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About Christopher

Dr. Christopher Belkofer is licensed as a professional counselor and is a board-certified art therapist with over 20 years of experience.Chris received his Masters in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he interned under Dr. Lukasz Konopka in his Biological Psychiatry at Hines Veterans Hospital. His graduate thesis led to the first published art therapy and brain imaging study in 2008.

Chris completed his  Doctorate in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University where he followed up with his pioneering research with Dr. Amy Vaugh Van Hecke in her Maquette University Autism Lab and in consultation with Dr. Lukasz Konopka.

Dr. Belkofer is a full professor who has been teaching and training graduate level art therapists for over ten years. A practicing musician and visual artist, his own experiences as an artist strongly influence his research and clinical practice.

Publications

  • Belkofer, C. M., & Nolan, E. (2025) Practical applications of neuroscience in art therapy: A holistic approach to treating trauma in children. Art Therapy, Trauma, and Neuroscience. Theoretical and practical perspectives (2nd edition) New York, NY: Routledge.

  • Strang, C, King, J. Kaimal, G., Konopka, L., M., & Belkofer, C.M. (2019). Practical Applications of Neuroscience informed Art Therapy. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 36(3), 149 156.

  • Belkofer, K, & Belkofer, C.,M. (2018) Interpersonal downloading: The relational and creative impacts of technology and new media in therapy. The Handbook of Art Therapy and Digital Technology. London: Jessica Kingsley.

  • Belkofer, C. M., & Nolan, E. (2016) Practical applications of neuroscience in art therapy: A holistic approach to treating trauma in children. Art Therapy, Trauma, and Neuroscience. Theoretical and practical perspectives. New York, NY: Routledge.

  • Belkofer, C. M., Vaughn Van-Hecke, V., & Konopka, L. M. (2014). Effects of drawing on alpha activity: A Quantitative EEG study with implications for art therapy. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 31(2), 61-68.

  • Moon, B. L., & Belkofer, C. (2014). Artist, therapist, and teacher: Selected writings by Bruce L. Moon. Springfield, IL: Charles. C. Thomas.

  • Belkofer. C.M. (2014). Mind, body, brain, and art: A rationale for the therapeutic use of the arts. Yellowbrick Journal of Emerging Adulthood, 4 20-22.

  • Belkofer, C (2009) [Review of video] Going the Distance: Don Seiden- Artist, Teacher, Therapist. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 30(2), 93-94.

  • Belkofer, C. M., & McNutt, J. V. (2011). Understanding social media culture and its ethical challenges for art therapists. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 28(4), 159-164. 2010 [Preface] Art-based group therapy, by Bruce Moon. Springfield, IL: Charles. C. Thomas.

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