15 training days, spread over 5 workshops of 3 days each – a total of 105 hrs.

This highly experiential course offers training in creative arts-based, emotionally expressive methods and Inner-Life Skills that promote emotional integration, self-awareness and resilience in children and adolescents.

Modalities presented in the course: Emotional Literacy Activities, Emotion-focused and Resilience-building Processes, Symbol Work for Enhanced Communication, Somatic Self-expression, Art and Music in Counselling, Therapeutic Writing, Body Focus, Visualisation, Role-Play, Relaxation and Mindfulness.

WORKSHOP ONE: 3 days   13 – 15 February, 2025

Supporting Emotional Expression – Art, Music & Movement

• Theoretical background for client-centred practice

• Multiple Intelligences in counselling

• New ways to help clients talk about themselves

• Developing trust and encouraging interest in self-discovery

• Introducing emotional processing methods

• Use of drawing for expressive release and integration

• Contraindications for emotionally activating activities

WORKSHOP TWO: 3 days   27 – 29 March, 2025

Exploring Family Issues – Processing Difficult Emotions

• Exploring family of origin issues using art and Symbol Work (miniatures)

• Emotion-focused processes:

– supporting the resolution of grief

– safe anger release and integration

• Bioenergetics and somatic-self-expression

• Expressive writing and worksheets for expression and integration

WORKSHOP THREE: 3 days   8 – 10 May, 2025

Symbol Work, Group Work & Transforming Trauma

• Symbol Work and non-threatening communication

• Role-play with miniatures for a strong sense of self

• Trauma-informed therapeutic processes

• Building resilience

• ET in group work and group dynamics

• Illustrated case stories

WORKSHOP FOUR:  3 days   19 – 21 June, 2025

Balancing Emotional, Cognitive and Somatic Processes

• Reviewing Foundation Principles of Expressive Therapies

• Emotion-focused processes: Dealing with reactivity and anger

• Body Focus – enhancing somatic resolution

• Music as a therapeutic tool

• Research and background literature

WORKSHOP FIVE: 3 days   7 – 9 August, 2025

Inner-Life Skills for Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem

• Approaches for teaching relaxation and mindfulness

• New possibilities through visualisation and imagination

• Engaging parents and carers in the therapeutic process

• Somatic self-expression through bioenergetics

• Enhancing emotional stability