Arika Van Brunt

Arika VanBrunt, LPC, ATR-BC, BC-TMH, ACS, received her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and has been practicing in the field for over 20 years.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, a Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor.  With a decade of experience in the Alexandria Community Services Board, Arika is a child welfare advocate and has been awarded the Center for Alexandria’s Children 2013 Outstanding Dedication to Children Award. Arika provided community-based services and developed programming in shelters, schools, and community forums, where she continued to assess needs and efficacy of services.  Continuing to use her background in attachment and cognitive-behavioral therapies, she provided strength- based art and play therapy interventions to effect change in family systems private practice for another decade.  Arika has championed client self-advocacy, supported efforts for wrap-around care, and joined insurance panels to provide affordable services to clients across Northern Virginia.

Arika completed advanced training in the Circle of Security from the Mary Ainsworth Clinic and has completed Theraplay and MIM certification with The Theraplay Institute.  With the Global Alliance for Africa Therapeutic Arts Program, Arika has accompanied students and professionals collaborating with therapeutic artists in Kenya to foster cross-cultural understanding, an exchange of professional experience, and resiliency. In response to changing mental health needs during the global COVID pandemic, she also became Board-Certified in TeleMental Health to promote accessible and ethical therapeutic services.

Arika continues to provide community education through consultations and workshops, in addition to professional clinical supervision toward clinical licensure.  She joined the faculty at the George Washington University Art Therapy Program in the Fall of 2015.  In her role as Director of the Art Therapy Clinic, she remains committed to providing quality and affordable mental health services, overseeing the student interns, case consultation, clinic research, and provision of clinical services.

Classes Taught

• Clinical Case Consultation
• Ethics & Professionalism I & II
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Assessment Procedures
• Survey of Art Therapy (a graduate course designed for professionals in other disciplines)