During trauma, overwhelming stress and burnout our organism shuts down and we cannot fully take in our environment.  We are disconnected from ourselves and others. We are reacting from our reptilian brain of flight, fight and paralysis. The arts/creative expression and connection to natural elements can help us to restore our senses and respond to life situations rather than react to them. We need to connect to our resources before we can address traumatic experiences – resourcing is essential in the integration and transformation of traumatic experiences. In this mini-session we will use breath, be engaged in an elemental meditation, drawing/painting and movement to restore the communication between both hemispheres of the brain. We will discuss the application of the experiential exercises and what emerged in the process as well as other tools.

You will learn about the window of tolerance, how to expand the window of tolerance with simple somatic expressive arts tools and experience through an elemental meditation, expressive arts exercises with clay and paints/watercolors, poetry, movement and writing to resource to lessen the impact of trauma and stress. You will take away tools for self-care, have an experience of restoration and tools to pass on to clients you work with

This 2 hour workshop will be a blend of presentation, experiential process, sharing, discussion, Q and A.

Who should attend?

• Students, practitioners and professionals in the field of Expressive Arts and Expressive Arts Therapy.

What do I need to participate?

• A good internet connection
• A computer with a webcam, or a tablet
• A private, quiet space in your home, office, or studio, with a little room to move around
• Art materials needed: Watercolors or paints, at least two brushes, paper, pens, markers, and clay; Bowl with water and a candle. 

What will I receive?

• A nourishing, informative, practical professional development opportunity, specifically designed for expressive arts practitioners and therapists.
• An opportunity to learn from one of the pioneers and leaders in the expressive arts field, without leaving home.
• Connection, through the easy-to-use, interactive Zoom format, with other practitioners, students and therapists from around the world.
• 2 hours of professional practice and personal self-care.
• 2 CEU’s are available for LMHC, LCSW, LMFT

Our Professional Development series connects you with leaders in the Expressive Arts field...

We are excited to bring you Nicki Koethner!

Nicki Koethner, MA, MFT is a Multi-Media Artist, Expressive Arts Psychotherapist and Educator. She is devoted to playfulness, joy, embodied earth-based spirituality and transforming trauma into empowerment through creativity. She has a private practice in German and English in Berkeley www.express-explore-expand.com. She is adjunct faculty at Sofia University (Institute of Transpersonal Psychology), California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), supervisor at Art of Health and Healing of Contra Costa Medical Centers (CCRMC). She was on the Board of BodyTales and Past Board Advisor and Executive Co-Chair for the international Expressive Arts Therapy Association (ieata.org).  

More about Nicki and her work: http://www.expressiveartsflorida.com/expressive-arts-in-the-world-3-nicki-koethner/