Yvonne Johnson-Gilbert began her professional journey as a Clinical Art Therapist, following a successful career in the Fine Arts winning awards, gallery shows and international scholarship offers. She attained her terminal Certification in a Clinical Artist Therapist, through the American Artist Therapist in New York. Clinical Art Psychotherapy was her “perfect marriage” of Left-Brain and Right -Brain. She was offered an opportunity to work under the second generation Art Therapists, who were trained in Sonoma Calif. following the therapeutic models of Kramer, Ulman and others who were pioneers introducing Art into Therapy at NYS. Psychiatric Hospital. Her first exposure in training was with the Criminally Insane and other institutionalized individuals within diverse ages, genders and nationalities. Many of whom were Alcoholics that were inappropriately institutionalized years earlier. After leaving that position, she continued administering Clinical Art Psychotherapy with individuals having Personality Disorders, Affective Disorders, PTSD/Trauma and Sexual Abuse Victims. Having a passion for this treatment modality she has over the years incorporated into other areas including, working with clients with Substance Abuse Disorders, Dual Diagnosed clients and those incarcerated. Ms. Gilbert has developed and trained professionals in the Principals and techniques of Clinical Art Psychotherapy for the NASW, NADDAC, MAHEC and others including Asheville Art Museum realizing that this modality would be especially beneficial to Art Teachers in identifying a “pre-disposition” or problem area of a child and more readily provide intervention strategies. Ms. Gilbert lives in Haywood County, NC. where she is currently writing a training manual on Clinical Art Psychotherapy with authentic drawings from a cross-section of her clients and currently she is also presenting interactive training webinars for professionals.
