0225 - Expressive Arts with Trauma

Course Description

Hours: 12

This Professional Development course will introduce the use of expressive arts when working therapeutically with those who have experienced trauma.* Rationale for, and examples of, using the arts for expression, healing and activism in response to trauma will be explored. Exercises and interventions using drama, art, music, dance/movement, poetry and play will be explored in individual, family and group contexts. In addition, intermodal approaches that use numerous arts-based methods will be demonstrated. 

Trauma, for the purposes of this workshop, will include interpersonal and familial trauma, as well as systemic, intergenerational and state violence forms of trauma (e.g., war, racism, poverty, heterosexism, etc.). The course will address the use of arts to promote healing and activism in response to the personal and political aspects of harm. 

Rather than “telling,” this workshop 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. 

Participants will:

• Gain an introductory understanding of the use of the arts and the range of expressive arts therapies.
• Experience activities and exercises in each of the arts modalities across a variety of forms of trauma and with different age groups. 
• Practice effective facilitation of arts-based methods for expression, healing, and activism following trauma.
• 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 in the course. In addition, a few 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. 

CCPA -- Pre-approved for 12 CEUs

Notes

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

• Trauma Certificate : Trauma Certificate