Michelle L. Dean

Michelle L. Dean, MA, ATR-BC, LPC (AL & PA), CGP is an art psychotherapist with credentials as a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Group Psychotherapist. Michelle is an internationally recognized expert in treating individuals who have eating disorders, complex trauma, and relationship issues. Her work history includes nearly thirty years of eating disorder programs and private practice. Michelle is passionate about educating and mentoring students and professionals. She has been a professor at several Universities instructing undergraduate and graduate art therapy courses since 1997, and as a supervisor for graduate students, ATR and LPC candidates, and clinicians wanting to further their knowledge about art therapy, the therapeutic uses of art, eating disorders, and other related topics.

As a highly regarded national and international presenter, Michelle is an advocate for art therapy and art-based psychotherapy. She is regularly invited to speak on the radio, and television, at schools, universities, and numerous local, and national conferences. She has served the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association as a board member for twelve years. She is one of the Ambassadors of The American Art Therapy Association's Ambassadors Program, and has served on AATA's Executive Board as Secretary.

Michelle is the author of the children's book, "Taking weight problems to school" (JayJo Press, 2005), as well as several chapters about art therapy in edited texts. Her work has earned several Faculty Development Grants and awards including the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association's Innovations in Art Therapy Award (2007), The Ronald E. Hays Presenter's Award (2009 & 2015), and the Honorary Life Member Award (2012). In 2015, she earned The American Art Therapy Association's Pearlie Roberson Award to aid in the procurement of images for her book, Using Art in Psychotherapy: Bringing the Power of Creativity to Practice (Routledge).