Molly Ansari

Biography

I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Art, knowing that I wanted a career in art, but unsure where that was going to lead me. I then took on a volunteer opportunity in Boston, MA with AmeriCorps. It was during my time facilitating an after school reading program that I began to spend time with a small group of young girls before programming. On one occasion, I had the opportunity to spend time with one young girl in particular who was visibly upset and would not talk. Leaning into my skills in art, I offered her art materials and sat on the floor while we created art together. I observed her go through many emotions through her art and seemingly work through something difficult. It was in that moment that I felt this overwhelming feeling and I knew I wanted to do this forever. I immediately applied to Master’s program in Art Therapy and from there went on to take on many roles in my career. I have specialized in trauma work and have since opened my own private practice in my community, completed a doctoral program and began teaching students at the graduate level in counseling. I think often to that afternoon in Boston with gratitude and honor to be able to sit in such a special and life changing experience for myself. I now get to continue my clinical work and help to teach and guide the future counselors in the profession to continue to support so many.

Teaching

Courses Taught: Intro to Counseling, Counseling Ethics and Law, Human Growth and Development, Research Methods, Couples and Family Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Group Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, Supervising Practicum and Internship as well as other courses.

In order to provide my students with a supportive environment that promotes purposeful instruction, my teaching incorporates Authentic Learning, Experiential Evolutionary Scaffolding and Service Learning philosophies.

Scholarship

Child Parent Psychotherapy and Art Therapy: An Integrated Approach to Child Trauma Counseling (Work in Progress)

Service

• Illinois Art Therapy Association, Member
• American Art Therapy Association, Member
• American Counseling Association, Member

Licensures and Certifications

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Illinois
• Registered Art Therapist – Board Certified, Art Therapy Credentials Board