Part of the Restorative Embodiment® Certificate Programming Because "The Body Holds the Healing" (Malchiodi, 2022; see below for article download).



Join Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, and Elizabeth Warson, PhD, for this special five-session live webinar series that brings together their collective experience with the practices of EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Sensory Integration. Dr. Malchiodi studied with the original "G.O.A.T.," (Greatest Of All Time)-- Francine Shapiro, originator of EMDR. Cathy also updated her EMDR practice in the 21st century to Level One and Level Two practitioner. Dr. Warson is a Level One and Level Two practitioner and is an Advanced EMDR Consultant. Between them, they have multiple decades of experience with expressive arts therapy and traumatic stress, bilateral and sensory integration approaches, and body-mind strategies, including work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and communities. 

We believe this course is foundational to the goal of all expressive and sensory-based approaches-- Restorative Embodiment. The goal is to help practitioners of all sorts understand and incorporate what our bodies can experience to counteract activation and withdrawal. Let's enhance the capacity of all individuals to inhabit body, mind, and spirit with joy, compassion, confidence, enlivenment, playfulness, and curiosity.


Cathy Malchiodi, PhD Collage 2021



The Body Holds The Healing

Psychology Today Online Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, December 2022

Download a copy of Dr. Malchiodi's article on Restorative Embodiment, "The Body Holds the Healing" here:

The Body Holds the Healing.pdf


Did You Take This Course Already?

If you wish to join us again, you can join the course for a discount of $100 off!

If you took this course in the past, email us to request a coupon offer for this special discount. Because we are always updating our trainings, you will also be receiving a good deal of new information in this course! Please join us, we love to see our returning participants from all over the planet.

Course Curriculum -- See Below!

And We Are Always Adding Resources!


Cathy Malchiodi PhD, Trauma and Expressive Arts and EMDR

This training provides a focus on Expressive Arts Therapy strategies and three concepts that are foundational to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)-- grounding, orienting, and resourcing. These concepts are presented through the principles of Restorative Embodiment;  somatosensory and sensory integration approaches; through bilateral stimulation and sensorimotor expressive arts therapy; and through  the Circle of Capacity Model, emphasizing building and expanding mastery, self-efficacy, and resilience in contrast to a "window of tolerance." The MSSS Model-- Movement, Sound Storytelling, and Silence (Self-Regulation) and an expanded Expressive Therapies Continuum framework will also serve as a basis for practicing hands-on interventions and strategies. 

This course provides expressive and somatosensory concepts that support Phase 2 of EMDR, but are skills that any therapist, facilitator, or coach should be applying to work with individuals of all ages. These include:

Grounding-- a form of self-soothing that reorients us to the present moment.

Resourcing-- an experience that involves identifying and accessing internal strengths, resources, and positive memories.

Orienting-- the attentional adjustment to unexpected stimuli.


We will also explore body's sense of trauma as well as capacity, facilitating and working with embodied cognition. The emphasis is on resilience and supporting wellness in body and mind through expressive methods and using the Circle of Capacity model to support enlivenment, self-efficacy, mastery, joy, curiosity, and empowerment.

No prerequisite required! This is NOT an EMDR training course; in order to learn EMDR you are required to take coursework with an approved EMDRIA instructor. This course applies knowledge derived from EMDR research, combined with trauma-informed sensory integration approaches-- interoception, exteroception, proprioception, vestibular function, and gravitational security. And of course, the integrative practices found in Expressive Arts Therapy! 

Meeting on Thursdays from 12 noon to 3 pm Eastern Standard Time/New York Time. A replay of each session is up on the course site 24-48 hours after each webinar session. Live Webinar Meetings on:

February 20

February 27

March 6

March 13

March 20


These meetings are live so that you only need to complete a course evaluation and do not have to take a final examination for your continuing education and professional development hours and certificate. This webinar series provides 15 hours of continuing education/professional development; upon completion participants receive a Certificate of Completion.

This course is a "drip format"-- the contents are available each week and we constantly add new resources in the form of films, downloadable documents and protocols, links to articles, and more. Each section has a module where you can share your impressions and images, connect with other participants, and network with colleagues around the world.

The lecture portion of the course is recorded for replay; the participant discussion and experiential portions are not replayed to protect the privacy of the participants.


Continuing Education Information

Counselors/National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6557. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC are clearly identified. Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

EMDRIA: Elizabeth Warson, PhD, Institute Faculty is an EC Provider #23047 and this program #23047-06 is approved for 15 EMDRIA Credits. Eligibility for EMDRIA Credits is restricted to those who have completed an EMDRIA-Approved Basic EMDR Training. 

Art Therapy Credentials Board [ATCB]. The ATCB recognizes a variety of CEC activities, including those in the areas of professional and mental health counseling. These activities are clearly outlined in their recertification standards provided to all ATR-BCs in their recertification year and on their website. A minimum of six CECs must be earned in the area of ethics each cycle. If you are licensed as an art therapist in your state, please check with your state board to verify what types of CEC activities are acceptable for license renewal.

California Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers and Professional Counselors. As of July 1, 2015, the State of California /Board of Behavioral Sciences [BBS] amended its regulations for continuing education providers to include National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a "board-recognized approval agency." If you are licensed as a marriage and family therapist, social worker, educational psychologist or professional clinical counselor in California, NBCC Approved Continuing Education Providers are recognized by the BBS to fulfill continuing education requirements. As of July 1, 2015, required CE hours can be accumulated through self-study and distance learning. 

International Expressive Arts Therapy Association [IEATA]. Many participants go on to apply for the REAT or REACE credential with IEATA and use our expressive arts therapy coursework to do so. Please check with IEATA to make sure you are meeting their current requirements for registration and let us know if you need additional information to help you qualify.

Psychotherapy and Counseling Fedration of Australia [PACFA]. Many of our Australian participants indicate that these hours are accepted by PACFA---Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia. Please check with PACFA to verify this and let us know if you require any additional information for this organization to qualify your professional development hours.

Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association [CCPA]. Many of our Canadian participants indicate that these hours are accepted by CCPA for certain professional development requirements. Please check with CCPA to verify this and let us know if you require any additional information for this organization to qualify your professional development hours.

CPD hours [Professional Development] are currently in the application stage. We also welcome teachers to this course; please contact us for additional information.

Credentialing boards in Canada, Europe, and Australia accept our courses for professional development. Please check with them to verify that this course applies to your goals for credentialing or renewal of registration, certification, or licensing.




Course curriculum

  1. 1
    • Syllabus, Goals and Objectives of this Course

    • Walkthrough this Live Webinar Site and Its Features

    • ▶️ ZOOM LIVE format: notes and tips!

    • Special Note About Art Materials and Expressive Arts Assignments!

    • Disclaimer

    • Optional: Introduce Yourself Here!

  2. 2
    • What is EMDR? From EMDRIA.org

    • Introduction to EMDR from EMDR International

    • Francine Shapiro: Where EMDR Started

    • Current EMDR Neurobiological Theories : Looking at the Evidence

    • Bilateral Stimulation, Expressive Arts, and Trauma: An Introduction!

    • Working Bilaterally | An Overview of Bilateral Drawing

    • The Intersection of Play Therapy and EMDR from EMDRIA.org

    • Bilateral Art Making with Dr. Elizabeth Warson; discussant Dr. Cathy Malchiodi

    • Bilateral Stimulation Chart from Cathy Malchiodi PhD

    • What is Centering? What is Grounding?

    • Grounding and Anchoring -- From Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy

    • The Role of the Felt Sense in Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration

    • Definition of Terms: Bilateral Stimulation, Resourcing and Tapping and More

    • Creative Approaches to BLS and/or DAS

    • Self-Administered BLS | Butterfly Hug

    • Butterfly Hug with Children

    • The MSSS Model Graphic

    • The Circle of Capacity

    • Trauma and the Circle of Capacity | Psychology Today

    • Resensitizing the Body Through Expressive Arts

    • Bilateral Movement and Artmaking: Hemispheric Integration

    • Butterfly Hug Research

    • Butterfly Exercise for Children

    • Embodied Butterfly Script

    • Centering | Interoception | Exteroception (experiential)

    • Grounding | Proprioception

    • Getting Past Your Past (book review)

    • Need help getting through course? Troubleshooting the platform progress!

  3. 3
    • Downloads, Session Two

    • What is the EMDR Safe/Calm Place? Here is One Definition

    • What is Safe? Special Considerations in Working with Complex Trauma

    • Original EMDR Safe/Calm Place with Children & Adolescents

    • Safe Place Adaptations

    • Securing a Space Film Presentation

    • Nature-Based Safe Place

    • Art Therapy Safe Place Feasibility Study

    • Art Therapy Safe Place (example)

    • Processing of Sensory Information: Implications for PTSD

    • Dissociative Experiences Scale - II

    • Outline of 8-Steps | Calm/Safe/Peaceful | Space/Place

    • Portable Calm/Safe Space/Place

    • Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) | Example

    • Downloadable Body Outlines: Some Alternatives

    • Maps of Subjective Feelings-- What We Should Know About Body Scans

  4. 4
    • Your Downloads for Session #3 and your files!

    • The MSSS Model of Expressive Arts as Healing Practices -- A Continuum of Grounding, Orienting, and Resourcing Practices

    • Quick Body Scan

    • Body Scan

    • Bridge Breathing (follow-up to quick body scan)

    • Alternate Nostril Breathing

    • Original Container Script

    • Let It Go Bowl

    • EMDR and Mindfulness

    • Body Outline and Visual Analogue Scale

  5. 5
    • State-Change Skills

    • Resource-Focused: Art Therapy and EMDR

    • EMDR with Traumatized Children

    • Felted Grounding Stone

    • Original 4 Elements Protocol

    • Adapted 4 Elements & 5 Senses

    • EMDR Music Therapy

    • Light Stream (example)

    • Article on Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia Article for Your Files

  6. 6
    • ▶️ ZOOM Link and Supplies for Session #5!

    • Positive Resourcing

    • Bilateral Stimulation and Positive Cognitions

    • Attachment and Cognitions

    • Orienting Reflex

    • Slow Wave Sleep Hypothesis

    • Eye Movement

    • How to Body Scan (Brother Phap Linh)

    • Psychological Safety | Neuroception

    • EMDR & Art Therapy Study

    • Brother Phap Linh, Sensory Cortex, and Body Scans

    • Brother Phap Linh and the Source of Joy in One Toe

    • Sensory Cortex Illustration Download

    • Pendulation and Titration

  7. 7
    • EMDRIA | Go With That Magazine | Interview with Dr. Malchiodi

    • EMDR International Association

    • Francine Shapiro Library

    • Francine Shapiro Library--Visit it Here!

    • EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapy Community (EMDRIA SIG)

    • EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapy Community on EMDRIA.org

    • EquiLateral | Equine-Assisted EMDR

    • Art Therapy and EMDR (example)

    • Art Therapy and EMDR (example)

    • Art Therapy and EMDR (example)

    • Bilateral Art (example)

    • Bilateral Art (example)

    • Bilateral Art (example)

    • Resourced-Focused EMDR & Art Therapy

    • EMDR Software Toolkit

  8. 8
    • Final Steps to Your Certificate

    • Course Evaluation

    • Regarding the Use of Material in this Course

    • Final Question

    • Thank You!

Instructor(s)

Institute Faculty | Supervisor

Elizabeth Warson, PhD

Elizabeth Warson, PhD, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, EMDR III, EXAT, EAP II, is a trailblazing force in the integration of equine-assisted therapy and expressive arts. As the founder of American Indian Art Therapy, her work stems from extensive faculty research at George Washington University and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Currently based in northern Colorado, Elizabeth operates Healing Pathways LLC, where she combines EMDR with art and horses, drawing on her expertise as a certified EMDR practitioner and consultant, Registered Art Therapist-Board Certified, certified Eagala professional and an EquiLateral trained equine-assisted EMDR therapist. As a faculty member at the Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, Elizabeth teaches both in-person and online courses focused on polyvagal-informed, equine-assisted, nature-based, bilateral stimulation, and sensorimotor-informed expressive arts therapy. Her research interests span stress and pain reduction interventions for Native American cancer survivors, culturally responsive practices, and trauma-informed methods. Her significant contributions include receiving a 2010 National Endowment for the Arts grant for her community-driven Coharie Heritage Empowerment Project, emphasizing cultural preservation. Elizabeth’s academic journey includes a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art, an MA in Art Therapy from Vermont College, and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from Colorado State University. She has presented extensively at regional and national conferences, focusing on medical art therapy and culturally-responsive interventions, and has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Recently, she co-authored E.Qi: Equine & Expressive Arts Inspired Qigong with collaborator Sifu Kurtis Tilley. In addition to her therapeutic work, Elizabeth is a professional artist whose sculptural pieces have been exhibited both nationally and internationally, earning her an Ohio Arts Council fellowship award. Her multifaceted approach bridges art, counseling, and equine therapy, creating impactful experiences for individuals and communities alike.

Instructor(s)

Institute Faculty

Cathy Malchiodi PhD

Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT is a research psychologist, a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, and a licensed mental health counselor. She is the executive director of the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute and is an investigator with the US Department of Education, integrating trauma-informed expressive arts into classrooms. She has also worked with the Department of Defense since 2008 to bring expressive arts therapy programming and psychotherapy to combat military and their families and Veterans with posttraumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Malchiodi studied with Francine Shapiro and is qualified in EMDR Level I and Level II. Cathy has assisted more than 500 agencies, organizations, and institutions in developing trauma-informed programming including the United Nations, Department of Defense, Kennedy Center, Harvard, MIT, and Johns Hopkins University. An international presenter and workshop leader, she given over 750 invited keynotes and workshops throughout the US, Canada, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. She has authored 21 books, including the bestselling Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process and Handbook of Expressive Arts Therapy. Her books have been translated in over 20 languages. A life-long learner, Dr. Malchiodi's latest research and practice includes sensory processing and neurodiversity affirming models of psychotherapy to address trauma through expressive approaches to intervention.