Introduction to Trauma-Focused Art Therapy
This full day workshop, using demonstrations and experientials, focuses on the basic principles of Trauma-focused Art Therapy. Recent research has shown that a multi-sensory approach with non-verbal interventions encourages therapeutic processing of traumatic material and promotes resiliency. In this exciting introduction to Art Therapy skills, guidelines will be presented on the appropriate and ethical use of art as an adjunctive tool in trauma therapy for the non-art therapist. Basic Art Therapy concepts and techniques will be explored both cognitively and experientially. An overview of developmental art stages and therapeutic use of art media will be offered. We will process the impact of trauma on the art, while incorporating several basic art techniques and interventions for trauma treatment within the developmental spectrum from childhood to adults. Several “beginner” art techniques appropriate for trauma interventions will be demonstrated or experienced for each of the developmental life stages. We will address treatment issues including: safe place; affect regulation; containment; assessing attachment; trust; boundaries; self-soothing and building resiliency. This foundation workshop will prepare you for the Level II art therapy and trauma training.
Learning Objectives:
- Define art therapy including: the concepts of process and product; and directive and non-directive approaches.
- Understand the current neuroscience research on trauma and art therapy.
- Integrate guidelines on the appropriate, ethical use of art therapy skills for the non-art therapist.
- Learn the therapeutic continuum of art media and introductory skills from pencils and pastels to paint and clay.
- Describe the normal developmental stages of art and the impact of trauma on the art, while incorporating techniques for trauma treatment across the age spectrum.
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