Curriculum Vitae

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Sharon T. Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Board Certified and Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist

Portland Institute for Loss and Transition: Associate Director Art-Assisted Grief Therapy Certification Program

Artful Grief

The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: For Mental Health Awareness, Education and Suicide Prevention Baltimore, Maryland 21030, USA


Phone: (410) 667-9384
Cell Phone: (410) 456-4374
E-mail:devotion5@hotmail.com

Degrees

  • B.A. Psychology(major) Art (minor). Washington College, 1973
  • M.A. Art Therapy. Goucher College, 1985
  • A.T.R. American Art Therapy Association: Certification and Registration, 1991
  • ATR-BC/ #91-076Art Therapy Credentials Board: Board Certified and Registered Art Therapist, 2014
  • LCPAT / #ATC 126 Maryland Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist, 2015

Experience

  • Art Therapist, Individual and Group Art Therapy Private Practice, 1995– Present
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition: Associate Director Art-Assisted Grief Therapy Director, Faculty Mentor, 2019 - Present Robert Neimeyer: Director
  • The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Art Therapist / Artful Grief, 2003 – Present
  • National Suicidology Training Center, Faculty, 2019 – Present Frank Campbell: Director
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Survivor Outreach Program, Peer Mentor. 2011 - 2017
  • Art Therapist, Rita Project, 2003 - 2012
  • Art Therapist, Wellspring Healing in the Expressive Arts, Individual and Group Private Practice, September 1997 - July 2005
  • Art Therapist, The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, January 1990 - May 1993
  • Art Therapist, Essex Community College, October 1985 - January 1988

Honours/Awards

  • American Red Cross Hometown Heroes, Education Award, 2006

Research

  • “Hass-Cohen, N., Bokoch, R., Strouse, S., Medina, M., Colan, J. & Mims, C. (2024). Studio Art Therapy Postventions for Long-Term Suicide Loss Survivors: A Phenomenological Study. The Arts in Psychotherapy.”
  • Strouse, S., Hass-Cohen, N.&Bokoch, R. (2021). Benefits of an Open Art Studio to Military Suicide Survivors. Arts in Psychotherapy.

Books

  • Strouse, S. (2013). Artful Grief: A Diary of Healing. Bloomington, Balboa Press.

Chapters

  • Strouse, S.T. (2023). Doll Making: From Rages to Riches. In Coenen, C. (Ed.), Seasons of Grief: Creative Interventions for Bereaved People.London: Jessica Kingsley.
  • Thompson, B.E. &Strouse, S.T. (2023). Art-assisted Grief Therapy. In Steffen, E.M., Millman E. & Niemeyer, R.A. (Eds.), The Handbook of Grief Therapies. London: Sage Publications.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2021). Traumatic Loss andHow the Flash Could Benefit from Restorative Retelling.In J.A.Harrington& R.A. Neimeyer (Eds.),Superhero grief: The Transformative Power of Loss. New York: NY Routledge.
  • Strouse, S.T. & Vollmann, S. (2021). Grief and the Masks We Wear:Secret Identities Are Not Only for Superheroes. In J.A. Harrington & R.A. Neimeyer (Eds.), Superhero grief: The Transformative Power of Loss. New York: NY Routledge.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2019). An Art Therapist’s Experience with Dreamscaping. In Gershman, N. & Thompson, B. Prescriptive Memory inGrief and Loss: The Art of Dreamscaping. New York, Routledge.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2019). Traumatic Loss and Dreamscaping. In Gershman, N. & Thompson, B. Prescriptive Memory inGrief and Loss: The Art of Dreamscaping. New York, Routledge.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2019). Dreamscaping with Pairs in a Group Setting: A Dance of Co-creation, Protocol and Guidelines for 1:1 Dreamscaping, Protocol and Guidelines for Dreamscaping With Pairs in a Group Setting. In Gershman, N. & Thompson, B. Prescriptive Memory in Grief and Loss: The Art of Dreamscaping. New York, Routledge.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2019). An Open Book: How Does a Bereaved Art Therapist Maintain Boundaries with Bereaved Clients. In Di Maria, A. Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Art Therapy: 50 Clinicians From 20 Countries Share Their Stories.New York, Routledge.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2013). Integrating the Torn Pieces. In Thompson, B. & Neimeyer, R., Grief and the Expressive Arts: Practices for Creating Meaning(pp.187-197) New York, Routledge.
  • Strouse, S.T.and Harrington LaMorie, J. (2012). The Art Studio Process. In Neimeyer, R. A., Techniques of Grief Therapy: Creative Practices for Counseling the Bereaved (pp.226-228) New York, Routledge.

Other Publications

  • Strouse, S.T. (2020). Artful Grief: An Art Therapy Application of Appreciative Living. AI Practitioner: International Journal of Appreciative Inquiry. Vol. 22 (2) pp. 19 – 24.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2018). Dreamscaping: Healing our Inner Landscape. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Magazine: For The Loved Ones of Those Who Served and Died.Volume 25.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2017). Handmade Books: Tiny pages that speak volumes. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Magazine: For The Loved Ones of Those Who Served and Died.Volume 23, 12-13.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2013). Collage: A Hero's Creation. The Association for Death Education and Counseling: The Forum.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2012). Artful Grief. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Magazine: For The Loved Ones of Those Who Served and Died.Volume 18, 16-17.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2012). Artful Grief: A Search for Meaning Through Image Making. Soul Collage: Discover Your Wisdom, Change the World: Neter Letter. Web. 7, 3.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2011). The Art of Healing: National Suicide Survivor Seminar. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Magazine:For the Loved Ones of Those Who Served and Died.Volume 17, 26-27.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2011). The Art of healing...loss, grief and grace. The Compassionate Friends: We Need Not Walk Alone. 34, 6 & 8.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2010). The Art of Healing: Collage...a path through loss to love. Beyond Words: Redefining Loss Through Creative Approaches. 42-43.
  • Strouse, S.T. (2007). Collage: A Path Through Loss with Love. Living with Loss Magazine: Hope and Healing for the Body, Mind and Spirit. 21, 18.

Presentations And Workshops

  • Essentia Health: Grief Support Services Conference. December 6, 2024. Collage: Reassembling Life After Traumatic Loss. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT. Gilchrist Social Work Training Institute. November 15, 2024. The Transformative Power of Mask-Making after Traumatic Loss. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT & Sarah Vollmann,MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Grief Therapy Learning Retreat. July 10-15, 2024, Marriottsville, Maryland. The Transformative Power of Mask Making after Traumatic Loss, Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • Gilchrist Social Work Training Institute. June 14, 2024. A Dialogue With A Bereaved Mother: Symbol and Paradox after Traumatic Loss. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT & Lynne Henry, BA.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. May 3, 2024. A Dialogue With A Bereaved Mother: Symbol and Paradox after Traumatic Loss.Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT&Lynne Henry, BA.
  • Association for Death Education and Counseling: National Conference. Houston, Texas. April 9-13, 2024. The Transformative Power of Mask Making after Traumatic Loss, Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT & Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • The Chicago School of Professional Counseling. Washington, DC. March 26, 2024. Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. December 8, 2023. Grief Therapy for Suicide Bereavement. Collage: A Medium for Reassembling Life After Loss. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Zo Gallery:Baltimore, Maryland, September 8, 2023. From Story to Art: A Workshop. Three-part art experiential (Create- Destroy-Transform.) Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, and Peggy Kolodny, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT. Programing for Opioids Wakes: September 8-29, 2023: Two person exhibition with Diane Flasconaro’s three channel video and Peter Bruun’s “Memoir Series.” The American Art therapy Association: National Conference. San Diego, CA. October 25-29, 2023. Half-day Advanced Practice Course. Art Therapy Altered Books: A Narrative Reframing after Traumatic Loss. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT & Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW. Expressive Therapies Retreat. Sedona, Arizona. August 27-31. Doll Making in the Treatment of Traumatic Loss. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT. A Jungian Approach to the Underworld of Loss: Mask-Making and Body Casting.Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT& Evie Lindemann, ATR-BC, ATCS, LMFT.
  • Association for Death Education and Counseling: National Conference. Columbus, Ohio. April 27-29, 2023. Art Therapy Altered Books: A Narrative Reframing After Traumatic Loss, Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT & Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW, Superhero Grief: How the Flash Could Benefit from Restorative Retelling. Jill A. Harrington, DSW, LCSW & Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Grief Therapy Learning Retreat. March 31 – April 4, 2023, Marriottsville, Maryland. Panel Presentation: A Dialogue with Three Bereaved Mothers Following the Traumatic Loss of a Child. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Lynne Henry, Rebecca Ladd, MA., From Corona Confusion to Artistic Profusion: A Group Case Study of an Art-Assisted Grief Therapy During the Pandemic. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW, Robert A. Neimeyer, Ph.D., Art Therapy Altered Books: A Narrative Reframing After Traumatic Loss, Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW & Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Notre Dame of Maryland University: Art Therapy Graduate Program Process Class: Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces. February 15, 2023. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT. Jasmine Awais, PhD. Associate Professor: Research Coordinator.
  • King's University College. Canada. October 16, 2022. Carrie Arnold PhD, FT, M.Ed., RSW, CCC/ Assistant Professor Thanatology, Thanatology Program. Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces. Sharon Strouse, MA. ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Long Term Survivors Summit. July22 – 24, 2022. Cleveland, Ohio. Artful Grief Open Art Studio. (1 ½ days)Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW, Noah Hass Cohen, PsyD, MA, ATR, Rebecca Bokoch, PsyD, Grace Fowler, PhD.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. June 7, 2022. Art-Assisted Grief Therapy: From Corona Confusion to Artistic Profusion: A Group Case Study of an Art-Assisted Grief Therapy During the Pandemic. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW, Robert A. Neimeyer, Ph.D.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 28th Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2022.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • Association for Death Education and Counseling. Saint Louis, MO. April 21, 2022. Art Therapy in Pandemic Times: Grief Therapists restore, retell, and reconstruct meaning. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT& Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • The Expressive Therapies Summit: LA. April 7, 2022. Private Inquiry Community Engagement: A Creative Response to Traumatic Loss. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Peggy Kolodny, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Peter Bruun, MFA.
  • National Association of Social Workers. March 31, 2022.Superhero Grief:Art-Informed Grief Therapy Techniques: What We Can Learn from the Flash and Therapeutic Collage.Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Chicago School of Professional Counseling. Washington, DC. March 30, 2022. Superhero Grief: How the Flash could Benefit from Restorative Retelling. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Learning From COVID 19 Experiences: International Conference: Florida State University Art Therapy Program and the National Association for the Development of Art Therapy Science and Practice Art Therapy Association of Russia. February 3-5, 2022. Art Therapy in Pandemic Times: Grief therapists restore, retell and reconstruct meaning. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW, Robert A. Neimeyer, Ph.D.
  • The Expressive Therapies Summit: New York. November 11, 2021. Superhero Grief: Secret- Identity and Transformative Power of Mask Making: Half Day Presentation. Jill A.Harrington, DSW, LCSW and Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Expressive Therapies Summit: New York. November 12, 2021. Virtual Presentation: Doll Making and Traumatic Loss: All Day Master Class. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • The 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Training Institute. Arlington, Virginia. June 6, 2021. Complicated Grief, Collage and Trauma Theory: An Artful Integration. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Peggy Kolodny, MA, ATR-BC.
  • The Expressive Therapies Summit:LA. May 2, 2021. Virtual Presentation: Doll Making and Traumatic Loss: All Day Master Class. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW
  • Advanced Behavioral Health. Maryland. May 28, 2021. Collage Integrating the Torn Pieces. 3 Hour ProfessionalTraining. Sharon Strouse, MA. ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Chicago School of Professional Counseling.Washington, DC. April 14, 2021. Superhero Grief: How the Flash could Benefit from Restorative Retelling. Sharon Strouse.
  • Association for Death Education and Counseling.Virtual Conference.April 8-10, 2021. Doll Making and Traumatic Loss: Sharon Strouse & Sarah Vollmann, Superhero Grief: The Transformative Power of Loss/ Panel: Jill Harrington &Sharon Strouse, andOur Work, Ourselves/Panel: Jack Jordan& Sharon Strouse.
  • Notre Dame of Maryland University. Maryland. April 1, 2021. Process: Art Therapy and Counseling, Graduate Art therapy Program. Integrating the Torn Pieces Presentation.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition.Belgian. March 25, 2021. KiNDERWENS. Perinatal Loss: Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces. 3 Hour Professional Training.
  • Council for Relationships: Providing Clinical Care, Education, and Research Since 1932 & Harrington Consulting and Counseling Services. Pennsylvania. February 19, 2021. Suicide Bereavement, Postvention Care, and the Healing Power of Creative Expression. 5 Hour Training. Jill Harrington & Sharon Strouse.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Art-Assisted Grief Therapy: Trauma Loss and Doll Making: Techniques Module. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW. Live: Two and a half hour Virtual Presentation. December 11, 2020.
  • Advanced Behavioral Health.Maryland. November 18, 2020. Collage Integrating the Torn Pieces. 3 Hour ProfessionalTraining.
  • The Expressive Therapies Summit: New York. November 15, 2020. Virtual Presentation: Doll Making and Traumatic Loss: All Day Master Class. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • King's University College. Canada. October 18, 2020. Carrie Arnold PhD, FT, M.Ed., RSW, CCC/ Assistant Professor Thanatology, Thanatology Program. Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces.
  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). National Suicide Survivors Conference. October 2020. Cancelled due to the Coronavirus.(Artful Grief: Open Art Studio/ 3 Days.)
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. September Institute2020.Cancelled due to the Coronavirus.(Artful Grief: Open Art Studio/ 5 Days. Keynote: Introduction to Art-Assisted Grief Therapy. Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces. Trauma, Loss and Doll Making. Co-presenter: Sarah Vollmann.)
  • California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.California. July 15, 2020. Two-hour virtual presentation.Collage: An Artful Integration. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT &Noah Hass-Cohen PsyD, ATR. Clinical Psychologist/ Marriage Family Therapist. Associate Professor / Site Director, Couples and Family Therapy Program.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Art-Assisted Grief Therapy: Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces: Practicum Studio. Live: Two-hour Virtual Presentation. July 31, 2020.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Art-Assisted Grief Therapy: Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces: Techniques Module. Live: Two-hour Virtual Presentation. June 29, 2020.
  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). National Conference. May 2020. Cancelled due to the Coronavirus.(Artful Grief: Open Art Studio/ 3 Days.)
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Grief Therapy Learning Retreat: May 2020. Cancelled due to the Coronavirus.(Artful Grief: Open Art Studio/ 3 Days. Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces. Traumatic Loss and Doll Making. Co-presenter: Sarah Vollmann. Creative and Imaginative Restorative Retelling of our Grief Stories.)
  • Association for Death Education and Counseling: April 2020. Cancelled due to the Coronavirus.(Doll Making and Traumatic Loss/ Co-presenter Sarah Vollmann. Superhero Grief/ Panel with Jill Harrington,Our Work, Ourselves/ Panel with Jack Jordan.)
  • Notre Dame of Maryland University: Graduate Art Therapy Program. March 2020. Process: Art Therapy and Counseling. Integrating the Torn Pieces Presentation.
  • The Chicago School of Professional Counseling. Washington, DC. March 2020. Collage: An Artful Integration. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Expressive Therapies Summit: New York. November 2019. Doll Making and Traumatic Loss: All Day Master Class. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • The American Art Therapy Association National Conference. October 2019.Doll Making and Traumatic Loss: All Day Master Class. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW. Meditation, Handmade Books and Restorative Retelling in the Treatment of Traumatic Loss/ Workshop. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • King's University College. Canada. October 2019. Carrie Arnold PhD, FT, M.Ed., RSW, CCC/ Assistant Professor Thanatology, Thanatology Program. Collage: Integrating the Torn Pieces.
  • The Chicago School of Professional Counseling. Washington, DC. October 23, 2019. Collage: An Artful Integration. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 11th. Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Phoenix, Arizona. October 2019.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • The 7th Annual Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Training Institute. Arlington, Virginia. July 2019. Complicated Grief, Collage and Trauma Theory: An Artful Integration.Strouse & Kolodny.
  • Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Inaugural Summer Institute for Grief Therapy. Portland, Oregon. June 2019. Artful Grief: Open Art Studio.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 25th Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2019.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • The Association for Death Education and Counseling National Conference. Half Day Specialty Workshop. Atlanta, Georgia. April 2019.The Fabric of our Lives…human and sublime. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Sarah Vollmann, MPS, ATR-BC, LICSW.
  • The Association for Death Education and Counseling National Conference. Concurrent Session Workshop. Atlanta, Georgia. April 2019.Creating and Imaginative “Restorative Retelling” of our Grief Stories. Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Rebekah Near, LCAT, CAGS.
  • The Association for Death Education and Counseling National Conference. Concurrent Session Workshop. Atlanta, Georgia. April 2019.Art Therapy and Memory Reconsolidation Based Approaches to Grieving. Noah Hass-Cohen, PsyD, ATR-BC, Clinical Psychologist & LMFT & Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Expressive Therapies Summit: Creativity and the Arts in Healing. Los Angeles, California. March 2019. Complicated Grief, Collage and Trauma Theory: An Artful Integration/ Master Class. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Notre Dame of Maryland University: March 2019. Process: Art Therapy and Counseling, Graduate Art therapy Program. Integrating the Torn Pieces Presentation.
  • The American Art Therapy Association National Conference: Traversing Landscapes of Heart and Mind. Miami, Florida. November 2018.Artful Grief: An experience with collage, complicated grief and trauma theory/ Master Class. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT. And Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Art Therapy: Four Clinicians Share Their Stories, Audrey Di Maria, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Heidi Bardot, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Charlotte Boston, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 10th Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Palm Harbor. Florida.October 2018.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • The 6th Annual Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Training Institute. Arlington, Virginia. July 2018. Complicated Grief, Collage and Trauma Theory: An Artful Integration. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Residency Training. Baltimore, Maryland. June 25, 2018.Grief and the Expressive Arts: Presentation and Experiential Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 24th Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia, May 2018.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • Healing Hearts Foundation Day of Hope and Healing:Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida, May 20, 2018. Healing Through the Arts.
  • TheAssociation for Death Education and Counseling National Conference. Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. April 2018.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio: Specialty Workshops: Collage, Handmade Books, Talking Sticks and Dreamscaping.
  • National Survivors of Suicide Day: Hope Starts Here. Frankenmuth, MI. November 2017. Key Note Presentation. Handmade Book…tiny pages that speak volumes.
  • The American Art Therapy Association National Conference: Traversing Landscapes of Heart and Mind. Albuquerque, New Mexico. November 2017.Artful Grief: An experience with collage, complicated grief and trauma theory. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Expressive Arts Summit: New York. November 2017. Artful Grief: An experience with collage, complicated grief and trauma theory/ Master Class. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 9th Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Phoenix, Arizona. October 2017.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • The 5th Annual Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Training Institute. Arlington, Virginia. June 2017. Artful Grief: An experience with collage, complicated grief and trauma theory/ Master Class. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Residency Training. Baltimore, Maryland. April 24, 2017.Grief and the Expressive Arts: Presentation and Experiential Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 23rd Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2017.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • The Center for Complicated Grief. New York. March 24, 2017.Artful Grief: Grief and the Expressive Arts: Presentation and Experiential Workshop.
  • The Expressive Arts Summit: New York. November 2016. Artful Grief: An experience with collage, complicated grief and trauma theory/ Master Class. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • The 5th Annual MedStar Palliative Medicine Symposium. Columbia, Maryland. October 27, 2016.Artful Grief: Exhibition and Experiential Collage Opportunity.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 8th Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Tampa, Florida. October 2016.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Residency Training. Baltimore, Maryland. September 26, 2016.Grief and the Expressive Arts: Presentation and Experiential Workshop.
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Our Journey Continues: First National Conference for Long-term Survivors of Suicide Loss. Chicago, Illinois. September 2016. Artful Grief: Open Art Studio.
  • The American Art Therapy Association National Conference. Baltimore, Maryland. July 2016. Artful Grief: An experience with collage, complicated grief and trauma theory. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Mental Health America National Conference. Alexandria, Virginia. June 2016. Touched with Fire: Kristin and Elisif. Exhibition and Presentation. “Works by two artists who died young. Kristin Rita Strouse and Elisif Bruun, whose journeys through creativity both illuminate and obscure their passages through mental illness and addiction.” The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation and The New Day Campaign.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 22nd Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2016.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Residency Training. Baltimore, Maryland. May 2016.Grief and the Expressive Arts: Presentation and Experiential Workshop.
  • The First Annual Gilchrist Grief Services Educational Series.Gilchrist Services: Grief and Volunteer Support. Hunt Valley, Maryland. March 11, 2016.Grief, Loss and the Expressive Arts.
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Residency Training. Baltimore, Maryland. December 7, 2015.The Continuing Bond…An afterlife perspective on traumatic loss and the healing process.
  • Tuttle Gallery, McDonogh School. Owings Mills, Maryland. November 17, 2015, and December 2, 2015. Touched with Fire: Kristin and Elisif. Exhibition and Presentation.“Works by two artists who died young. Kristin Rita Strouse and Elisif Bruun, whose journeys through creativity both illuminate and obscure their passages through mental illness and addiction.” The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation and The New Day Campaign
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Towson University, November 2015.Artful Grief: Collage Presentation / Workshop.
  • The Expressive Arts Summit: New York. November 2015. Artful Grief: An experience with collage, complicated grief and trauma theory. Sharon Strouse, ATR-BC, LCPAT and Peggy Kolodny, ATR-BC, LCPAT.
  • Worcester County Health Department, Snow Hill, Maryland. October 30, 2015.Grief and the Expressive Arts: Presentation and Experiential Workshop.
  • Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland. Social Work Department: Social Work Practices I. October 29, 2015.Grief and the Expressive Arts: Presentation and Experiential Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 7th. Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Colorado Springs, Colorado.October 2015.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Exhibition, The Many Masks of Survivors: Workshop. (3 Days)
  • Gilchrist Hospice Care:Bereavement Networking Meeting. Hunt Valley, Maryland.September 2015.The Continuing Bond…An afterlife perspective on traumatic loss and the healing process.
  • The Compassionate Friends 38th NationalConference. Dallas, Texas. July 2015.Creative Cafe: Artful Grief Open Art Studio, Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation Workshop, Soul Gatherings...A Continuing Bond: Meditation Workshop, Creative Dreaming...A Doorway Through Loss to Love, Carla Blowey& Sharon Strouse.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 21st Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2015.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition, The Many Masks of Survivors: Workshop, Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation Workshop. (3 Days)
  • Association for Death Education and Counseling 37th Annual Conference. "Honoring Diversity- Dying, Death, and Bereavement in a Multicultural World." Pre-Conference Institute. (Robert A. Neimeyer, Barbara E. Thompson, Sharon Strouse, Jane Milman, Melissa Smigelsky, and Ishana Arta) San Antonio, Texas. April 2015.Grief and the Expressive Arts: An Experiential Workshop.
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Towson University, Maryland. November2014.Artful Grief: Collage Presentation / Workshop.
  • Gilchrist Hospice Care. Bereavement Networking Meeting. Hunt Valley, Maryland. November 2014.Artful Grief: Creativity and Self Care.
  • Gilchrist Hospice Care: 12th Annual Wellness Seminar. How to Nurture Yourself While Grieving. Towson, Maryland. October 25, 2014.Artful Grief: Collage: Presentation and Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program of Survivors 6th Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Tampa, Florida. October 2014.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Exhibition, The Many Masks of Survivors: Workshop, Soul Gatherings Meditation: Connecting with Our Loved Ones. (3 Days)
  • The Compassionate Friends 37th NationalConference. Chicago, Illinois. July 2014. The Art of Healing...loss, grief and grace: Collage Workshop and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation Workshop.
  • Towson University. School Suicide Prevention Seminar. School Psychology: Graduate Program. Towson, Maryland. June 2014.Artful Grief: Lecture and Workshop/ Suicide Postvention.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 20th Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2014.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition, The Many Masks of Survivors: Workshop, Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation Workshop. (3 Days)
  • American Association ofSuicidology and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 47th Healing After SuicideConference. Los Angeles, California. April 2014.Artful Grief Open Art Studio: Presentation / Workshop.
  • Association for Death Education and Counseling 36th Annual Conference, "Riding the Dragon: End of Life and Grief as a Path to Resilience, Transformation and Compassion." Baltimore, Maryland. April 2014.A Hero's Journey: images of departure, initiation and return
  • Gilchrist Hospice: Joint ClinicalPresentation. Timonium, Maryland. December 2013.Creativity and Self Care / Artful Grief.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program of Survivors 5th Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors.Colorado Springs, Colorado. November 2013.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Exhibition, The Many Masks of Survivors: Workshop, Soul Gatherings Meditation: Connecting with Our Loved Ones. (3 Days)
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Grand Rounds/ Suicide: Hurd Hall. November 2013.Holly Wilcox, Ph.D. and Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR.
  • Maryland's 25th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference. "Twenty -five Years of Prevention: The Best of the Best." Baltimore, Maryland. October 2013.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Presentation / Workshop.
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Out of the Darkness Walk, Baltimore, Maryland. September 2013.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Presentation.
  • Orientation to the Defense Suicide Prevention Office. Arlington, Virginia. September 2013.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Presentation.
  • Headquarters Department of the Army Suicide Prevention Program Health Fair, Pentagon, Washington, DC. September 2013.Artful Grief / The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation: Open Art Studio and Presentation.
  • The Compassionate Friends 36th NationalConference. Boston, Massachusetts. July 2013.The Art of healing...loss, grief and grace: Collage and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey ofhealing: Meditation. Presentation / Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 19th Annual TAPS NationalMilitary Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2013. Artful Grief: Open Art Studio / Exhibition, Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation, and Tell your story...a journey of image making and meaning / collage. (3 Days)
  • Associationfor Death Education and Counseling 35th Annual Conference.Hollywood, California. April 2013. "Reframing Images of Grief: Identity Transformation Through Loss."Artful Grief: Collage...transforming Identity: Poster Presentation.
  • Penn School of Social Policy and Practices.Loss Across the Lifespan: Creative Strategies for Healing. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.March 15, 2013.Artful Grief: A Mothers Healing Journey/ Lecture and Workshop.
  • Columbia University, School of Social Work. New York, New York.February 6, 2013.Sudden Traumatic Grief / Artful Grief. Guest Lecturer.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program of Survivors4th Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors.San Diego, California. October 2012.Artful Grief: Open Art Studio and Exhibition: The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation. (3 Days)
  • The Compassionate Friends 35th NationalConference.Costa Mesa, California. July 2012.The Art of healing...loss, grief and grace: Collage Workshop and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 18th Annual TAPS NationalMilitary Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia. May 2012.Rita Project: Open Art Studio / Exhibition and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation Workshop. (3 Days)
  • American Association ofSuicidology and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 45th Healing After SuicideConference.Baltimore, Maryland. April 2012."Honoring Loss & Healing Together."Art as Healing After Suicide. Rita Project Presentation / Workshop.
  • Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore County Special Prosecutors Office,Baltimore County Police Crash Team, Baltimore County Police Department InternalAffairs, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Baltimore, Maryland., April 2012.Artful Grief: A Case Study of Image Making and Meaning: Presentation and Workshop.
  • AssociationforDeath Education and Counseling 34th Annual Conference. Atlanta, Georgia. March 2012.Artful Grief: A Case Study of Image Making and Meaning. Poster Presentation.
  • The 2nd AnnualAfterlife Awareness Conference. Virginia Beach, Virginia. March 2012.The Development Circle: Sitting Between Worlds. Meditation Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program of Survivors3rd Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors.Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 2011.Rita Project: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • Maryland's 23rdAnnual Suicide Prevention Conference.Baltimore,Maryland. October 2011.Art Therapy with Survivors of Suicide. Rita Project Presentation / Workshop.
  • The BereavedParents of the USA National Gathering. Reston, Virginia. July 2011.The Art of Healing…loss, grief and grace: Collage. Presentation / Workshop.
  • The Compassionate Friends 34th NationalConference. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. July 2011.The Art of healing...loss, grief and grace: Collage and "Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey ofhealing: Meditation. Presentation / Workshop.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 17th Annual TAPS NationalMilitary Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington,Virginia. May 2011.Rita Project: Open Art Studio / Exhibition and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing:Meditation. (3 Days)
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors2nd Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors.Alexandria, Virginia. October 2010.Rita Project: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • The Compassionate Friends 33rd NationalConference.Arlington, Virginia. July 2010. The Art of healing...loss, grief and grace: Collage and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey ofhealing: Meditation.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 16th Annual TAPS NationalMilitary Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Arlington,Virginia. May 2010.Rita Project: Open Art Studio / Exhibition and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey of healing: Meditation. (3 Days)
  • The Compassionate Friends RegionalConference.Frankfort, Kentucky. March 2010.The Art of healing...loss, grief and grace: Collage and Wisdom Bowls...the inner journey ofhealing: Meditation.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors1st Annual TAPS Suicide Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors.San Diego, California. October 2009.Rita Project: Open Art Studio and Exhibition. (3 Days)
  • The Compassionate Friends 32nd NationalConference. Portland, Oregon. August 2009. The Art of Healing…loss, grief and grace: Collage and Wisdom Bowls…the inner journey ofhealing: Meditation.
  • The Tragedy Assistance Program forSurvivors: 15th Annual TAPS National Military Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Campfor Young Survivors. Arlington, Virginia.May 2009.Rita Project: Open Art Studio Presentation and Workshop.
  • The Compassionate Friends 31st NationalConference.Nashville, Tennessee. July2008. The Art of Healing…loss, grief and grace: Collage and Wisdom Bowls…the inner journey ofhealing: Meditation.
  • The Compassionate Friends 30th NationalConference. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. July 2007.The Art of Healing: Collage and Wisdom Bowls…the inner journey of healing: Meditation.Presentation / Workshop.
  • The Compassionate Friends 29th National Conference.Dearborn, Michigan. July 2006.Using Art to Heal: Suicide Survivorship and A Dialogue with you Brother or Sister UsingCollage. Presentation / Workshop
  • The CompassionateFriends28th National Conference.Boston, Massachusetts. July 2005. Suicide Survivorship...The Art of Healing. Presentation / Workshop.
  • Baltimore Jung Working Group. Baltimore,Maryland. March 2005.The Art of Healing. Presentation / Workshop.
  • Saint Agnes Health Care: Home Care andHospice. Bridges Bereavement Support Group Gathering. Baltimore, Maryland. July 2004.Images of Deep Healing. Presentation / Workshop.
  • Bereaved Parentsof the USA 9th Annual National Gathering. “Let Their Light Shine.” Charleston, SouthCarolina. July 2004. The Use of Art Therapy in Dealing with Grief.
  • Bereaved Parents ofthe USA and The Compassionate Friends of Maryland: Regional Conference. Annapolis, Maryland. May 2004. "AConference of Hope and Healing." The Use of Art Therapy in Dealing with Grief. Presentation / Workshop.
  • The Compassionate Friends.Monthly Meeting.Annapolis, Maryland. October 2003.The Art of Healing. Presentation / Discussion.

Professional Affilliations

  • The American Art Therapy Association
  • The Association for Death Education and Counseling
  • The Johns Hopkins Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: AdvisoryBoard
  • The Maryland Art Therapy Association

Exhibitions

  • Strouse, S.T., Celebrating Materials. Notre Dame University of Maryland: Civera Gallery: Baltimore, Maryland.August 2021 - 2022.
    Artist Statement: Sharon Strouse, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT "Broken Again"
    Broken Pottery: Paint, Tissue Paper and Collage: 2015
    "I paint some of the pieces and glue a few parts of my broken bowl together, during a Kintsugi workshop. I bring my unfinished bowl home to complete it and find myself dissatisfied when I sit to work on it. I decide to break it again. I drop it on the floor instead of hitting it with a hammer as per our instructions. I am suddenly aware that the manner of this “break by falling,” coincides with the manner of Kristin’s death. I wonder at this coincidence as I experiment with tissue paper and collage butterflies to the inside of the bowl. I try to make the bowl whole but pieces do not fit and I give into the form as I work with what is given. I place the bowl in my studio as a reflection of where I am in this fifteenth year of her passing. Pieces are missing.”
  • Sharon Strouse, MA. ATR-BC, LCPAT
    "Five Broken Pieces"
    Broken Pottery: Paint and Tissue Paper: 2020
    “I notice my elevated heartbeat. One strike to the side of the bowl, shatters the container. I look at the jumble of broken pieces through the opaqueness of the plastic bag and remove them one by one. There are five pieces of broken pottery and five members of our family, including Kristin. The repair of this bowl, the choice of colors on the inside, the white and gold fleck tissue paper on the outside and the decision to represent Kristin as a yellow triangle that I glue into the “family” structure, are symbolic representations of my loss narrative, ever evolving almost twenty years later. A very, very tiny hole, almost imperceptible, is seen in the gold painted part where a missing piece lets in light. The fractures are there alongside of the healing.”
  • Strouse, S.T.,Celebrating Materials. Notre Dame University of Maryland: Civera Gallery: Baltimore, Maryland.August - December 2020.
    Artist Statement: These two collages were created in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Several faculty from the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition meet weekly to creatively explore. These collages are visuals of Stroebe and Schut's Dual Process Model of Coping: Loss Orientation and Restoration Orientation.
    Collage: "Departures" - "I say I am fine and I am, however when I give myself time to create, this is what comes out. I cannot get away from it, words and images everywhere strike fear. "Prepare yourself, avoid crowds, wash your hands, stay calm, don't stockpile." Underneath it, a stark reality, people are dying, young people are dying, and no one is safe. Departures. My world is unfamiliar. A red lacquered Chinese screen, takes center stage. I place a diamond crown on a skull; I turn it upside down and glue it into the thicket of a menacing forest. CORONA!”
    Collage: "Breadth" - "I surrender and let go of fear and enter the stillness of a forest. I take a deep breath, cross my hands over my heart and offer a blessing to my body during this time of transformation. I glue a dragonfly on the right and left lobe of my lungs. Dragonfly symbol of change, adaptability, light and joy. In this moment I am fine."
  • Strouse, S.T., Heroin and Healing. Kent County Arts Council, Raimond Arts Building, Chestertown, Maryland, March 2 – March 31, 2018.
    “An exhibition project about how the opioid epidemic and hurting go together, and what we are doing to make things better. Heroin & Healing features art by seven individuals (Elisif Bruun, Peter Bruun, Phylicia Ghee, Michelle Labonte, Mark V. Lord, Anthony Ness, and Sharon Strouse) whose works touch on a spectrum of experiences and perspectives related to emotional pain and substance use: its causes and consequences. Weaving throughout is an exploration of what we might do individually and as a community to seek healing for ourselves, and help make things better for others.”
  • Strouse, S. T.,Come as You Are: The Spectrum of Vulnerability Exhibition. The Creative Alliance, August 26, 2017 – September 30, 2017. “Who am I…after the fall” Collage.
    “Trauma, grief, loss, depression, behavioral health, and healing are all meaningful parts of the spectrum of human experience. The eight artists in Come As You Are: The Spectrum of Vulnerability offer their individual vignettes and artwork as evidence of their personal struggles and the power or resiliency.”
  • Strouse, S.T., “Touched with Fire: Kristin and Elisif.” Tuttle Gallery, McDonough School. November 12 – December 18, 2015.
    “The theme draws its name from the groundbreaking 1996 book, Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament, by renowned psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison. The same driving discomfort leading to substance misuse and desperate behaviors also may yield extraordinary creativity: grand gifts to the rest of us born of incomparable urgency. The exhibition “Touched with Fire: Kristin & Elisif” features works by two artists who died young, Kristin Rita Strouse and Elisif Janis Bruun, whose journeys through creativity both illuminate and obscure their passages through mental illness and addiction.”
  • Strouse, S.T., I Feel / I Am Exhibition. The Creative Alliance: Amalie Rothschild Gallery. August 17 - 30, 2013. "A Greening Into" Altered Book: Collage.
  • Strouse, S.T., Art and Healing Exhibition: The Towson Arts Collective. January 13 - February 24, 2012. "Once Upon a Time" Collage: 20 x 30 inches, "Letting Go" Collage: 16 x 20 inches, "Blue Wisdom" Collage 5 x 8 inches.