Jinnie Jeon, Ph.D.

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 historical and theoretical perspectives 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, working closely with them to support their integration of art therapy into the counselling field.

Her research has been published in Applied Psychology in the Modern Era, Art Therapy Throughout the Lifespan, the Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal, and the World Journal of Neuroscience. Dr. Jeon also serves on Adler’s Research Ethics Board and the Editorial Review Board for the Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal. She is the recipient of the American Art Therapy Association Gladys Agell Award for Excellence in Research and the Canadian Art Therapy Association RCAT Research Grant.

MEMBERSHIPS + ASSOCIATIONS

• Registered Art Therapist, Canadian Journal of Art Therapy (CATA)
• Registered Clinical Counsellor, British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
• Professional Member, British Columbia Art Therapy Association (BCATA)
• Professional Member, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
• Editorial Review Board Member, Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal (CATAJ)
• International Professional Member, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA)

LEADERSHIP + ENGAGEMENT

Dr. Heesu Jeon demonstrates leadership through her role as Director of Training for the Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy (MCP-AT) program at Adler University’s Vancouver Campus, where she oversees clinical practicum partnerships and supervises student development. She also leads the Open Studio initiative in collaboration with faculty, where practicum students facilitate a creative space fostering connection, inclusion, and belonging among campus staff, students, and faculty. Dr. Jeon serves on the Editorial Review Board for the *Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal* and Adler’s Research Ethics Board. Her community engagement includes facilitating inclusive art therapy initiatives for older adults in complex care and supporting access to mental health services through creative and collaborative practices. 

CURRENT RESEARCH + OPPORTUNITIES

Dr. Heesu Jeon’s research centers on emotional, cognitive, and creative enhancement in older adults through art therapy, grounded in the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) framework. Her current work explores how creative engagement may influence neural circuitry in Alzheimer’s disease, in collaboration with interdisciplinary researchers and clinical partners. Dr. Jeon is also engaged in a correlative review of neuroanatomy and creativity, and in a study of ETC-based interventions in long-term care. She welcomes student collaboration through research assistance, clinical art-based inquiry, and community-engaged projects that promote dignity, resilience, and well-being in aging populations.