“Art has always been a potent source of healing for me, and I recognized that was also true for so many others, whether or not they had the moments to explore it yet.”
With commencement upon us, we spoke to some of CFA’s stand-out 2023 graduates as they gear up to leave LMU and take on the world.
Amber Bliss, MA ’23
Program: Marital and Family Therapy
How did you decide to pursue art therapy?
I made the decision to pursue art therapy in 2010, the year I graduated from high school. At that time, I was certain I wanted a career that would allow me to help others while also being true to my creative spirit. Art has always been a potent source of healing for me, and I recognized that was also true for so many others, whether or not they had the moments to explore it yet. It ended up taking a solid decade and several other jobs (full time behavior technician/part time artist and a gallery curator) to integrate and return to this path as my truth. I am overjoyed to finally be living and embodying this passion in my life!
Tell us a little about your time at LMU!
During my tenure at LMU, I devoted myself to exploring a range of campus jobs and groups, which each offered me valuable experiences that were complementary to the art therapy program. These opportunities allowed me to connect with other students and faculty members, who played a significant role in my educational development. Most notably, I worked as the graduate assistant at the Laband Art Gallery for both years of my program. While working in the gallery, I had the chance to observe the curation process of an exhibition, engage in dialogue with individuals who came to experience the artwork, and had the pleasure of meeting talented and socially aware artists. Additionally, I collaborated with the Intercultural Facilitators and participated in multiple programs organized by the Helen B. Landgarten Art Therapy Clinic. All of these shared spaces and experiences greatly contributed to my experience at LMU and my growth as a human interconnected with and serving her community.
Tell us a little about your career goals and aspirations.
As an artist and future clinician of color, I intimately understand the intersection between art and collective healing. I recognize the needs of communities impacted by an oppressive society and my personal and professional responsibility to be in strong allyship. I pledge to always practice cultural humility and to continue breaking the cycles of racial trauma. Additionally, I intend to engage in environmental activism by deepening my knowledge of how to integrate eco art therapy into my practice. I firmly believe that we are a reflection of our external world, and that we possess the ability to heal from both the inside out and outside in.
How do you feel you experience at LMU prepared you for your next step?
Without a doubt, my professors in the MFT/Art Therapy program played a pivotal role in preparing me for the next step in my journey. They guided me to integrating my interests, passions, and knowledge into this new identity as an art therapist. Their keen ability to attune to my individual needs, strengths, and areas for growth has given me the confidence to face whatever challenges lie ahead in this next phase of my life and career.
What advice do you have for new MFT grad students?
At the start of the program, my partner shared some words of wisdom that really stuck with me. He told me, “What you put into is what you will get out of it.” I interpreted that as following the things that sparked me and the opportunities that were in energetic alignment with my goals and values. The work wasn’t easy, but saying yes to things that I knew were for a higher good became much easier. I am so grateful for that insight.
