Expressive Arts Therapy

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 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:

May 2

May 9

May 16

May 23

June 6

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 #23047-01 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.