Art Therapy Support Groups

Groups &
Art Therapy Workshops

There is a maximum of eight members per group unless otherwise specified.
These groups may fluxuate in topic depending on the need of the community.
Support groups will have a master's level clinician to guide the group conversations/process.
Group suggestions are always welcome, talk to a staff if you have an idea for a group.

Crafting Our Voices
Leader: Art Therapist Serena Appel, MA
If you’re a woman who has ever wished you could make art or craft, but told yourself you “weren’t creative enough”; if you’re a working artist/writer/professional/etc. who keeps getting “stuck” in self-defeating patterns; or even if you just want to hang out with some crafty gals and have fun, this class may be for you.
Over 6 weeks, we will learn to separate reality from commonly held myths about who creative people are and how they think, learn new strategies to stimulate idea generation and discover our own unique “voices”, and learn ways to apply these skills towards art making as well throughout our daily lives.
No prior experience in art necessary, basic art/craft materials provided.
Saturdays 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31 & 6/7
from 10:30am-12:30pm

Members: $10.00 per session Non-members: $15.00 per session
Punch cards applicable.

Creativity and Wellness:Finding the Healer Within
Leader: Art Therapist Pat Jenkins, MA
Jenkins is an artist and art therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in health centers, day programs, schools, prisons, community mental health programs and private practice.
Pat is a true believer in the healing power of art as experienced on her own journey as a breast cancer survivor.

This is a group for breast cancer survivors in which we will use a variety of art materials and techniques to discover and explore our own authentic images and symbols. We will also be keeping an image journal throughout the group.
By connecting with the creative process we tap into the Healer Within. Come on a creative journey of inner adventure and discovery!
No previous art experience is necessary; a willingness to explore more deeply life as a BC survivor is essential.
Limited to 6 participants.
This group is taking participant name and contact info.
Once we have 3 or more participants this group will be added to the calendar.

$120 for 6 weeks
Once this group has started it will be a closed group.
If you are interested in this group, please email/phone the studio!

Diabetes Art Therapy Support Group for Kids
This group will run one time per month and is lead by Beth Ann Short ATR.
This art therapy group is for participants 18 and younger. This group furnishes older kids with the opportunity to be role-models/mentors to younger children newly diagnosed. Younger participants will see hope in their stories. The Diabetes support groups are led by a Master's Level Art Therapist.
Groups will be structured with a check-in time, a short art directive and time for members to process and discuss art created. Each week the group will be led using an art therapy experiential to explore feelings and struggles using a specific directive that will serve as a vehicle for group conversation. Some topics addressed in this group include when participants first were diagnosed, needles, family support and tips for managing in our busy world.
A healthy snack will be available.

You must have confirmation from the studio for your youth to be in this group.

Session 1: Thursday Nights 2/28, 3/28, 4/24 &5/29 from 6:30-7:45pm
Session 2: Sundays 5/25 & 6/29 9:30-11:30am

This group is paid weekly with a drop-in rate.
Members: $10.00 per session Non-members: $15.00 per session
Scholarships available, please ask a monkey for qualifications.
All materials included.
Punch cards applicable.

Diabetes Art Therapy Support Group for Youth 12-18 Years
Lead by Karen “Kazz” Artis ATR
Groups will be structured with a check-in time, a short art directive and time for members to process and discuss art created.
Each discussion group will by using an art directive to explore issues that face pre-adolescent and adolescent youth who manage Diabetes Type 1.
Topics may include dealing with feelings, diagnosis, treatment woes, testing woes and family relationships.

A healthy snack will be available.
Youth ages 12-18

This group will begin once there are 3 or more participants signed up.
A monthly date will also be decided upon once we have a group.

Members: $10.00 per session Non-members: $15.00 per session

Diabetes Support Group for Parents
Leader: Teresa Weis
Teresa is a marriage and family therapist with a background in supporting diabetic youth through support/mentor programming. She has training in diabetes and nutrition education and has done research (both graduate and undergraduate) in diabetes and eating disorders and associated family dynamics. She is also a parent and has been living with Type 1 diabetes since age 12. Teresa currently supports youth and families in a public school setting and in private practice at an office within The 100th Monkey Studio.
3/28, 4/24 &5/29 from 6:30-7:45pm
This group is paid weekly with a drop-in rate.
Please RSVP if you would like to attend, space is limited.

This is a per family rate (both parents).
Members: $10.00 per session Non-members: $15.00 per session
Punch cards applicable.

Group Supervision for Masters Level Art Therapists

Leader: Beth Ann Short MA ATR
This group will be meeting once per month.
This group will give participants a portion of time for check-in, sharing client art (with signed confidentiality agreements), some art making in response to situations in your own practice of art therapy, group support and hours towards your ATR supervision.
All art materials provided.
This group is designed for Master's Level clinicians working in the field.
Limited to 5 participants please reserve your space ahead of time.

Session 1: Sundays 2/3, 3/2, 4/6 & 6/1 from 9am-12pm
This is a 3 hour group supervision that includes art making.
Members: $35 Non-members: $45

Session 2: Tuesday nights 4/15, 5/13, 6/17 & 7/15 from 6:30-8pm
This is a 1 1/2 hours group supervision that is a process group only (no art making).
Members: $25 Non-members: $35

Tree Life Cycle
Leader: Beth Ann Short MA ATR
Trees are vital to our planet’s natural landscape. They prevent erosion and provide ecosystems and under foliage to other living creatures. In this one day workshop you will examine characteristics of trees and apply them to your own life experience.

Using metaphor participants will create an art piece reflective of their own eco-system.
Participants may use array of materials including all charcoal, pencil, oil crayons, pen & ink, markers and much more. Collage materials (paper, fabric & yarn) will also be available.
All materials provided.

Saturday, March 29th from 1-4pm
Members: $40 Non-members: $45
Limited to 6 participants.

The Journey of the Labyrinth
Leader: Beth Ann Short MA ATR
Did you ever have a difficult time making a choice?
Considering outcome can be difficult and easier to do once we have already moved and possibly made a mistake.
Participants in this drawing class will explore their own decision making through a journey of the Labyrinth. Participants will explore 10 areas that will help them make better decisions in the present and future, while reflecting on the past for insight.
Participants may use array of materials including all charcoal, pencil, oil crayons, pen & ink, markers and much more. Collage materials (paper, fabric & yarn) will also be available.
All materials provided.

Sunday April 20th from 1-4pm
Members: $40 Non-members: $45
Limited to 6 participants.

Creating Roots
Leader: Beth Ann Short MA ATR
(for bio see Founders page)
Take a moment to reflect on where you live.
Is it a comfortable sanctuary?
In this afternoon workshop participants will create a piece of art using mixed media with the theme of nests. The action of creating a nest is unique to every creature. For some, the home is a place to take refuge while for others the home is a place to spend time socializing with family and friends.
Part of an instinct to nest comes from a desire to create a place to counteract stress in your life.
What will your nest look like?
A wide variety of materials will be on hand for the process.

Saturday, June 7th from 1:30-4pm
Members: $45 Non-members: $55

Teen Girls' Circle
Leader: Cheri Epstein ATR-BC, NCC
Looking for community for your teen girl?
Or are you a teen who likes to make art, feel creative and conncet with other girls at the same time?
Then this group is the perfect fit!
Each week participants will create something new using art materials, while expressing their unique spirit and finding community!

Thursday mornings 6/19, 7/3, 7/17, 7/31, 8/14 & 8/28
from 10:30am-12pm
Flat Rate: $150 for 6 weeks

Epstein is an Art Therapist in private practice in SW Portland. For 15 years, she has helped clients of all ages and with a wide range of emotional needs through the use of art therapy. Prior to that, Epstein was an artisan for 18 years, designing and creating colorful enameled jewelry combined with precious metals and gemstones. Her work was displayed in juried exhibitions and galleries throughout the US and Japan. She has taught art through the Artist-in-the-Schools Program and creativity in The Artist's Way classes. She enjoys helping people reach their creative potential.

Contracted Groups

The studio will offer Art as a recreational activity to non-profit associations.
Groups must contract ahead of time with the studio for the space with a set price and time frame
(specifically the number of weeks they will be attending).
The space is available for a one time session or a series.
Staff are also available to organize and lead a group specific to your needs.
Group dynamics may vary depending on the need of the organization.
We are available to discuss your options.
Call today!

Individual Counseling with Beth Ann Short MA ATR
Currently Short has a small private practice in an office in the studio. Clinical Art Therapy provides clients with an opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials utilizing both verbal and non-verbal expression. Short uses an eclectic approach, tailoring to the needs of each individual client. She sees art and the process of Art Therapy as a safe holding space or a “transitional object." This process gives clients the opportunity to project struggles and/or concerns interfering with daily functioning and address them in a structured and safe environment. Short considers the art product as an additional voice in treatment. This voice provides additional information that may have been difficult in the past for the client to express verbally. Art Therapy provides an approachable environment for clients to explore overwhelming problems.
Currently, Short has a private therapy office in The 100th Monkey Studio, an open studio art space that fostering all levels of art, creativity and growth in individuals. Short sees the studio as a space artists and art therapists could find a community of support and resources. If you are interested in individual work please contact Short directly at the studio (503-232-3457) as she is currently accepting referrals.
Office Hours: Day, evening and weekend

ATR Supervision: Yes
Credentials/Licenses: ATR (Nationally Registered Art Therapist with AATA)
Treatment Age(s): 6 years through adult
Sliding Scale: Yes (based on household income)
Accept Insurance: No
Specialty: Individual, family, and group therapy. Methods may include art therapy, PhotoTherapy, sandtray therapy and verbal process. Areas of specific clinical interest include: women's issues, relationships & parenting, grief/loss, creativity & children with medical struggles.