The Introduction to Expressive Therapy course breaks down the basics of Expressive Therapy. This course is ideal for professionals who are interested in implementing Expressive Therapy concepts into their practice.

Topics covered include the intersection of Expressive Therapy and attachment, trauma, neurobiology and child development.

We will discuss case studies and cultural and ethical considerations. Importantly, we understand Expressive Therapy to be an experiential, body-based approach, and that the lived experience of participating in activities gives rich insight into the effective and therapeutic elements of Expressive Therapy.

Be prepared to create, hold space for your own and others’ vulnerability, curiosity and growth, and to invoke a genuine in-the-moment learning process; all guided by highly experienced and qualified psychotherapists from Expressive Therapy SA.

Learning outcomes

1. Understand and describe what Expressive Therapy is, and how this differs to creative practices (such as visual art).

2. Understand ethical implications of the use of First Nations’ people’s expressive practices.

3. Describe the ways in which Expressive Therapy is a “multisensory” experience.

4. Understand and describe how Expressive Therapy interacts with neurobiological systems.

5. Understand a simply model of Expressive Therapy which can be integrated into multi-disciplinary practice.

6. Understand and describe ethical considerations integral in Expressive Therapy.

7. Understand the importance of participation in experiential activities, self and group reflection.

This course is intended for people in the health, education, helping professions who may be interested in the expressive and therapeutic use of the arts.

No previous experience of creative ways of working are required. This course has an experiential training group format therefore, important to be prepared to take part activities and discussion.

FEE: $210 (including all materials).

Early Bird $185

Venue: Adelaide CBD (tbc: based on number and covid requirements at time of training)

Feedback on previous expressive therapy training…

"An educational, emotional, beneficial, eye-opening adventure."

"Informative, enjoyable and creatively mind opening."

“An extremely enjoyable and interesting course set in a safe and comfortable environment. The tutor is very personable and an expert in her field. I would highly recommend to anyone with an interest in the arts or people working in the caring profession."

“Really enlightening – both to learn about expressive therapy and to learn more about yourself.”

"I have learned a lot about myself through attending the course and I have become much more creative. I loved it!"

"As a counsellor working with young people this course has opened up further the possibilities of image-making, and given me the confidence to encourage it in my therapeutic work."

“Fantastic tutor! Paula really knows her stuff. Expressive therapy has been brilliant for me, opening new doors in my career and opened me up to new possibilities.”

“I have found this course enlightening, interesting and at times inspiring, especially to be in a safe group where people do not feel judged. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of going into expressive therapy, or who isn’t!”

“A great opportunity to explore self and others… a very enjoyable course.”

"Fantastic course! Paula is lovely and very knowledgeable and I have learnt so much from her."

‘I’ve enjoyed the wide variety of approaches and techniques we’ve practice, the group and teacher dynamics, and the subtle way we’ve been learning how to work with others, the whole experience has been rewarding on many levels.’

‘I have greatly enjoyed the course - particularly the practical exercises which involved accompanying literature. It was tremendous fun and fascinating. I also loved working with new materials, such as clay and musical instruments. I embraced these with a sense of excitement and vigour and with an openness of mind to their therapeutic benefits.’