I strongly support this effort to include art therapists as qualified supervisors for 100 hours of supervision for LPC candidates in Virginia. Agencies greatly benefit from being able to offer art therapy as a treatment approach. However, supervision provided by the current list of qualified supervisors who do not have art therapy backgrounds are limited in their ability to address critical aspects of an art therapist’s job. Thus, if a LPC candidate with a Master’s degree in Art Therapy is utilizing art therapy in his or her job, it seems reasonable and critical to allow for part of his or her supervision be provided by a credentialed art therapist who meets specific criteria for competency in art therapy practice and art therapy supervision. It is my belief that in order to offer high quality care and protect the welfare of the individuals with whom art therapists work, art therapists in good standing should be considered a valid option for supervision for LPC candidates. Thank you for your consideration of this petition.