This study aimed to explore the experience of six art therapists who participated in the AI DAPR reliability verification process as both researchers and subjects using a collaborative self-study methodology. Data collection was occurred in two phases. Firstly, each researcher collected data by writing retrospective journals in three stages: ‘pre-experience data,' ‘during-experience data,' and ‘post-experience data.' Secondly, the researchers integrated their retrospective journals, resulting in a total of 85.7 pages based on the manuscript of 200 characters. Data analysis was conducted by compressing Willis's (2007) constant comparative method into three stages. The findings revealed four subcategories: ‘anxiety and reassurance regarding the expertise of art therapists,' ‘utility of AI drawing tests,' ‘limitations and constraints of AI drawing tests,' and ‘enhancement of art therapists' professional competence with the help of AI.' Additionally, one overarching category emerged: ‘challenges and growth of art therapists.' Based on these results, the significance and limitations of the study were discussed.