Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Live Webinar Series January-February 2025

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy with Elizabeth Warson PhD, and Cathy Malchiodi, PhD; five Live Webinar sessions on January 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 13, 2025; 15hrs of CE/PD; Regular Price is $329-Don't Delay-- Course registration closes on Jan. 16th!

Registration Closed

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.

Join the Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Program--Scroll Down for More Information!

art work by Cathy Malchiodi PhD-- collage about nature and mountain trails

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 (Self-Regulation). 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.

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]. 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.

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

Complete the Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate

$75.00

Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner Certificate Program

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Faculty

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.

Faculty

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, 2025 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. Walkthrough this Live Webinar Site and Its Features
2. About Your Instructors
3. Syllabus, Goals, and Objectives of this Course
4. Special Note About Materials and Expressive Arts Assignments!
5. Comprehensive Supply List
6. Introduce Yourself Here!
7. Nature Images for Collage and Course Experientials
8. More Nature Images for Collage and Contemplation
9. Disclaimer
10. Regarding the Use of Material in this Course
1. ▶️ ZOOM Link and Supplies!
2. What is Expressive Arts Therapy? A Review or an Introduction!
3. The MSSS Model of Expressive Arts and Nature-Based Approaches: Cultural, Psychotherapeutic, Counseling, and Educational Perspectives
4. Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy: An Introduction
5. Nature-Based Approaches: Ecotherapy
6. Ecotherapy and Nature-Based Therapy: Definitions of Terms
7. Efficacy of Nature-Based Therapy
8. Resensitizing the Body Through Expressive Arts
9. Attention Restoration Theory: A Positive Psychology, Nature-Focused Concept
10. Continuum of Expressive Arts Therapy and Ecotherapy and Nature-Based Practices
11. How Might Contact with Nature Promote Human Health? A Mini Overview
12. Nature Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy
13. The Privilege of Nature During a Pandemic
14. Climate Grief and Collective Trauma
15. Indoor Gardening and Art
16. Thoughts on the Environment and How We Can Become Transformative
17. Warson | PPT | Jan. 16, 2025
18. Early Foundations | Notes
19. Felted Stone
20. Replay Session One Part One
21. Replay Session One Part Two
22. Replay Session One Part Three
23. Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---*Required
24. Survey: Experiences with the Living Journal
25. Having Trouble getting Through to Next Session? Watch this video for troubleshooting and tips!
26. Nature Heals Us | Notes
1. ▶️ ZOOM Link and Supplies!
2. A Review: What is Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy? An Integrative Approach to Trauma and Restoration of the Self via Psychology Today
3. Film Presentation: Foundations of Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi
4. The Five Sense Benefits of Nature: A Chart
5. Nature Sounds Research: Evidence for What Supports Wellness
6. Be Your Own Researcher -- Sound Senses Number One: River Sounds
7. Sound Senses Number Two: Winds Sounds
8. Sound Senses Number Three: Singing Birds
9. Evidence: Processing Sensory Experiences to Address Posttraumatic Stress
10. Urban Nature Environments Study
11. Somatic Awareness Measure
12. Measuring Somatic Awareness: Research
13. Dysregulation Measurement
14. Visual Journaling Research
15. Visual Journaling | Health Promotion
16. Equine-Assisted Nature Based Therapy
17. Sunkawakan ta Wounspe: The Power of Teachings from the Horse
18. Biomarker Research in Art Therapy
19. Bilateral Movement & Artmaking
20. American Indian Medicine and Art Therapy
21. Native Dancers at Red Rock Canyon | Grass Dance
22. Replay Session Two Part One
23. Replay Session Two Part Two
24. Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---*Required
25. Definition of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy
26. A Continuum of Nature-Based Expressive Arts
27. Access to Nature via Virtual Reality
28. Green Space and Living Environment
29. Health Benefits of the Great Outdoors
30. Mental Health Benefits
31. Nature Based Mindfulness
32. Nature Based Practices with Elders
33. Nature Based Interventions with Individuals with ASD
34. Warson | PPT 2 | Jan. 23, 2025
35. Bilateral Grass Painting | Script
1. ▶️ ZOOM Link and Supplies!
2. A White Paper on the Experience of Awe
3. The Positive Impact of Awe
4. Film Presentation: The Art and Science of Awe and How Culture Shapes It
5. The Great Reindeer Migration | An Awe Experience
6. A Brief Overview of "Frisson"-- A Sensory Experience of Awe and Joy
7. An Awe Resource List
8. 10 Indigenous Holistic Healing Practices What Can Western Psychotherapy Learn from First Nation Practices?
9. The Calm and Connection Theory: The Instorative Impact of Nature
10. Nature and Social Connectedness: Evidence
11. Spirals | Universal Miracle of Nature
12. Nature Connectedness
13. Alpha Waves and Nature Videos
14. Nature and Self-Regulation
15. Fractal Art
16. Add Your Fractal Poems Here! Optional!
17. Share and Discuss Your Fractal Poems Here -- Optional!
18. Replay Session Three Part One
19. Replay Session Three Part Two
20. Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---*Required
21. Living Journal Check-In
22. Film: Awe Experiential
23. Warson PPT 3 | Jan. 30, 2025
1. Forest Bathing: A Somatosensory Bath in Nature
2. Evidence: Forest Bathing and Therapeutic Value
3. Global Forest Bathing
4. Forest Bathing and Foraging in Finland
5. Forest Healing Program | South Korea
6. Indigenous Nature Connection
7. Indigenous Wellness and Animal Assisted Therapy
8. Are There Nature Archetypes? Evidence for 10 Types
9. A Cultural View of the Elements of Nature: An Infographic
10. Exploring the Concept of Mandala within Nature-Based, Expressive Approaches
11. Nature-Based Drama Therapy from a South African Perspective
12. Spirit of the Horse
13. Trans-Species Art | Exploring Intersectional Views of Ecology and Environment
14. Special Journal Issue on Nature-Assisted Arts Therapies
15. Open Access to Special Journal Issue on Nature-Assisted Arts Therapies
16. Maria's Story | Clay Reconnection
17. The "Arts Based Research" and Field Notes Templates
18. Replay Session Four Part One
19. Replay Session Four Part Two
20. Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---*Required
21. Embodied Sculpture Script | Feb. 6, 2025
22. Living Journal Reflective Writing Prompt | Feb. 6, 2025
23. Differences between Japanese and Western approaches to forest bathing
1. ▶️ ZOOM Link and Supplies!
2. Six-Step Model of Nature-Based Therapy Process
3. 5 Ways Mental Health Depends on Nature and "Green Scenery"
4. Unplug that Plasma Screen, Take Two Doses of Nature, and Call Me in the Morning
5. Can Simulated Nature Support Mental Health?
6. Nature-Based Guided Imagery: Evidence
7. Editorial | Dance Movement Therapy & Ecotherapy
8. Music Therapy and Climate Crisis
9. Community Ecotherapy
10. Trees Don’t Rush to Heal from Trauma
11. Indoor Gardening and Art
12. Transpersonal Eco Arts
13. Nature Connected Art Therapy Pedagogy
14. Replay Session Five Part One
15. Replay Session Five Part Two
16. Please UPLOAD* and POST to Discussion! ---Required
17. Warson PPT 5 | Feb. 13, 2025
18. What Did You Hold Onto from this Course?
19. Embodied Sculpture Dialogue
1. Nature Pyramids
2. Related EXAT Facebook Groups
1. Regarding the Use of Material in this Course

About this course

$329.00
139 lessons
14 hours of video content

Watch Intro Video

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.