Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Amber Petchonka

Bangor

Summary

Imaginative Art Therapy Intern with 1 year experience and commitment to passionate, tender care. Specializing in group art therapy and open studio based therapy with various populations.  Ready for a high-demand position necessitating excellence, organization and comprehensive client care for several clients with all types of needs.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Licensed Professional Counselor

BetterHelp: Contact@betterhelp.com
08.2023 - Current
  • Maintained accurate and timely documentation, adhering to ethical standards and guidelines for professional practice.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a supportive and safe environment for self-exploration and growth.
  • Enhanced client well-being by utilizing evidence-based therapy techniques and individualized treatment plans.
  • Improved client outcomes through the implementation of effective crisis intervention strategies during high-risk situations.
  • Managed caseload of diverse clients, tailoring interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring intervention or support.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing solution-focused counseling sessions addressing specific concerns.
  • Utilized creative therapeutic modalities such as art therapy or play therapy to engage clients and facilitate a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences.

Art Therapist

St. Luke's University Hospital: (215) 538-4735
09.2021 - 09.2023
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of art therapy interventions by tracking measurable outcomes using standardized assessment tools.
  • Completed diagnostic assessments and collaborated with clients to create and implement treatment.
  • Performed departmental assessments, art therapy evaluations and quality assurance surveys.
  • Facilitated peer support groups that encouraged clients to share their experiences and learn from each other''s creative processes.
  • Implemented creative art therapy activities to diagnose and treat adult and adolescent patients.
  • Observed, monitored and documented client behavior and responses to treatment.
  • Improved communication skills for clients with autism by facilitating group art therapy sessions.
  • Managed caseloads efficiently while maintaining accurate documentation of client progress, goals achieved during sessions.
  • Managed inventory and ordered new art supplies.

Expressive Therapist

KidsPeace Children's Hospital: (800) 854-3123
09.2019 - 08.2021
  • Designed and implemented effective interventions, addressing specific client needs and goals.
  • Developed personalized therapy plans for clients, resulting in improved mental health outcomes.
  • Adapted therapeutic approaches based on client preferences, optimizing engagement and participation.
  • Evaluated client progress regularly through assessments and adjusted treatment plans accordingly.
  • Promoted healthy coping strategies through the use of art, music, dance, and drama therapies.
  • Enhanced client emotional well-being by utilizing various expressive therapy techniques.
  • Conducted individual expressive therapy sessions, supporting clients in their personal growth and selfdiscovery.
  • Strengthened interpersonal skills among group participants through collaborative art projects and role-playing exercises.
  • Facilitated group sessions for diverse populations, fostering a supportive and creative therapeutic environment.

Art Therapy Intern

Sacred Heart Senior Living
08.2018 - 12.2018
  • Introduced Art Therapy program to Sacred Heart Senior Living.
  • Managed open art studio with art therapy centered classes and workshops.
  • Used experiential workshops to help individuals understand principles of art therapy.
  • Held daily group-based art therapy sessions for individuals with Dementia and other debilitating illnesses.
  • Goal oriented sessions to gain independence, reduce depression, and encourage socialization. 

Art Therapy Intern

Camp Pegasus
06.2018 - 08.2018
  • Introduced Art Therapy program to the Camp Pegasus counselors within a self-created in-service.
  • Managed open art studio with art therapy centered classes.
  • Created the design of the camp-wide project
  • Worked with over 70 children over an 8-week period, these children were diagnosed with Autism and other social disabilities. Ages ranged from 6-16.

Art Therapy Intern

Paoli Hospital & Cancer Center
01.2018 - 05.2018
  • Monitored and recorded patient conditions and progress and reported them to case managers and therapists. 
  • Managed open art studio with art therapy centered classes and workshops.
  • Handled numerous individual clients with specific needs and art therapy plans.
  • Population were patients with cancer and other illnesses and surgeries. Ages ranges from 15-95.

Art Therapy Intern

St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus
08.2017 - 12.2017
  • Managed open art studio with art therapy centered classes and workshops.
  • Monitored and recorded patient conditions and progress and reported them to case managers and therapists. 
  • Population was Patients on the Psychiatric Unit, Extended Acute Care Unit and Older Adult Unit. 

Education

Master of Arts - Art Therapy

Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA
2019

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA
2016

Associate of Arts - Fine Art

Northampton Community College
Bethlehem, PA
2012

Skills

  • Group therapy understanding
  • Individual therapy understanding
  • Note-taking skills
  • Public speaking ability
  • Culturally sensitive
  • Great use/awareness of time
  • Friendly personality
  • Show patience towards others
  • Helpful
  • Shows accountability
  • Hard working
  • Passionate about work

Timeline

Licensed Professional Counselor

BetterHelp: Contact@betterhelp.com
08.2023 - Current

Art Therapist

St. Luke's University Hospital: (215) 538-4735
09.2021 - 09.2023

Expressive Therapist

KidsPeace Children's Hospital: (800) 854-3123
09.2019 - 08.2021

Art Therapy Intern

Sacred Heart Senior Living
08.2018 - 12.2018

Art Therapy Intern

Camp Pegasus
06.2018 - 08.2018

Art Therapy Intern

Paoli Hospital & Cancer Center
01.2018 - 05.2018

Art Therapy Intern

St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus
08.2017 - 12.2017

Master of Arts - Art Therapy

Cedar Crest College

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Associate of Arts - Fine Art

Northampton Community College
Amber Petchonka