Journaling. Poetry. Movement. Art making. Storytelling. Creating music. Sculpting. Role play.
This is just a sampling of the many creative ways therapists can use artistic self-expression for healing and personal growth. In this training, we will discuss the varied nature of expressive arts therapies in depth, examining a large number of creative modalities. You’ll gain an understanding of the richness the expressive arts can provide for our clients, and hopefully, you’ll be inspired to explore these modalities even further on your own.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the components of what makes something “expressive arts therapy”
- Explore how therapists use various examples of expressive arts therapies in their practices
- Discuss the ways in which utilizing expressive arts can lead to healing and personal growth
- Understand the ethics and clinical limitations of using different expressive arts activities within their scope of practice
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations of Expressive Arts Therapy
- Define expressive arts therapy as a fusion of psychology and creative expression
- Differentiate between expressive arts therapy and creative arts therapy
- List the six creative arts therapies under NCCATA
- Describe the REAT credential and multi-modal approach
- Identify the role of the senses and the integration of modalities in healing
- Outline key components: expression, imagination, active participation, mind-body connection
Objective #2: Forms and Modalities of Expressive Arts
- List common expressive forms: poetry, journaling, visual arts, drama, movement, music
- Introduce symbolic tools like sand tray and ritual-based practices
- Explain Cathy Malchiodi’s model: movement, sound, storytelling, silence
- Demonstrate practices such as breathwork, collage, mask-making, drumming
- Describe PhotoTherapy and the use of photography in emotional exploration
Objective #3: Applications in Clinical Practice
- List benefits: bridging conscious/unconscious, externalizing emotions, enhancing communication
- Describe common tools: scribble drawing, six-box doodle, journaling prompts
- Explore writing interventions: unsent letters, dialogues, lists of 100
- Use poetry for emotional processing, insight, and group discussion
- Describe use of sculpture, painting, mandalas, and music for self-expression
- Apply storytelling, psychodrama, and dramatic play in therapy settings
Objective #4: Ethics and Scope of Practice
- Clarify distinctions between therapeutic use of arts and credentialed art therapy
- Outline IEATA pathways for certification as an expressive arts therapist
- List supervision and training requirements for REAT qualification
- Emphasize ethical language use: avoid calling yourself an art therapist without credentials
- Encourage creativity as long as it aligns with evidence-based practice and therapist competence
- Affirm the therapeutic potential of creativity in the hands of skilled clinicians
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: June 10, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com