Introduction to Trauma-Informed Art Therapy

What's In It For Me

Participants will gain understanding of the roles both process and product in image-making play in art therapy, and ways to develop art themes for therapeutic interventions with a trauma-informed lens based on recent developments in neurobiological frameworks.

Course Overview

This course is intended to introduce professionals working with individuals across the human development using trauma-informed art interventions as understood from a psychotherapeutic and neurobiological framework. The construct of trauma will be explored from a developmental perspective, and the role of art therapy interventions will be based on neurobiological and psychodynamic understanding. It will combine experiential components with lectures and case-studies, to introduce participants to principles and practices of trauma-informed art therapy.

Course Content/Topics

Day 1

• Defining art therapy through a historical lens

• Art Therapy as a profession

• Ethics and professional issues

• Attachment theory and art therapy as a relational intervention

• Childhood traumatic stress, bereavement and grief

• Impact of trauma from a neurobiological perspective

Day 2

• Sensorimotor Art Therapy

· Introduction to adverse childhood experience framework and impact of developmental trauma

· How does creative arts as a therapeutic tool enhance trauma-informed interventions

• Provide safety, support and coping skills

• Develop art themes as a form of emotional expression

• Understand potential and limitations of art media

Training Type

Didactic teaching, case discussion, experiential activities, small group practices etc.

Course Duration

14 hours

Course Objectives

Medium of Instruction & Trainer

Ms. Jolene Chiang, a Registered Senior Art Psychotherapist accredited by ANZACATA.

Jolene is a firm advocate of the transformative power of art therapy, which enables clients to express and process their emotions. Her approach places emphasis on the creative arts, providing a psychologically safe space for clients facing life's challenges and dealing with adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Jolene's psychodynamic-oriented and integrative approach allows her to deeply connect with clients' unique family backgrounds, attachment patterns, and developmental stages. She offers compassionate care and guidance, facilitating healing through creative arts and self-expression. Her expertise and dedication are invaluable in the realm of art therapy and mental health support.

One of the most meaningful projects Jolene had the opportunity to lead was "Tapestries of Grief: Witnessing through Art Therapy" in September 2021. This community art exhibition was conceptualized to support bereaved individuals and helping professionals who had experienced loss, especially during the pandemic, by creating "remembrance ball" artworks. The event saw over 450 artworks contributed by bereaved persons and helping professionals. This project stands as a testament to the power of art therapy in helping individuals cope with their grief and move towards emotional healing. Jolene's expertise and dedication shine through her involvement in such impactful initiatives in the field of art therapy and mental health support.

Funding Information

NCSS member and MSF-funded Social Service Agencies are able to apply for PCG Funding, pre-approved at 45% for SC and SPR.

Price

Discount / Promotion Fee (Apply to original fee only)	Fee Payable After Discount / Promotion (Before GST)
Early Bird Fee (closes 6 weeks before class start date)	$600.00
	Course Fee Payable
Original Fee	Before GST	With GST (9%)
Course Fee	$700.00	$763.00
Corporate Pricing (Fee payable to Training Provider)
Non-SME	Before GST	With GST (9%)
NCSS PCG 45% funding (SC/PRs)	$385.00	$419.65
SME	Before GST	With GST (9%)
NCSS PCG 45% funding (SC/PRs)	$385.00	$419.65