“FUSION represents a creative blend of ideas and perspectives. We liked the concept because ‘fusion’ means a release of energy and the birth of something new,” notes Art Therapy Alliance founder, Gretchen Miller. “Members of the Alliance and IATO represent the field of art therapy world-wide. Now there is a voice for their news, stories, and events,” says Cathy Malchiodi, IATO. FUSION will be released quarterly and focus on information exchange, resources, and news about art therapists' work throughout the world, with an emphasis on how art changes lives and transforms individuals and communities.

Art therapy is a form of treatment that uses art materials as form of self-discovery, behavioral change, and stress reduction. Art therapists use traditional psychotherapy techniques along with their understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process and art materials. As healthcare professionals, art therapists are employed in many clinical settings with diverse populations. Art therapy can be found in community settings as well, such as in art studios and in workshops that focus on creative development, self-expression, and skill-building. Art therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults and provide treatment to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities.

IATO (internationalarttherapy.org) was formed in May 2009 to establish a global community for education, communication, and exchange of information on art therapy, therapeutic art making, and art for health and social transformation. It also promotes understanding of art therapy through dissemination of leading edge news and development of media, online education, archives, and publications for its members and the public. Currently, IATO's initiatives include the advancement of collaborative research projects among its approximately 1800 members. The Art Therapy Alliance (arttherapyalliance.org) was founded in 2008 by Gretchen Miller, ATR-BC, and is a professional group with close to 1000 members around the world that promotes the field of art therapy through news, discussion boards, and social networking opportunities. Art Therapy Alliance and IATO recently co-sponsored a global art event using digital technology to create a worldwide art gallery the theme, ART PEACE SUSTAINABILITY.

For more information, membership queries, and a free copy of FUSION, visit the IATO or Art Therapy Alliance websites.