Dana Wyss, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Star View Adolescent Center
Dana Wyss, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC, is a board-certified art therapist, a marriage and family therapist, holds a doctorate in expressive therapies, and is the coauthor of The Invisible String Workbook. As director of training at a psychiatric hospital, secure group home, and non-public school, Dr. Wyss specializes in clinical supervision, staff training, and treatment of complex developmental trauma. Her 20 plus years of an expressive therapies background has led her to create individual and group programs integrating art, music, poetry, dance and animal-assisted therapy in the healing process for clients and the self-care of staff. She has a passion for helping individuals reconnect with their passion, creativity, and hope. Dr. Wyss is a national trainer and consultant for The Center for Trauma Training and a state-wide trainer and consultant to provide workshops and raise awareness of commercial sexual exploitation of children and young adults.
Dr. Wyss received her undergraduate education from Florida State University where her studies focused on psychology, art, and English. After a few years traveling the world, she settled in Southern California working as a group leader for children with complex developmental trauma. She then pursed a master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University where she learned the true healing nature of expressive therapies. Dr. Wyss Worked and created art throughout the next few years. her love of art, research, and desire to expand her education led her to Lesley University where she completed her doctorate. Although she has many research interests, her current research focuses are using art-based research to build empathy and understanding for self-injurious behaviors, the use of exotic animal assisted therapy in residential treatment, and the impact and effect of non-traditional materials in art therapy sessions and group therapy. Dr. Wyss resides in Southern California where she continues to love to travel the world and create her own art for self-care and healing.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dana Wyss has employment relationships with Star View Adolescent Center, Nola Brantley Speaks, and Center for Trauma Training. She receives royalties as a published author. She is an exam writer at ATCB and reviewer for both ATCB and Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Dana Wyss receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dana Wyss is a member of American Art Therapy Association and Association for Play Therapy.
