0115 - Expressive Arts Therapy with Children and Adolescents

Course Description

Hours: 12

This Professional Development course will introduce the use of expressive arts when working therapeutically with children and adolescents with a variety of needs and goals.* Rationale for, and examples of, using the arts for expression, wellness and healing with youth will be provided. Basic concepts from drama therapy, art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy and the use of writing, poetry and play will be explored. In addition, intermodal approaches that use numerous arts-based methods will be demonstrated. The course will provide information about working from childhood through adolescence in a developmentally appropriate manner. 

Rather than “telling,” this course will focus on learning through “doing.” It is designed to be highly experiential, allowing participants to actively engage in arts-based methods as both a participant and a facilitator.** In addition, information will provided throughout the course using video, conversation and handouts. 

Learning Outcomes
Participants will:

• Gain an introductory understanding of expressive arts therapies and each of the modalities.
• Experience activities and exercises in each of the arts modalities across a developmental spectrum.
• Learn how to use arts in an intermodal way.
• Practice effective facilitation of arts-based methods for expression and wellness.
• Obtain a handout of useful articles, books and websites with additional resources.

Required Materials

Because this course is happening remotely, all participants will need to have access to basic arts materials at home in order to participate n the course. In addition, a couple days before the course you will be sent handouts that you will need to print and have ready to use during the course, so you will need to ensure you have access to a printer. 

For the course, please prepare the following materials:

• 5-10 sheets of blank letter-size paper
• basic set of crayons
• basic set of markers
• pen or pencil
• 2-3 magazines to cut up
• scissors
• glue stick
• small sealed container filled with something you can make a noise ‘shaker’ with e.g. yogurt container with dried beans, glass jar with pasta
• small to medium size container e.g., shoe box, jar, small cardboard box, etc.
• optional (while you don’t need to buy these materials, if you are crafty and have any of these items at home having them available will give you more creative options): string, yarn, hot glue gun, tissue paper, paint, beads, etc. 

Notes

Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate : Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate