As someone who previously studied music therapy as their intended career choice, I know how important art therapy is at providing people with disabilities (whether mental, emotional, or physical) a chance at feeling understood and supported when traditional medicine has not worked. Successful therapy is good therapy, and that should fundamentally include music therapy, art therapy, nontraditional but proven methods! There’s synapses in the brain that connect when creating. Synapses that don’t happen in public school classrooms while learning about the periodic table. Synapses that don’t connect while eating with your family at the dining room table. Synapses that don’t connect while struggling to communicate with your loved ones. This brain matter growth can often be a key milestone for our community members that has been failed by pills and talk therapy alone. In a world where healthcare is getting more expensive, allowing art therapy licensure in Virginia not only creates another option, but also connects patients with disabilities to the world around them through professionally guided creative expression. This in turn will positively affect the community I live in and in the community I want to raise my future children in. As a Norfolk Resident, I am in full support of pushing forward with art therapy licensure in Virginia!