Many think of counseling as two people sitting in a room and talking, waiting for the time limit to cut them short, but not this week’s alumna. Art Therapist, Scarlett LeVan, devotes her time towards helping adults with addiction. She doesn’t heal physical pain, but rather the mental struggles that not all medicines may fix. What is so rewarding for art therapists is they get to witness patients better themselves, while doing so in a creative way with art! Below, Scarlett tells us how she benefits from watching her patients blossom into wonderful people.

Scarlett LeVan-Bunyon, MA, ATR-BC, LPC

Graduation Year/Major: Art Therapy, Class of 2013 (MA)

Marywood Clubs/Activities: MUSATA

Current Occupation: Full-time Art Therapist at the Retreat at Lancaster County, an inpatient setting with adults suffering from addiction.

1) What was your favorite part about Marywood?

The small class sizes promoted an atmosphere of intimacy with my peers and made the professors extremely accessible. I also found that the curriculum accurately represented real world applications in a way that prepared me for my professional career.

2) Any advice for current art students at Marywood?

No matter how hard it feels at the moment, it will be well worth it down the road. In the words of Emile Zola, “The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work.”

3) How did your art education at Marywood help your career?

Marywood helped me to hone my identity as both an artist and as an art therapist. I was able to enhance my artistic abilities as well as learn how to effectively help others.

4) What is your favorite part about your job?

Getting to see the effectiveness of art therapy in those that benefit most from this modality is truly gratifying. Also being able to witness such a high level of talent; I leave work inspired everyday by the output and authenticity of those I work with.

5) What do you find is the most rewarding part of your job?

I am able to watch patients enter treatment in a completely broken state and blossom into wonderful human beings. As part of this process I am able to help them utilize art therapy as a means of self-discovery.

Featured images courtesy of Scarlett LeVan and Retreat LC found online here. To learn more about where she works visit http://www.retreat-lc.com/

 

Are you interested in studying Art Therapy?

UNDERGRATUATE: Marywood’s undergraduate art therapy program is designed to meet the needs of those interested in a career that includes both a commitment to art-making and a commitment to serving others. It will introduce you to the human service profession of art therapy at a pre-professional level. LEARN MORE

GRADUATE: Our Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy trains professionals in the mental health field to use art as a catalyst for healing and self-actualization. Art therapy aids human development through self-discovery, self-awareness, and personal growth. LEARN MORE