I strongly support the inclusion of art therapists as qualified supervisors for licensed professional counseling applicants in Virginia.  I am proud of my education, training, and continued growth as an art therapist, and I believe that art therapists are not only qualified but invaluable to the growth of the counseling profession.  Art therapy is often seamlessly integrated with verbal psychotherapy and counseling techniques, and it takes an incredible amount of skill and sensitivity to address client needs through multiple orientations (which art therapists do constantly).  My 60-hour master's degree qualifies me for licensure as an LPC, but my hours of supervision towards my ATR (which I received from an ATR-BC/LCPAT) do not count towards that experience despite the rigorous standards and professional requirements of that credential and of my field as a whole.  This is a slap in the face to art therapists, who already struggle for recognition and support in many institutions.  In addition, I believe that many LPC candidates from traditional mental health counseling and psychotherapy orientations would benefit greatly from working under the supervision of a registered art therapist.  Creativity, learning styles, and personal growth are all important and significant components of an excellent counselor or therapist -- regardless of their theoretical orientation or practical modality.  Art therapists offer these opportunities and more in their roles as supervisors and colleagues within the helping professions.  Please consider the amendment to Regulation C.3 18VAC-115-20-10, allowing the inclusion of Registered Art Therapists to the list of licensed supervisors for LPC candidates.