Childhood trauma and art therapy with Nicole Porter, ATR-BC

Nicole Porter ATR-BC, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, speaks with Carolyn Tennant about art therapy, its proven neurobiological benefits, and her work with children suffering from acute trauma. She is founder of Emerald Sketch, a mental health organization inspired by her experience as a first responder after the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary, which mobilizes clinicians to develop sustainable art therapy services following disasters and traumatic events. Porter serves as president of the New York Art Therapy Association and works as an organizer with LCAT Advocacy Coalition, the first-of-its-kind lobbying group which campaigns on behalf of the field in New York State. Porter discusses how, despite today’s mental health crisis facing children, art therapy and other essential services have been redlined in the state’s budget.