Marybeth Orton, MA, ATR-BC, CPAT is a 1993 graduate of the Expressive Therapies program at the University of Louisville, having transferred here from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH. Her emphasis of study was in group work, as well as trauma/grief and medical counseling. She has been the part time, Clinical Coordinator since Fall, 2005. She has been part of the adjunct faculty of instructors since Fall, 2003, and guest lecturer at the University for the last ten years. Marybeth has over 12 years of direct clinical experience working in one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the nation. Her direct experience in the clinical field has been valuable for teaching graduate students in the Expressive Therapies Clinical I and Clinical II Art Therapy courses, as well as practicum class.
Marybeth also maintains a private practice. Here, she specializes in traumic stress reactions, loss/grief/ trauma counseling, and crisis interventions, as well as expressive art therapy, play therapy, EMDR, Sandtray-worldplay, animal assisted therapy, and energy work. She has worked with all ages in groups, individually, and families.
Marybeth developed a pet therapy program at the psychiatric hospital, including construction of guidelines for policies and procedures to bring certified therapy dogs and cats to the acute and residental patients at this facility. Additionally, Marybeth has become the President of the local pet therapy organization, WAGS, (Wonderful Animals Giving Support). She also volunteers for this organization and has for the last six years.
She is also active in the Kentucky state chapter of the Art Therapy Association, (KYATA), having served on the executive board as Delagate in 1997, and is currently serving as President-Elect. Marybeth maintains professional membership and involvement in the local and national play therapy organizations, (KAPT and APT, respectively); local and national art therapy associations (KYATA and AATA), and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), as well as Delta Society and WAGS.She has works published in the American Journal of Art Therapy, and the Art Therapy Journal.
Marybeth maintains activity in her art work as well. She is currently working on illustrating another clinician's childrens books.