Jane Burns

Dr. Jane Burns is a Lecturer and Academic Link Person for MSc Play Therapy in the Occupational Therapy & Arts Therapies Division at Queen Margaret University. She holds a PhD, MSc in Art Therapy, PGDip, Art Therapy qualification, BA (Hons), and Diploma in Education.

Her primary research focuses on Art Therapy applications for older persons, particularly those with dementia. Her PhD study mapped how arts therapists in the UK work with older people who have dementia. She has also conducted significant research on the role of arts in supporting wellbeing during life transitions such as retirement.

Dr. Burns has special expertise in art therapy with children and young adults on the autistic spectrum, drawing from her previous experience as a Senior Support Worker at the Scottish Society for Autism where she managed day and night teams and trained care staff.

• Registered Member of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Developed British Association of Art Therapy Practice Guidelines for art therapists working with people who have early to moderate stage dementia (2015)
• Grant Fund Reviewer for Austrian Scientific Fund (2015)
• Grant Fund Reviewer for National Institute for Health Research (2012)
• Dementia Strategy for Scotland Workstream 1 member (2010)
• Ongoing member of AHP Dementia Expert Group

Her professional background includes being a qualified modern languages teacher in German with subsidiary French, and extensive experience working with families and external support agencies in autism care settings.