Structure of the Group:  Group size is capped at 6 participants. This supervision group meets for 90 minutes (1.5 hours) weekly on an ongoing basis, with rolling admission and “graduation” (termination). Participants may continue to attend the group beyond the acquisition of their desired credential, as long as they continue to find the group support beneficial. New participants may enroll whenever space is available.

The content of the supervision group will be largely shaped and maintained by the participants. Best practice group supervision requires that all group members have the opportunity for a round-robin check-in regarding any urgent clinical issues; this should take around a half-hour or less. The remining time in the session provides opportunities for longer-form exploration of clinical issues by at least two participants. Topics commonly explored may include (but are certainly not limited to): case presentations about client processes and needs, case management, participants’ response art and countertransference, requested supervisor presentations on relevant topics/skills, professional identity and challenges, coworker dynamics/site issues, countertransference, ethics, social justice and DEI issues, and how to market and build a private practice, etc.

Supervision Approach: Mike provides reassuring, strength-based, empathetic, clinically focused supervision with humor and joy. He adheres primarily to the Holistic Model of Supervision: Focus is on the relationship with the supervisee. The supervisor establishes trust and safety, provides positive regard, congruence, acceptance, trust, and authenticity. It is a systems approach emphasizing parallel processes with the supervisee-client relationship, and also a strength-based person-centered approach utilizing a professional developmental perspective. The supervisee is viewed as a colleague and collaborator and supervision does not solely focus on problems or skill-deficits.

Additional theoretical underpinnings that inform Mike’s supervisory approach and style include Humanistic/Person Centered philosophy, Solution-Focused Psychotherapy, Art Therapy theory and practice, neurodiversity awareness and advocacy, social justice, diversity, and inclusive practices, Psychodynamic and Jungian theory, and Cognitive-Behavioral and Narrative Therapy concepts.

Supervisor: Mike Fogel, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, PAATA HLM is a graduate of Hahnemann University’s Graduate Program in Art Therapy (1995). His master’s thesis was titled, “On the Use of Patients’ Humorous Art Productions in Art Psychotherapy.” An author, visionary art therapy entrepreneur, and child whisperer, Mike has extensive experience treating clients between the ages of three to ninety-three. However, Mike’s passion is for treating children, adolescents, and families, and he has specialized in supporting that population since 1998. By 2000, he developed a sub-specialty in the treatment of neurodiverse children with autism, ADHD, and learning differences.

Mike insists that every person has the innate capacity to heal, grow, & progress towards their vast personal potential, and his mission is to “help millions of people feel and function better”. Manifesting his mission, he founded therapy programs and businesses: the Art of Friendship Social-Coping Program® (2000), Child and Family Art Therapy Center (2007), Camp Pegasus (2013), the BetterWorld Affordable Art Therapy Program (2019), and Philadelphia Art Therapy Associates (adult art therapy services) (2021). Check out Mike’s first book “The Social-Emotional Guidebook: Motivate Your Child to Master Social & Emotional Coping Skills” (2020).

Mike has been consistently involved in clinical education and supervision for over two decades. He was an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor at Drexel University’s graduate art therapy program for 15 years. On the home front, Mike lives outside of Philadelphia, PA with his wife, two children, and Penny the Shih-Tsu. He loves comic books, progressive rock music, all things comedic, college basketball, and rooting for his beloved Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

Contact Mike with Questions or Interest: Tel: (610) 649-1080 x4 or
Email: mike@childandfamilyarttherapycenter.com