Talk

In this virtual lecture presented by MPS Art Therapy, Lesley Achitoff, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, will focus on resistance, something that she has been addressing for many years and has learned much about. Resistance can be one of the most frustrating aspects of therapy. Developing tools to encourage participation is a vital way to create a safe space for our clients to gain insight and self-confidence. Our clients may request therapy and be resistant at the same time, knowing that vulnerability must be addressed. Resistance can seem hostile and deter the therapist from moving forward. Resistance can falsely indicate that the client is not really interested in moving forward or is bored, thus discouraging the therapist. This presentation will address these issues.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the basis of resistance and why it exists, including information regarding attachment difficulties and trauma

2. Learn how to identify the many indicators of resistance

3. Formulate methods to address resistance in a compassionate manner, employing Creative Arts Therapy so that clients can move forward in a safe and compassionate space

Speaker Bio

Lesley Achitoff, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT has worked with underserved youth for about 20 years. She provided Art Therapy services with several non-profits, including working with families in their homes, until 2009 when she began her work on Rikers Island. In 2016 she became Director of Creative Arts Therapy on Rikers and expanded the program to include Music Therapy, Poetry Therapy, Drama Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy. While on Rikers, Lesley personally worked with women and youth and supervised 11 CATs. That program is now the largest CAT program within a jail in the United States. Lesley left Rikers to work in Juvenile Detention and since December 2022 has been working for a non-profit focusing on re-entry. This program provides career support, therapy, GED tutoring, and many other services for young people leaving incarceration and re-entering the community.

The MPS Art Therapy Department at the School of Visual Arts is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0054.

1.5 CE hours available for LCATs.

SVA wants to ensure persons with disabilities have access to this event. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodations to access or participate in this event, please reach out to the department at arttherapy@sva.edu or to SVA Disability Resources disabilityresources@sva.edu at least seven business days prior to the event.