Objectives:- Participants will gain knowledge and understanding of the different modalities of the expressive arts.
- Participants will leave with knowledge of the up-to-date research on the impact of expressive arts.
- Participants will learn strategies and activities they can use with the individuals or groups they work with in their setting.
- Participants will create a personal wellness plan that incorporates the expressive arts.
Abstract:Dive into theatre, dance, creative writing, mandalas, yoga practices, and more to enhance your skillset when working with individuals or groups. Research shows when expressive arts are used people feel increased safety and trust which primes the brain and body for healing. The expressive arts are also great healing practices for the professional. Participants will leave this session with practical tools, new ideas, an enhanced wellness plan, and a fresh perspective on the expressive arts!
Statement of Need: As professionals who work with individuals and groups who have experienced trauma, we need to expand and diversify our toolbox of strategies to meet the current needs. As we now know, it is not only the brain that is affected by trauma, it also affects the body. Learning new skills that emphasize the mind-body connection is essential for meeting current needs. The Expressive Arts treat the whole person by combining creativity, movement, and thought which activates a diverse group of systems within us to help us heal our trauma.
