Art Therapy: In Process

Epizódy

• Raising Kids Who Talk: Safety Starts with Conversation 03.07.2026 59min

  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.
• The Stories We Grew Up With 26.06.2026 50min

  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.
• Therapists Off the Clock 19.06.2026 50min

  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.
• The Art of Finding Your Path 12.06.2026 1h

  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.
• The Art of Showing Up 05.06.2026 1h 5min

  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.
• Now What? Navigating Supervision and Networking After Art Therapy School 29.05.2026 55min

  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.
• The Stories That Shape Us 22.05.2026 51min

  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.
• Art & Awkward Moments 15.05.2026 53min

  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?”
• Behind the “I’m Fine” Mom Mask 08.05.2026 59min

  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.
• Life as a Therapist: Boundaries, Vulnerability & Community Support 01.05.2026 50min

  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.
• Showing Up Human: Men in Therapy & Social Media Presence 24.04.2026 51min

  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
• Carrying It All and Still Creating 17.04.2026 1h 1min

  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.
• We’re Fine. Everything’s Fine. 10.04.2026 55min

  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.
• Parenting, Paintings, and Superpowers 03.04.2026 50min

  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
• When Therapy Doesn’t Match the Highlight Reel 27.03.2026 47min

  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.
• Grow Where You’re Planted: Community, Creativity, and Private Practice 20.03.2026 50min

  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.
• Inside Our Art Therapy Toolbox 13.03.2026 52min

  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
• Toot! Toot! Hot Mess Express, Mercury is in Retrograde 06.03.2026 44min

  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.
• Isolation, Connection, and How to Rot the Right Way 27.02.2026 51min

  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.
• Insurance, Self-Pay, and Screaming Into the Abyss 23.02.2026 50min

  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.