Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series 2025!

Five-Session Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Nature-Based and Expressive Arts Approaches Starting January 16, 2025; 15 CE or Professional Development Hours

Do you know that there are 5 Universal "Movements and Rhythms" found throughout nature? How do we introduce nature-based approaches to support regulation, synchrony, and restoration of the self? What about the experience of awe and the immune system? And how do nature sounds impact our mental health and well-being-- and how can we apply this important and essential experience in our work? Where does bilateral stimulation and Polyvagal theory fit into all of this? What do we need to think about with climate grief and "nature privilege?" Nature-Based approaches are increasingly becoming part of work with trauma survivors as well as other individuals with various challenges. Gaining a deeper understanding of these approaches is important to all practitioners who work with individuals with traumatic stress. Various approaches found in Polyvagal Theory, sensorimotor and bilateral stimulation methods, cultural and ecological humility, nature-based and equine-assisted therapy, and expressive arts therapy are foundational to this course.
art work by Cathy Malchiodi PhD-- collage about nature and mountain trails

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate Program

Complete Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy and You Are On Your Way!

Required Trainings:

1) Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series 

2) Advanced Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Webinar Series: Healing Trauma and Loss with Nature 2023/2024) 

3) Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Foundation Course [online study] OR Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Level One Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series OR Level Two (Circle of Capacity) Live Webinar Series


Also Required--Chose Any Two of the Following Trainings:

1) Expressive Arts Therapy Retreat In-Person Training in New Mexico 

2) Equine-Assisted Expressive Arts Therapy In-Person Training 

3) Bilateral Stimulation and Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series 

4) Expressive Arts Therapy and the Circle of Capacity [Level Two] Live Webinar Series `

5) Polyvagal-Focused and Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series

Visit this link to register for this program: https://expressive-arts-therapy.thinkific.com/courses/nature-based-expressive-arts-certificate-program 

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

Lead Institute Faculty

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Live Webinar Series

  • Will there be recordings that I can watch after the Live Webinar Sessions?

    Yes-- we record the lecture portions of the events for replay and you can watch them for at least 120 days after the event. We do not post the experiential portions of the event where participants are sharing experiences to protect participants' confidentiality.

  • When are the Live Webinar Sessions?

    January 16, 2025 from 12 noon-3:00 pm EST, January 23, 2024 from 12 noon-3:00 pm EST, January 30, 2025 from 12 noon-3:00 pm EST February 6, 2025 from 12 noon-3:00 pm EST February 13, 2025 from 12 noon-3:00 pm EST All times are US Eastern Time/New York Time

  • Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?

    Once you complete all the required sections of the course site, you will automatically receive a Certificate of Completion for "Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series" --a pdf downloadable on your Thinkific course site. 15 hours of approved NBCC Continuing Education credits/Professional Development hours (3 hours specific to multicultural content)

  • If I do not currently provide Nature-Based Therapy, why should I take this course?

    Nature-Based approaches are increasingly becoming part of work with trauma survivors as well as other individuals with various challenges. Gaining a deeper understanding of these approaches is important to all practitioners who work with individuals with traumatic stress. Various approaches found in Polyvagal Theory, sensorimotor and bilateral stimulation methods, and expressive arts therapy are foundational to this form of treatment.

  • Does this course count toward the EXAT and EXA-CE designations?

    Yes, of course! This is great opportunity to add to your knowledge of how expressive work can be integrated with nature-based work and understand the principles that support this integration.

  • Does this course qualify as part of the Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate Program!

    Yes!

Course curriculum

  1. 1
    • Walkthrough this Live Webinar Site and Its Features

    • About Your Instructors

    • Equine-Assisted Expressive Arts Therapy | An Introduction to Dr. Warson's Work

    • Syllabus, Goals and Objectives of this Course

    • Special Note About Materials and Expressive Arts Assignments!

    • Supplies for This Full Webinar Series

    • Introduce Yourself Here!

    • Nature Images for Collage and Course Experientials

    • More Nature Images for Collage and Contemplation

    • Disclaimer

    • Regarding the Use of Material in this Course

  2. 2
    • What is Expressive Arts Therapy? A Review or an Introduction!

    • The MSSS Model of Expressive Arts and Nature-Based Approaches: Cultural, Psychotherapeutic, Counseling, and Educational Perspectives

    • Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy: An Introduction

    • Nature-Based Approaches: Ecotherapy

    • Ecotherapy and Nature-Based Therapy: Definitions of Terms

    • Efficacy of Nature-Based Therapy

    • Resensitizing the Body Through Expressive Arts

    • Attention Restoration Theory: A Positive Psychology, Nature-Focused Concept

    • Continuum of Expressive Arts Therapy and Ecotherapy and Nature-Based Practices

    • How Might Contact with Nature Promote Human Health? A Mini Overview

    • Nature Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy

    • The Privilege of Nature During a Pandemic

    • Climate Grief and Collective Trauma

    • Indoor Gardening and Art

    • Thoughts on the Environment and How We Can Become Transformative

  3. 3
    • A Review: What is Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy? An Integrative Approach to Trauma and Restoration of the Self via Psychology Today

    • Film Presentation: Foundations of Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi

    • The Five Sense Benefits of Nature: A Chart

    • Nature Sounds Research: Evidence for What Supports Wellness

    • Be Your Own Researcher -- Sound Senses Number One: River Sounds

    • Sound Senses Number Two: Winds Sounds

    • Sound Senses Number Three: Singing Birds

    • Evidence: Processing Sensory Experiences to Address Posttraumatic Stress

    • Somatic Awareness Measure

    • Measuring Somatic Awareness: Research

    • Dysregulation Measurement

    • Visual Journaling Research

    • Visual Journaling | Health Promotion

    • Equine-Assisted Nature Based Therapy

    • Sunkawakan ta Wounspe: The Power of Teachings from the Horse

    • Biomarker Research in Art Therapy

    • Bilateral Movement & Artmaking

    • American Indian Medicine & Art Therapy

    • Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---*Required

    • Definition of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

    • A Continuum of Nature-Based Expressive Arts

  4. 4
    • A White Paper on the Experience of Awe

    • The Positive Impact of Awe

    • Film Presentation: The Art and Science of Awe and How Culture Shapes It

    • 10 Indigenous Holistic Healing Practices What Can Western Psychotherapy Learn from First Nation Practices?

    • The Calm and Connection Theory: The Instorative Impact of Nature

    • Nature and Social Connectedness: Evidence

    • Spirals | Universal Miracle of Nature

    • Nature Connectedness

    • Nature and Self-Regulation

    • Add Your Fractal Poems Here! Optional!

    • Share and Discuss Your Fractal Poems Here -- Optional!

    • The Great Reindeer Migration | An Awe Experience

  5. 5
    • Forest Bathing: A Somatosensory Bath in Nature

    • Evidence: Forest Bathing and Therapeutic Value

    • Indigenous Nature Connection

    • Indigenous Wellness and Animal Assisted Therapy

    • Are There Nature Archetypes? Evidence for 10 Types

    • A Cultural View of the Elements of Nature: An Infographic

    • Exploring the Concept of Mandala within Nature-Based, Expressive Approaches

    • Nature-Based Drama Therapy from a South African Perspective

    • Spirit of the Horse

    • Trans-Species Art | Exploring Intersectional Views of Ecology and Environment

    • Special Journal Issue on Nature-Assisted Arts Therapies

    • Open Access to Special Journal Issue on Nature-Assisted Arts Therapies

    • Maria's Story | Clay Reconnection

    • The "Arts Based Research" and Field Notes Templates

  6. 6
    • Six-Step Model of Nature-Based Therapy Process

    • 5 Ways Mental Health Depends on Nature and "Green Scenery"

    • Unplug that Plasma Screen, Take Two Doses of Nature, and Call Me in the Morning

    • Can Simulated Nature Support Mental Health?

    • Nature-Based Guided Imagery: Evidence

    • Editorial | Dance Movement Therapy & Ecotherapy

    • Music Therapy and Climate Crisis

    • Community Ecotherapy

    • Trees don’t rush to heal from trauma and neither should we...thought-provoking article on trauma healing and recovery

    • Indoor Gardening and Art

    • Transpersonal Eco Arts

    • Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---*Required

  7. 7
    • Nature Connected Art Therapy Pedagogy

    • Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Resource

    • Related EXAT Facebook Groups

  8. 8
    • Regarding the Use of Material in this Course

Complete the Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate

  • $75.00

    $75.00Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate Program

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Continuing Education


Continuing Education Information

Please note: This course includes  total of 15 Continuing Education credits/ Professional development Hours, 3 hours of which are of "multicultural content" related to applications of nature-based approaches in counseling and psychotherapy. This will be indicated on your certificate for credential or license renewal.

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]. 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.

Video: Entrainment, Synchrony, and Trauma

A Nature-Based Approach to Regulation and Restoration

Apply This Course Toward EXAT or EXA-CE Designations

This Live Webinar Series is offered as a continuing education course and also as hours if you are completing the EXAT or EXA-CE designations with our Institute. See https://expressive-arts-therapy.thinkific.com/pages/exat for details.

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