this episode, we unpack the grey areas therapists navigate every day like gift giving, self-disclosure, running into clients in the wild, and what it’s actually like to date as a therapist.

This episode goes a little off the rails….in the best way? It’s honest, reflective, funny, and deeply human. No perfect answers, just real talk about navigating nuance, protecting your energy, and remembering you’re allowed to be a person first and a therapist second.

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This week on Art Therapy in Process, we’re talking therapists’ favorite things from fidgets we actually use, to art supplies we swear by, to comfort items that somehow regulate everyone in the room. Somewhere along the way…we may have accidentally created a holiday shopping list…. and exposed the underground Pittsburgh Plant Trade. 

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It’s that time of year when therapists are holding space, dodging holiday chaos, and apparently tracking full moon energy like weather reports. We talk about what it’s really like being a therapist around the holidays, the emotional weirdness of moon cycles, and the therapy animals who somehow keep us grounded. A little humor, a little magic, and a lot of real talk.

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In this “mailbag” episode, we attempt to answer your questions… but quickly detour into talking about Pittsburgh pride, childhood nostalgia, and of course Mr. Rogers. Consider this your cozy, hometown-flavored chat about community, kindness, creative roots, and why Pittsburgh just hits different.

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A candid conversation with Tracy Weitkamp, LCPAT on what art therapy really looks like across settings, and all the things grad school didn’t prepare us for. We unpack how therapists react (or don’t) in sessions and in life, and the very human side of doing this work.

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Navigating friendships as adults is…. an adventure. In this episode, we dive into how relationships shift over time, how boundaries deepen connection, and what friendship looks like for therapists in and out of the therapy room. Add in a little Gen X and millennial humor and some gentle chaos and you’ve got Art Therapy in Process at its finest.

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In this episode, Ann and Matt sit down with artist and art therapist Sara Roizen, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, to explore what happens when creative practice moves beyond the studio walls. From clinical work to community-based art groups, Sara shares insights on connection, process, and the power of group creativity. And yes, they also talk about Grape Nuts…. because nourishment comes in many forms.

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Therapists tell ghost stories…. kind of. Ann and Matt swap tales from inpatient units, share community mental health horrors, and find the humor in the haunting parts of the job. Therapy gets spooky (and silly) in this Halloween episode of Art Therapy in Process.

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This week, we dive into what it’s like to live inside a therapist’s brain: balancing parenting, creative expression, and emotional awareness all at once. Ann and Matt explore how personal art supports their growth as therapists and humans, the parallels between raising kids and holding space for clients, and why even the Muppets have something to teach us about emotional depth and humor.

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Ann and Matt sit down with their first guest, Christopher Morrison, a licensed professional counselor and board-certified music therapist, to talk about what it really means to “show up” as a therapist both online and offline.

Together they dive into the realities of being a therapist on social media, finding the balance between public presence and personal privacy, and how our human side naturally shows up in the work we do every day.

It’s an honest, thoughtful, and funny look at how therapists navigate connection, creativity, and authenticity in the digital age.

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In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt explore the theme of control. What it looks like to hold space as therapists while also navigating their own personal challenges. They reflect on how the art process can provide grounding and a sense of stability when life feels overwhelming, and Ann shares insight into her own art practice as a way of staying balanced for herself and her clients. 

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In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt break down what it takes to become an art therapist….from the education and training requirements to the ways we market ourselves as professionals. We dive into the important distinction between art therapy and art as therapy, and talk about how artwork itself becomes part of the process in session with clients.

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In our very first episode of Art Therapy in Process, we set out to talk about art therapy… but instead the conversation wandered. We ended up talking about therapists on social media, imposter syndrome, being parents and therapists, those awkward cancellation fees, and of course….”what are we even doing?”

This is just the beginning, and we’d love for you to help shape where we go next. Just like in session, we want you to be a part of the process. What do you want to hear us get into next?

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