Expressive Arts Therapy

A focus on the integration of ecotherapy and nature-based approaches with the practices found in Expressive Arts Therapy and sensory-based strategies. Participants will experience hands-on practices each week that emphasize the reparative and restorative concepts found in the  ecotherapy and nature-based fields. Learn how to apply the Nature-Based and Eco-Focused Circle of Capacity framework and the MSSS Model-- Movement, Sound Storytelling, and Silence (Regulation, Mindfulness, and Creative Flow). We will explore evidence-informed ways to support enlivenment, self-efficacy, mastery, joy, curiosity, and empowerment within a natured-based expressive arts therapy framework.

Participants will learn and practice skills in the following areas and more:

• "Living journal" as a process for restoration, sensory exploration, and healing;
• Nature as a source of sensory processing, mind/body awareness, and resilience-building;
• Applications of the elements found in nature and the environment as starting points for exploring the senses, emotions, and self-experience;
• An introduction to Bilateral Movement and Drawing as complements to psychotherapy, counseling, and facilitation;
• Building awareness of cultural traditions and values through the lens of nature-based practices and ecotherapy;
• Integrating narrative therapy and creative writing for reparation, insight, and restoration;
• And understanding how to apply the MSSS Model, Nature-Based and Ecotherapy-Focused Circle of Capacity, and the Expressive (Arts) Therapy Continuum in your nature-based and ecotherapy focused work with individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities.

No prerequisite required! If you did not take the Introductory course (Expressive Arts Therapy: Foundations or home study Foundation course), you can still join this course. All courses are self-contained and you can begin anywhere in the sequence.

Remember-- You Do You and join the course live or go at your own pace and watch replays at your convenience. 

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. 

Art Therapy Credentials Board [ATCB] AATCEP Provider No. 70876751. Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute has been approved by ATCB as an Approved Continuing Education Provider.

Learners should also know that the ATCB recognizes a variety of CE 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 CEs must be earned in the area of ethics each cycle and a minimum of six CE in supervision each cycle. If you are licensed as an art therapist in your state, please check with your state board to verify what types of CE 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.