ABOUT
joni beckner
board-certified art therapist
licensed professional counselor
creative coach
walking the path with you
My approach is down-to-earth, heart-centered and client-centered, meaning you are in charge of the focus, depth and frequency of our work together.
I draw on a wide range of theories and approaches, combining them in a creative way, enabling me to meet you right where are. In my practice, I utilize an integrative approach which is educational, solution-oriented and transformational.
I am a practicing artist and use techniques which resonate with my clients to illuminate a path to transformation & healing through creativity.
Listen to a recent interview about my practice and studio!
my story.
My early interests in psychology, spirituality, and art influenced decisions about studies which began at Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Years later, when my sons were in high school, I completed my graduate degree in Art Therapy & Counseling at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered and Board Certified and Art Therapist (ATR-BC). I have spent nearly 30 years working in the mental health field and before returning to private practice in 2021, for seven years I held a position as a program director at HopeWest in Grand Junction, Colorado. My private practice studio is in a unique historic building in downtown Grand Junction, Colorado where I offer both in-person and online support for individuals and groups.
My work is informed by ongoing research into Art Therapy and Neuroscience, Buddhist Psychology, Transpersonal approaches and various other theoretical frameworks. I embrace a love for continued learning and I frequently participate in and present at local and regional trainings, workshops and national conferences to share and enhance my knowledge and skill base, drawing from a broad range of current research in the field.
I’ve lived in Western Colorado for the last 25 years. I love this part of the world and I’m frequently outdoors hiking, biking or skiing. I love to spend time drawing or painting, often including natural elements that are symbolic of my own insights and discoveries. I am interested in the healing aspects of art making and its inherent communicative and transformational qualities.
I deeply love the work of meeting people where they are and companioning them into work that enables a richer, more peaceful life.
The Official Bio:
Joni Beckner, MA, LPC, ATR-BC holds a BA in Social Work and received her MA in Art Therapy and Counseling in 2008. She was the Director of HopeWest Kids & The Center for Hope & Healing for 6 years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist. Employed by HopeWest for 21 years and now in private practice, her work has included counseling and supporting terminally ill patients and their families. Her interest and passion for using art therapy with children, adolescents and adults has evolved out of her experiences in hospice and palliative care, in psychosocial rehabilitation for chronically mentally ill adults, private practice for seven years and psychiatric & behavioral hospital care in both acute and residential treatment.
Joni’s associations include the American Art Therapy association, the Art Therapy Association of Colorado and the National Association of Social Workers. Her presentations at the local, regional and national levels have pertained to her work with incarcerated grieving teens, bereaved children and teens, anticipatory grief and art therapy. She is a board member for Sozo Youth Sanctuary Foundation.
Ms. Beckner established ArtLight Therapy & Studios to incorporate her creative therapy practice with her own artistic endeavors. Over the years Joni has enjoyed freelance and fine art projects, which have included children’s book illustration, real estate illustration and commissioned drawings and paintings. She has participated in juried shows at the regional and national level. Her contributions of original art to non-profit groups have included the National Hospice Foundation.
Qualifications
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Licensed Professional Counselor - CO # 6453
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Registered & Board-Certified Art Therapist
#15-330
Work with me
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Art Therapy consultation is a specialty and I provide comprehensive review of artwork for clinicians, and other professionals, assessments and guidelines for creating art-based programs or projects for non- profits and organizations.
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Art-based therapeutic groups and workshops are offered periodically throughout the year. These are a great way to do creative work in community for growth.
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Coaching is a solution-focused, productive and inspiring way to work in which you gain clarity & support for your goals and insight around your blocks -all of us have them! Coaching is not psychotherapy.