For her end-of-year thesis presentation, art therapy counseling alum Ginger Hemming focused on the role of art therapy with at-risk children. Drawing from personal experiences with an anonymous client, Ginger described her client-centered, psycho-dynamic and narrative approach.

Many children who experience trauma, abuse, low-acculturation and poverty have a higher likelihood of getting lost in the school system, according to her study. Ginger wants to advocate for these at-risk children and for greater implementation of art therapy in public schools as a viable means of mental health support. For Ginger, her thesis work solidified her professional goals as an art therapy counselor: To create a safe space for at-risk children, in which they can feel free to express themselves and deal with anxiety.

Ginger's presentation was one of several delivered by 2012 Art Therapy Counseling candidates. Other presentation topics included:

• Art and dialectical behavioral therapies with adolescent males
• Addressing grief through art therapy
• Art therapy, trauma, and women veterans
• The role of developmental art therapy in treating residual psychosis
• Gerontology and art therapy

These projects often help guide students' goals for careers after graduating. They allow for students to gain field experience and networking opportunities.