The Intersection of the Arts and Trauma-Informed Practice in Behavioral Health

Though humans have been using the arts as tools for well-being for millennia, the research is exploding into how beneficial engaging in the arts is for our mental health -- and how detrimental it can be to not have the arts in our lives. And yet, using the arts in behavioral health is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Join us for an interactive discussion on applying trauma-informed principles to the use of the arts in behavioral health and how we can collectively increase access to this crucial resource for our well-being.

We ask participants to join this virtual class with camera and microphone capability, as this will be a very interactive class.

This training provides two (2) contact hours, CEU applicable for most professions. A certificate of attendance will be provided via email after the class.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between trauma, healing, and creative expression and describe how the arts can support emotional, cognitive, social, and physical well-being.

2. Identify key benefits of arts-based approaches in behavioral health settings, including emotional expression, nervous system regulation, resilience-building, identity development, and social connection.

3. Apply the Missouri Model Principles of Trauma-Informed Care when planning and facilitating arts-based activities and interventions. [Missouri M...ormed Care | PDF]

4. Recognize potential risks and limitations of arts-based approaches, including emotional activation, re-traumatization, cultural considerations, power dynamics, and scope-of-practice concerns.

5. Develop practical strategies for integrating the arts into behavioral health services in ways that promote safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.