The Family of Origin

This first weekend will focus on non-messy art modalities that explore identity and family dynamics.

They include simple, though profound techniques that are suitable for a variety of different client groups. We will cover:

• Art therapy as a non-verbal medium of communication
• Communication in groups with the assistance of art therapy
• Exploring one's identity through visual expression
• Visualizing the roles and dynamics of relationships within families and other groups
• Working with crayons and plasticine
• Collage as a means of “piecing myself together”
• Creating a ‘Self Box’
• Beginning to create 'Soul Cards'

Animals, Plants and Landscapes

We will explore the symbolic language of dreams, visions, images and Active Imagination and learn how to communicate in a symbolic context with the inner world. Such approaches are particularly valuable whenever we find it too painful or too hard to name something that has happened: 

• Ways to inspire dreams, the imagination, a sense of an inner path and meaning
• Working with given objects to stimulate and evoke a symbolic story
• Incorporating toy figurines to tell a story
• Aspects of Sand Play Therapy in combination with a multimedia art therapy approach
• Creating stories through narrating, writing, drawing, painting
• Working with sensory body perception and symbols
• Creating a totem, a sacred object of power
• Symbolic meaning of animals, plants and landscapes in the Jungian and transpersonal context
• Gestalt therapy approach to dreams and images
• Intervention skills using symbolic objects and images

Building Resources for Crisis Management

The weekend will be devoted to building resilience, ego-strength and confidence in clients.  Such preparation is essential for any trauma exploration.

We will explore exercises for nervous system regulation, ways to create safety, and how to discover a source of well-being.

Mandala Drawing will be introduced in various versions as a focusing and healing exercise  to support clients when their ego feels like falling apart; mandalas strengthen structure and focus.

We will cover:

• Stabilization techniques
• Resource building exercises
• Client safety
• Nervous system regulation
• Mindfulness
• Various approaches to Mandalas, including;
• Group-Mandala
• Mandala-Meditations
• Movement-based Mandalas
• Mandala as a tool for crisis intervention
• Creation of Individual Mandalas
• Mari Mandala Assessment Scheme

• be able to define the therapeutic application of different art materials based on an understanding of the effect these can have on a client's neurobiology 
• be able to suggest at least three art-based exercises as an intake assessment tool
• be able to facilitate a meaning-making process for clients based on their artwork
• be able to define at least three art-based ways of stabilizing a traumatised client
• be able to define aspects of nervous system regulation built on the principals of Polyvagal Theory
• be able to define at least three exercises that teach clients Pendulation based on Somatic Experiencing trauma theory
• be able to define trauma-informed, bottom-up, approach and apply this knowledge to counselling and psychotherapeutic goals.