Clinical Wisdom with Dr. Ruff

Ann and Matt chat with a very special guest, Stefan Oliva, Chief Executive Officer of FrameShare!FrameShare is a free and secure telehealth platform built specifically for creative care. By working alongside the community, FrameShare is developing thoughtful tools that support therapists and art educators, helping them extend the impact of their work through accessible, collaborative, and flexible digital spaces.

In this special episode, we connect in person with students from a variety of art therapy programs at the AATA Conference to hear their stories, experiences, and perspectives on becoming art therapists.Through these conversations, we explore what brought them to art therapy, their experience at conference, what they learned, and their hopes for the future of the profession. Each student brings a unique perspective shaped by their program, personal experiences, and passion for the healing power of creativity.Join us for an inspiring collection of voices celebrating the next generation of art therapists and the diverse paths that lead to this meaningful work.

Ann and Matt sit down with fellow art therapist and podcaster Megan Campbell at the AATA Conference for a conversation about all things art therapy! Together, they explore the many ways art therapists show up in the field, from navigating the ins and outs of private practice to the unique experiences and challenges of working in inpatient settings.They also dive into the role of social media in the art therapy world, discussing how therapists can use online platforms to connect, share their work, build community, and make art therapy more visible and accessible.Whether you’re a student, a seasoned art therapist, or simply curious about the many paths an art therapy career can take, this conversation offers insights, shared experiences, and plenty to think about. Join Ann, Matt, and Megan for an engaging discussion celebrating the diverse ways art therapists practice, connect, and grow within the field.

Ann and Matt talk about their excitement for the upcoming conference next week and everything they’re looking forward to doing, learning, and participating in while they’re there. They also take a broader look at what it’s like for therapists to step away from their practices whether for a conference, vacation, or family time. The conversation explores the behind the scenes work of managing schedules, communicating with clients, arranging coverage, balancing family responsibilities, and making time away actually feel like time away. With plenty of relatable discussion about the logistics of family life and the challenges of keeping everything organized, Ann and Matt reflect on how therapists can prepare for time off while still maintaining healthy boundaries and enjoying life outside of work.

Matt and Ann sit down with AATA President Raquel Farrell-Kirk for a conversation about all things conference! From tips and tricks for making the most of your AATA conference experience to what you absolutely won’t want to miss, Raquel shares her insider perspective on what’s in store this year in Charlotte. Together, they talk about connecting with colleagues, navigating the packed schedule, finding opportunities to learn and grow, and making the most of everything AATA2026 has to offer. Whether you’re a conference veteran or attending for the first time, this episode will help you feel prepared, excited, and ready to be part of the AATA community in Charlotte.

One year of the podcast! Ann and Matt are celebrating by doing what they do best: hanging out, talking about art therapy, and reflecting on how this little podcast became something much bigger than they ever imagined.In this special anniversary episode, they look back at how they got here, why art therapy matters so deeply to both of them, and the incredible ways this podcast has connected people across the art therapy community. From conversations with inspiring guests to unexpected friendships and connections, they reflect on the community that has grown around the show and how grateful they are to be a part of it.And because this podcast is also about two friends who genuinely enjoy spending time together, they wrap things up with a little game of Friendship with plenty of laughs, questionable answers, and a reminder that sometimes the best conversations happen when you’re simply hanging out.Here’s to one year of creativity, connection, community, and friendship and to wherever the next year takes us.

In this episode, Ann and Matt take a personal and playful tour through some of their favorite Pittsburgh spots for art, creativity, and art therapy-inspired experiences. Along the way, they talk about what it really looks like to balance life as a parent and an art therapist From favorite creative places around Pittsburgh to finding small moments of connection and creativity in everyday life, this conversation explores how art can support wellbeing, relationships, and self-expression at every stage of life

Ann and Matt explore what happens when the helpers of the world need help themselves. They discuss the challenges of navigating care, asking for support, and how therapists and other helping professionals can respond differently when the person seeking help is also a professional helper.

Ann and Matt welcome Mary Ellen Ruff, PhD, for an insightful conversation packed with practical wisdom for therapists and mental health clinicians. Dr. Ruff shares why thoughtful, thorough note taking matters, what clinicians should know when becoming involved with the court system, and the challenges and responsibilities that can come with serving as a therapist in legal proceedings

Ann and Matt are getting ready for back to school season! In this episode, they chat about the excitement and challenges of heading back to school, share thoughts on media and TV shows that kids are watching, and discuss how families can navigate screen time. Plus, they have some special announcements and updates you won’t want to miss.Flightless Bird Podcast- Youtube for Kids with Kaitlyn BeckerHERE