American Art Therapy Association Awards Paula Howie with Honorary Lifetime Membership
Former Walter Reed Director of Activities Therapy Services Honored
ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 29, 2014 /3BL Media/ – The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) has named Paula Howie, ATR-BC, LPC, an Honorary Lifetime Member of AATA for her pioneering efforts in the practice of art therapy and for her contributions during her tenure as a part of AATA’s leadership team beginning in 1984.
The award was conferred upon Howie at the 2014 Scholarships and Awards Celebration held on July 12, 2014 in conjunction with the American Art Therapy Association’s 45th Annual Conference held in San Antonio, TX. Sarah Deaver, the current AATA Board President, said of Howie, "We owe a great deal of gratitude to Paula, not only for her significant contributions to art therapy and its application in military communities, but for her work as the former President of the American Art Therapy Association. Paula recognized the need to relocate our headquarters to Washington, DC to spearhead advocacy and awareness efforts on behalf of AATA's members and the research-based mental health profession it represents."
Among her many accomplishments was her contribution at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as the Director of the Activities Therapy Services program. Here, she was key in developing cross-disciplinary relationships and building bridges between various mental health practitioners. Her dynamic personality and passion for art therapy helped the Activities Therapy Services program gain worldwide recognition. During her tenure there, she received the Walter Reed Commanders Civilian Service Award from the Federal Government along with Special Recognition for her contributions and service after the 9/11 tragedies.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she captured the essence of the profession: “We must work with clients who are stuck in bad situations…At times we must be willing to go into the darkness to help our clients find their way back to the light with us.”
Paula Howie is both an art therapist and a licensed professional counselor in the Washington, DC area. She received her master's degree in art therapy from the George Washington University in 1975. She became a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) in 1977, became a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) in 1994, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in DC (1997) and Virginia (2008). She served as Director of the Activities Therapies Department at Walter Reed Hospital for 25 years before retiring and has taught art therapy and counseling graduate students at GW since 1985. Her private practice focuses on the treatment of issues relating to trauma, family, and relationships. Howie is an accomplished lecturer and author, has been invited to speak internationally, and co-authored a popular work entitled Art Therapy with Diverse Populations: Crossing Cultures and Abilities. Howie has been active in the American Art Therapy Association throughout her career, previously holding the office of President from 2005-2007.
About the American Art Therapy Association
The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that making art is healing and life enhancing. Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.
For more information, please visit www.arttherapy.org
