Susan LaMantia

 

 

Susan LaMantia, M.A.,A.T.R. is a registered art therapist with 30 years of experience. She has worked as a vendor in art therapy for the St. Louis Dept. of Mental Health and the Division of Social Services of Md. Prior to moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina in 2005, Susan’s private practice specialized in work with children, adolescents, and women. She believes a healing takes place within the creative process leading to a clarity in understanding of self and integrating life’s issues. Such clarity then leads to better communication skills by developing a visual and verbal vocabulary on which to build.

As an art therapy educator, Susan taught at Lindenwood College, St. Louis, Mo., an individualized creative arts education program. As adjunct faculty at Southern Illinois University , Edwardsville, Ill. Susan designed and implemented the art therapy curriculum. While in Oxford, Pa., she wrote a weekly mental health column for the Oxford Tribune. She has been a consultant to ADE (Altering Disordered Eating) working in conjunction with a team approach to individuals with eating disorders.

Susan has served on the American Art Therapy Standards Board, Ethics Committee, and Editorial Board. She is currently a member of The American Art Therapy Association, the Art Therapy Association of N.C. and the Friends of the Art League of Cary, NC.

While living in St. Louis, Susan co-authored a psychobiography of a prominent St. Louis psychiatrist Dr. Conrad Sommer, “ A Pilgrim’s Progress : Crisis and Grace in the Life of a Psychiatrist “.

As an art therapist Susan has made presentations on : Integrating Our Inner and Outer Selves Through Art Therapy and Action Methods, Food- The Other Drug of Choice, The Artist as Therapist, Developing a Personal Symbology, Relevance of Gestalt Art Therapy,and Holistic Art Therapy, to name a few.

Susan is also a practicing artist with her work in collections in : NYC., PA, DE. MD, CA, MO, Ill, FL, and NC. She has had solo exhibitions and been included in group shows throughout the United States.

As an art educator Susan has taught creative expressions classes in art studios, centers for the creative arts, junior colleges, and universities. She also has lectured on the topics of : Unlocking Your Creativity, The Artist At Work, The Multiple Roles of Women in the Arts , Visual Thinking and Using Art to Expand Your World.

Frequently asked questions about Art Therapy

Do I need to be an artist to do art therapy?
No, art therapy is for everyone. The goal is expression, with the emphasis on the creative process rather than on technique or skill. In fact, you don’t even need to know how to draw a straight line!

Is an art therapist a “real” therapist?
Yes, art therapists are required to take similar coursework to many other mental health professionals. They are also required to have a Masters degree and do hundreds of hours of supervised work with clients before they can practice art therapy.

What is a typical session like?
Though each session will vary based on the needs of the client, a typical session will begin with some introduction and sharing (perhaps about the week). Then there will be time for a creative process, perhaps based on the issues that came up in the talking. Then, there will be time for sharing and ending the session.

What kinds of materials might I use in a session?
You will use what you are comfortable with and you will have guidance from the art therapist in choosing materials. Some materials may include-picture cut outs from magazines, photographs from home, clay, sand, paint, and drawing materials like pastels or pencils.

Can an art therapist be my primary therapist?
Absolutely, Art Therapists are qualified professionals that have similar training to many other mental health professionals.

I already have a therapist. Can I still do art therapy?
Yes, art therapy can bring new vision and insight into your work with your therapist.

Can I claim art therapy services on my health insurance?
The National Art Therapy Association (AATA) is working to change this policy, but at this time you cannot claim art therapy services on most health insurance plans.

 

Quick Facts

Susan LaMantia , MA, ATR
103 Honeysuckle Lane
Cary, NC 27513

Clients will be seen in Susan’s private studio.

919-439-9075
lamantia@nc.rr.com

Announcements and News

Susan will be having a one woman show of her larger work at Chatham Hill Winery, 3800 Gateway Centre Blvd, Suite 310, Cary/Morrisville, 27560 in November and December 2010.

Susan will be in the Western Wake Studio Tour April 17, 10-5 and April 18 12-5, 2010 at her home studio.
103 Honeysuckle Lane
Cary, NC 27513

She will be exhibiting new paintings, and miniature canvasses on miniature easels.


See her work