Beth Merriam, M.A., OATR, ATR-BC, CCC Email: bmerriam@rogers.com EDUCATION 1992: M.A in, Art Therapy, Norwich University, Vermont, U.S.A, 1990: B.F.A., with major in art education, Concordia University, Montreal, PQ CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Ontario Art Therapy Association Registered Art Therapist #35 (approved supervisor) American Art Therapy Association Registered/Board certified # 12200 Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Certified #2967 AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS 1988: Canada Council Grant Art Explorations Program 1994: Ontario Arts Council Grant - Artists in the Schools 1995: Kingston Literary Award - Outstanding Achievement in the Arts PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2008 pres. ART Psychotherapist Private Practice Toronto, Ontario Art Therapy Individual and Group Art Psychotherapy for adults Supervisor - Provide supervision to professional art therapists seeking Registration with The Ontario (OATA), Canadian (CATA) and American (AATA) Art Therapy Associations 2000-present FACULTY AND STUDENT SUPERVISOR Toronto Art Therapy Institute, Toronto, ON. Academic instructor Developed courses and currently teaching; Art Therapy with People who have Severe Mental Illness, Principles of Group Therapy, Assessment in Art Therapy, and Research Methods in Art Therapy. Clinical supervisor for students doing practicum placements in hospital and community settings Thesis Adviser for student research projects. Assist students with designing research studies that meet human participants protection policy, following through with study and assist students with thesis writing following APA guidelines. - Page 2 - Beth Merriam
Aug. 2009 - May, 2010 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (TERM APPOINTMENT) Concordia University, Montreal, PQ Academic Instructor in graduate art therapy program, teaching Counselling Skills, Assessment in Art Therapy, and Art Therapy Techniques. Supervised students in practicum placements, providing clinical consultation according to student s learning needs. Supervised clinical and research projects Participated in faculty committees, including research/ethics, supervision, and curriculum Feb. 2001- July 2008 ART THERAPIST Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Toronto, ON Provided short-term counseling, brief art/psychotherapy for individuals and groups. Focus was to assist adults in facilitating goals to promote recovery from mental illness. Implemented client-centred therapeutic interventions geared towards helping clients identify, explore and understand problems, find effective coping skills and stress management strategies. Responsibilities included assessment of client needs, implementing appropriate treatment plan, documenting progress and outcome Maintained appropriate clinical records in accordance with CAMH policies and procedures including statistics and work load measurement Participated in multidisciplinary teams in inpatient and outpatient programs throughout the hospital. Delivered staff training regarding art therapy as a means of addressing depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, and stress management. Supervised art therapy students, providing orientation, training about mental illnesses as well as mentoring and regular evaluation. July 2000 Feb 2001 COUNSELLOR/PSYCHOTHERAPIST Turning Point Youth Services Toronto, ON Clinical Intake and assessment for clients aged 16-18 in group home and youth shelter settings Short-term individual counseling for individuals with mental illness, emotional distress, trauma or challenges in daily living. Referred clients to available community resources. Liaised with families and schools, providing advocacy for clients. Provided staff training, to improve and enhance staff understanding of treatment issues and goals continued - page 3 - Beth Merriam
Jan. 1999 April 2000 ART THERAPIST/PSYCHOTHERAPIST (PART-TIME) Chrysalis Day Treatment Program Kingston Psychiatric Hospital Kingston, On Provided individual and group art therapy for adult women with recurrent and long-standing issues Clients presented a wide array of Mental health issues that included impacts of sexual, physical or emotional abuse, depression and anxiety, relationships issues, eating disorders, body image and self-esteem Focus on promoting the understanding of one s behavior and emotions as well as working towards removing barriers to independence and wellbeing Participated in multidisciplinary team, including peer supervision and case discussions. Jan. 1993 April, 2000 ART THERAPIST/PSYCHOTHERAPIST (PART-TIME) Kingston Prison for Women Kingston Ontario Provided art therapy and counseling (both individual and group) for federallysentenced women who had a wide variety of complex and severe psychological issues. Clients included women with severe mental illness, dual diagnosis and fetal alcohol syndrome. Many clients were experiencing the emotional effects of trauma, including a history of substance abuse, eating disorder, self-injury, and suicidal behaviours. Created a safe environment for women dealing with adjustment to incarceration, feelings of loss and isolation, poor self-esteem and emotional stress. Provided written progress notes regarding treatment to assist in future program planning and community reintegration Provided crisis intervention and risk-assessment for personal safety, self-harm and suicide. Attended multidisciplinary team meetings regularly 1993-1994 ART THERAPIST (Ontario Arts Council Grants) Frontenac District School Board Kingston, Ontario Facilitated three Art Therapy groups for students (ages 6-17) identified by school teachers and/or guidance counselors as needing extra support. Referrals included students with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, victims of bullying and emotional adjustment problems Treatment goals focused on building self-esteem, resiliency, and a sense of accomplishment - page 4 - Beth Merriam
1998-1999 Art Therapist -Consultant role Kingston Alzheimer Society, Kingston, Ontario Trained and supported volunteers to facilitate art groups for seniors with Alzheimer s in five residences Worked with nursing home staff to implement art programs Participated with Kingston Alzheimer Society education committee 1990-1992 ART THERAPIST (STUDENT INTERN) Child and Family Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON Developed individualized treatment plans for children aged 6-15 years who were referred by psychiatrists, psychologists or social worker. Provided individual and group art therapy interventions for individuals with ADHD, histories of abuse, and autistic spectrum disorders. Provided written reports that documented progress and recommendations. Co-facilitated family therapy and intervention groups. Westmount Public School, Montreal, Quebec Provided individual and group art therapy services for students in grades 1-6, who needed regular emotional support. Participated in staff meetings and advocated on behalf of students. Met with parents to provide feedback regarding child s progress. Conference Presentations and Workshops Merriam, B (2011) Is There a Relationship Between Creativity and Mental Illness? Art Therapy Here and Now. Canadian Art Therapy Association Conference. Merriam, B (2011) Implementing the Expressive Therapies Continuum in Your Practice. Art Therapy Here and Now. Canadian Art Therapy Association Conference. Merriam, B. (2008) Art Therapy as Supportive Intervention For Youth Experiencing a First Episode of Psychosis. A full day training workshop for Southeastern Ontario District Early Intervention in Psychosis Program. Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, Ontario. Merriam, B. (2006) Art Therapy and Mental Health. A Radio Interview and public phone-in Radio program. CFRB FM radio. Toronto, Ontario - page 5 - Beth Merriam
Merriam, B. (2005). Art Therapy with Inpatients Experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Ontario Art Therapy Association Conference. Merriam, B. (2004) Art Therapy in Mental Health and Addictions. Staff Training Workshop. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Merriam, B. (2004) Art Therapy in Mental Health and Addictions Making Gains Conference for Mental Health Workers. Toronto, Ontario Merriam, B. (2002). Serving Adults with Mental Illness in Forensic and Correctional Settings Graduate Seminar. Toronto Art Therapy Institute. Toronto, Ontario Merriam, B. (2002) Art Therapy with Adults Who Have Psychosis. Ontario Psychiatric Association Conference. Toronto, Ontario. Merriam, B. (2002) Art Therapy With Survivors of Trauma Graduate Seminar. Toronto Art Therapy Institute. Toronto, Ontario Publications Merriam, B. (2004). Art Therapy as a modality. In E. Tupker. (Ed.). First Contact: A Brief Treatment for Young Substance users with Mental Health Problems. (Pp. 266-272). Education and Publishing Department. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Toronto. Merriam, B. (1998). Therapy in Art The Alzheimer Art Group. Feature article in the Kingston Whig-Standard Newspaper. Kingston, Ontario. Merriam, B. (1997). Red rope and Blue Veins. In D. Gussak (Ed.), Drawing time: Art therapy in prisons and other correctional settings. California: Magnolia Street Publishers. Merriam, B. (1998). To find a voice: Art therapy in a women s prison. Women in Therapy. 20(4), 157-171. Merriam, B. (1998). To find a voice: Art therapy in a women s prison. In J. Harden & M. Hill (Eds), Women in prison and feminist therapy. New York: Haworth Press Inc.