Debra Paskind, ATR-BC Chicago Campus

Debra Paskind, M.A., ATR-BC, LCPC
Core Faculty, Counseling Psychology: Art Therapy

I believe that teaching and learning occur in an interactive process between students and instructor. It is the instructor’s task to develop a strong but flexible structure to facilitate student learning. Syllabus, readings, power point lectures, and various learning activities all combine to direct students to the desired learning outcomes. Critical thinking is an important outcome for students entering clinical work, and learning activities such as role-play, reflective writing and art work all help develop this skill.

I am enthusiastic about art therapy, and hope to convey that to my students. I believe that individuals take in information in different ways, thus multi-modal learning is necessary to meet those needs. Students may need some assistance in finding what works best for their learning.  I believe student feedback is critical to improving instruction, and have utilized both mid-term evaluation, and end of term evaluations to make changes to improve my teaching. 

I also think that education for art therapists-in training requires creativity and must teach students to use art to better understand themselves, to understand theory, and to integrate the two. I want to help my students develop their sense of responsibility for their learning, to be active in the pursuit of knowledge, not just to come to class to ‘get filled up’.

My areas of interest include utilizing art therapy in community programming and with adolescents. I appreciate the Adler School’s support of social justice, and my work in the community and I think that developing opportunities for students and faculty to work in broader contexts enriches the individuals, the school and the community.

Please e-mail or call me (312-662-4323) if you have questions or would like more information about me.

Education

  • M.A., Art Therapy
  • B.F.A., Weaving & Textile Design
  • B.S., Art Education 

Licensure

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, Illinois)

Other Credentials

  • ATR-BC (Art Therapist, registered and board certified)

Professional Memberships

  • American Art Therapy Association
  • Illinois Art Therapy Association
  • American Counseling Association

Select Presentations

  • Paskind, D., Roy, G., Bush, K., Holloway, T., Matic, M., & Taylor, G.(2010) Incorporating art making in a community gun violence program. Art in response to Violence Conference, September 30-October 1.Chicago, Illinois

  • Paskind D., Roy, G., Bush, K., Holloway, T., Matic, M., & Taylor, G.(2010) Put down your guns pick up your paint brushes. American Art Therapy conference, November 3-7. Sacramento, CA

  • Paskind, D, Roy, G, Todman, L, Bush, K, Holloway, T, Matic, M, Taylor, G. (2010) Put down your guns pick up your paint brushes. Illinois Art Therapy Association, February, 2010

  • Paskind, D, Wasik, A and Schroeder, R. .( May,  2005). Art Therapy for Stress Reduction. Illinois  Counseling Association, , Presentation and experiential for counselors providing stress reduction techniques utilizing art therapy.

  • Paskind, D. (2003). Art Therapy In-service: Introducing art therapy to child welfare professionals. Uhlich Home, Chicago, Illinois.