Hello!
Amy Bainton
I am an artist based in the Bay Area of California. I work primarily in drawing and I enjoy exploring the medium’s meditative routes towards contending with physical tensions, finding joy, and creating time to pause and reflect.
In May 2021, I completed my B.A. with a concentration in Visual Arts and a minor in Psychology from the University of San Diego. I am currently furthering my education in the fields of psychology and art by pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (Art Therapy) degree at Dominican University of CA in San Rafael, CA.
In December 2023, I completed my Practicum Experience after working as a Therapist Trainee at a Bay Area-based Children’s Hospital and at two elementary schools. I experienced opportunities to develop my therapeutic skills while learning to create assessments, treatment plans, and art-based interventions for the patients and K-5th student populations I served. I am honored to have supported my community through these academic opportunities, earning over one thousand experience hours.
Since January 2024, I have worked on and now recently completed my master’s thesis research project titled “A Quantitative Study Comparing the Effects of Physical and Digital Mandala Coloring on Anxiety in High School Students.” I am in the process of publishing the paper, which is aimed to be available this Summer through the Dominican Archbishop Alemany Library. I intend to graduate from the MAMFT program in May 2025, and then begin associate work supporting the mental health needs of my Bay Area community.
I am also excited to announce that I have been accepted into Dominican University of California’s PhD in Art Therapy Psychology program, which will start in Fall 2025! Over the three years of the PhD coursework, I will continue my art therapy studies, participate in community outreach projects, and complete a doctoral dissertation.
For my current resume and/or thesis paper, please email me at amybainton@gmail.com.
“For Amy Bainton, drawing is an exercise in mindfulness. Using permanent ink enables her to be focused — creating art that represents the beauty of the moment…Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Bainton knew from an early age that she wanted to study art. After taking courses in psychology, she decided to pursue a career in art therapy, hoping to bring joy to people through the power of art. Now, having finished her [five] years on campus, Bainton is thankful for the support she received and the opportunities she was given to learn and thrive at USD.” – U. of San Diego