Jinnie Jeon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Director of Training Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy
Vancouver
By centering art as a language of healing and connection, I prepare students to lead with compassion, creativity, and cultural humility – elevating dignity, voice, and well-being in the lives they touch.
OVERVIEW
“Dr. Jeon is a registered art therapist (RCAT), clinical counsellor (RCC), artist, educator, and researcher with more than 15 years of experience. Her work focuses on the evidence-based benefits of art in mental health care, particularly with older adults experiencing cognitive challenges such as dementia.
At Adler University, she teaches courses on the history and theory of art therapy and lifespan development through the lens of art therapy. As Director of Training for the Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy program, she oversees practicum students in Clinical Seminars, supporting their application of art therapy within the counselling field. Her research has been published in Applied Psychology in the Modern Era, Art Therapy Throughout the Lifespan, and the Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal.
Dr. Jeon also serves on Adler’s Research Ethics Board and the Editorial Review Board for CATAJ. She is the recipient of the AATA Gladys Agell Award for Excellence in Research and the CATA RCAT Research Grant.”
MEMBERSHIPS + ASSOCIATIONS
- Editorial Review Board Member, Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal (CATAJ)
- Registered Member, Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA)
- Registered Member, British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
- International Professional Member, American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
- International Professional Member, British Columbia Art Therapy Association (BCATA)
- International Professional Member, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Publications + Presentations
Publications
Art therapy for dementia through a trauma-informed lens: Integrating the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) and neurobiological foundations
Neuroanatomical basis of art therapy and dementia: A correlative review and implication
Enhancing Cognitive Functioning in Dementia Through Art Therapy: A Randomized Trial Based on the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) Framework (Améliorer le fonctionnement cognitif chez les personnes atteintes de démence par l’art-thérapie : Un essai randomisé fondé sur le Continuum des thérapies expressives [CTE]).
Advancing Communities Through Applied Psychology: Exploring the Intersection of Theory and Practice in Community Settings
the Modern Era*. Springer, Cham.
Finding voice in art: The effectiveness of art therapy with older adults in a care centre.
the lifespan: A collection of case studies*
(1st ed., pp. 184–196). Routledge.
Presentations
Enhancing Cognitive Functioning in Dementia through Art Therapy: A Randomized Trial Based on the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC).
Conference, Sweden (hybrid)
Innovations in Trauma-Informed Dementia Care (Tentative title).
Berlin (hybrid)
The Impact of Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) Based Art Therapy Interventions on Cognitive Functioning and Quality of Life in Older Adults with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Research (ICFSR), Toulouse, France
Exploring Arts Therapies & Neuroscience: Dignity in End-of-Life Care.
Expressive Therapies Continuum in Dementia Care.
Longitudinal Visual Narratives: Art Therapy in Complex Care.
LEADERSHIP + ENGAGEMENT
Dr. Heesu Jeon demonstrates leadership through her role as Director of Training for Adler University’s MCP-AT program, where she oversees clinical practicum partnerships and supervises student development. She serves on the Editorial Review Board for the *Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal* and on Adler’s Research Ethics Board. Her community engagement includes facilitating inclusive art therapy initiatives for older adults in complex care, as well as advancing access to mental health care by fostering equity, creativity, and professional development in diverse communities.
CURRENT RESEARCH + OPPORTUNITIES
Dr. Heesu Jeon’s research centers on art therapy for older adults, particularly with dementia, integrating trauma-informed approaches and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). Current projects include a correlative review on neuroanatomy and creativity, and a comprehensive study on ETC-based interventions in long-term care. As an educator and clinical supervisor, Dr. Jeon welcomes student collaboration research assistance, clinical art-based inquiry, and participation in community-engaged projects that promote dignity, resilience, and well-being in aging populations.