Meet & Greet Your Peers: January Art Therapist Spotlight!

Getting to know JODI AKER, our art therapist in the spotlight for January 2017!

When and where did you receive your degree?
I attended the University of Louisville, in Kentucky.

What drew you to the field?
I was unhappy working as a commercial photographer right out of school (undergraduate) and was talking to my Professor. She suggested I look into Art Therapy because of my interest in psychology.

What kind of work are you doing currently? (location, type of client, etc)
I work in a high school in Raleigh, and at the moment I am not specifically doing art therapy there. I was at my former school, but have not set up the program here. I am hoping that next school year I will be doing art therapy again. I have been doing supervision for Art Therapists in the Raleigh area.

Are you creating your own art? Favorite media? Inspiration?
I am a photographer by degree and by passion, but love doing mixed media work. I am inspired by the human form and love to incorporate human face and bodies into my work.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time? I teach yoga two nights a week. I love to read, and am a sci-fi buff (books, movies, tv). I intend to make art regularly. I also love to be outside with my husband and dogs.

What are your hopes for art therapy in North Carolina?
I would love to see a University start an art therapy program. The resources are there and there is interest. It seems to always come down to money. If there was a Masters in Art Therapy program, there would be more art therapists, more facilities would know what art therapy is and would hire, and it would help with licensing in the state.

Connect with Jodi at [email protected]