Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Davis.
Andrea was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Bryan Adams HS and then attended college studying Phenomenological Psychology at The University of Dallas Constantin College. She earned her Masters of Arts at University of West Georgia. She returned to Dallas and taught for five years in Catholic schools.
While teaching she saw students who had mental health issues struggling to perform socially, emotionally and academically. Yet, in her role as teacher, she was not able to meet the needs. It was then she decided to look online on a whim. Typing the search terms “art” and “psychology” into Google’s search engine she found The Art Therapy Institute.
That weekend the ATI was hosting an art exhibit at the Mental Health Association. She attended and was emotionally overwhelmed at the sight of a hand sewn doll that was wearing a tattered dress. A letter next to the doll, written by the artist, was a promise to love and care for her in ways she had not experienced as a child. It was at that moment she knew she had found her life path. Being a guide for those who seek healing using art expression would become her passion.
After completing a second masters degree and licensure for both Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certification in Art Therapy (in Texas art therapists are required to have a counseling license and certification in art therapy. Many other states have a license for art therapy and we hope Texas will soon follow suit.) she began working in Dallas and Fort Worth. She has worked with both Cook Children’s Hospital and Children’s Health, Gilda’s Club (now Cancer Support Community), foster/adopt agencies and many more. She made the move to private practice and has served the Dallas area for 11 years.
About five years ago, she had an idea to start art therapy nonprofit for the Dallas community. Finally, she was able to firm up her concept of how this entity could work.
Art Therapy Dallas (ATD) was born and has had many positive responses from other nonprofits who want to join forces! In September ATD hosted art therapy workshop for the Down Syndrome Guild led by Sharon Hartman. And launched the Saturday Open Studio led by Hati Munetsi, with times for adult art making and also time for youth, all free of charge. ATD serves to inspire and encourage creativity and resilience in our community. Moving forward, Andrea would like find a way to fund growth and move into a large studio space to be able to provide daily opportunities for art healing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a firm believer that when you are on the right path, doors open for you without much resistance. This has been my experience. I have been blessed to meet amazing pioneers in the profession and work with individuals who have survived painful experiences and honor me with their trust.
We are new and are looking for funding sources to keep running and growing!
Dallas Art Therapy – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Dallas Art Therapy is a nonprofit entity that exists to bring art therapy to the Dallas community. We strive to provide art therapy services free of charge to those who are unable to afford services. We are collaborating with other nonprofits to launch art therapy groups. Currently, DAT holds Open Studio for adults every Saturday from 10-12, and Open Studio for kids and teens from 2-4. There is a waiting list for individual art therapy sessions. I am so excited to see how we grow and we hope to participate in improving the mental health of the Dallas community.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Anytime a client expresses improved quality of life, I feel energized.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6060 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 500
- Website: www.dallasarttherapy.org
- Phone: 9728805737
- Email: andrea@dallasarttherapy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasArtTherapy/
Image Credit:
Andrea Davis
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Hati Munetsi
November 1, 2017 at 10:22 pm
It’s an honor to work with Andrea Davis. I am encouraged by all the opportunities to help those in need of counseling and to use art to heal. I look forward to serving the Dallas community as a licensed professional and have appreciated the knowledge and strength Andrea has lent on my journey to becoming an Art Therapist.