Healing Through Art: An Art Therapy Workshop

Words are often inadequate. In this workshop, we will tap into the creativity inherent in all of us and learn how to use this as a non-verbal language to express and communicate. Information on trauma and its effects will be provided, along with art-making projects led by a professional art therapist. We will also learn about the field and practice of art therapy and why it should be an important part of any healing and recovery program for mental health and wellness.

 Main objectives

  • To learn the principles of art therapy.

  • To define trauma and its effects, specifically how trauma affects First Nations communities.

  • To learn how regular art-making can decrease the effects of trauma.

  • To create art in a safe, non-judgmental and non-threatening space

    To connect meaningfully with other workshop participants, thereby strengthening relationships.

  • To access and trust our inner guide and a sense of knowing.

  • To learn to quiet our inner critic and let our best selves emerge.

  • Experience art materials through art therapeutic processes.

  • Explore directive and nondirective evaluation and treatment approaches.

  • Demonstrate the use of metaphor and healing stories in art therapy and trauma recovery.

  • To use what’s learned in the workshop in regular self-care practice.

Different art materials will be used, and instruction on how to use them will be included. All materials in the art therapy activities will be simple to use. This is not an art class so work will not be critiqued. There will be directives given, and the emphasis will be on both process and product. Participants will have the opportunity to share their art with the group, but this will be voluntary.

 Presentation will include:

  • A brief definition of art therapy

  • Benefits of art therapy

  • Latest information on the effects of expressive therapy on brain functioning and recovery from trauma

  • PowerPoint format case studies of clients and PowerPoint presentations of client artworks. The course of treatment will be reviewed.

  • Identifying metaphors, themes, and healing stories within client artwork.

  • The positive mental, physical, and emotional impact of creating therapeutic art with different art materials such as pencil crayon, paint, and clay.