FINAL YEAR FOR LEVEL 1 & 2 EXPRESSIVE ARTS PROGRAMS

Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy 

Announces:

FINAL YEAR FOR 

LEVEL 1 & 2 EXPRESSIVE ARTS PROGRAMS

Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy was born in 2008 in response to the need for expressive arts training for both therapists and facilitators of expressive arts.  We have offered over 26 Level 1 & 2 programs in the past 12 years.  It has been such an honour to be able to have worked with passionate local trainers who have brought their expertise to our programs.  We have had students attend our programs from across Canada, the USA, and abroad, including Hong Kong and Egypt.  

This program has been for me a dream come true.  To be able to design a training program from a framework that I believe whole heartedly in.  The arts bring a richness to the healing world that is unique and powerful.  And yes, one must experience it personally to "know" the power of this kind of healing process.  

The year 2020 brings many changes.  One of the main changes is that 2020 will be the final year that the Level 1 & 2 programs will be offered.  There is still space in the programs at this time.  You can contact me directly if you have any questions about the programs.  carmenr@telusplanet.net

There will continue to be offerings made from Prairie Institute, so do stay tuned to see the "unfurling" of new and exciting trainings, workshops & retreats.  

Thank you trainers for bringing your best to the students over these years:  Marilyn Magnuson, Jennifer Buchanan, Marja Cantell, Connie Allcock, Karen Daniels, Dara Dines, Rosann Whale, Andrea Halwas, and Mallory Minerson.

Thank you students for saying yes to your call to the expressive arts path and trusting Prairie Institute for your learning.  Thank you for filling our spaces with images, sounds, poems, and embodied creative works of all kinds!  

Thank you to all the graduates of Level 1 & 2 for bringing the message and spirit of the arts out to your communities.  I have been deeply moved and inspired by the witnessing of the gifts that each student has brought to our trainings.  These I will miss most:  the heart to heart connections that are cultivated over the course of the training;  the witnessing of the deepening belief in their gifts; and the "showing up with love".  

One of PIEAT's trainers (thank you Rosann) sent me this following poem, Continue by Maya Angelou, in response to learning the news of closing the Level 1 & 2.  It has deep meaning for me and I believe touches the hearts of many....

Here is to a year of openings, closings and inspired change of all kinds....

Carmen Richardson
carmenr@telusplant.net

Prairie Institute's first graduating class in
Expressive Arts Training: Level One Certificate
2008 - 2009

NEW ADVANCED* TRAINING!

CHARTING A COURSE:
NAVIGATING AND ACHIEVING SAFE TRAUMA PROCESSING
THROUGH THE EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPIES

Carmen Richardson MSW, RSW, RCAT, REAT

**This advanced training is for practitioners who have attended the 3 Day Body-Focused Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children and Adolescents.

In this 2-day experiential and didactic training, participants will be presented with:

• Clinical case studies 
• Current theory related to trauma work, including Polyvagal Theory for trauma therapy
• The opportunity to develop clinical skills essential to trauma-informed practice
• A brief overview of Carmen’s Stage Model of Trauma Processing (as outlined in her book)
• Specific Expressive Arts Therapy interventions designed to support trauma processing with a focus on Phase Three of the model
• An exploration into the “Therapist’s world view” as it is related to trauma processing
• A deeper look at developing effective stewardship skills to mitigate against a therapists experience of being exposed to secondary trauma.
• The experiential learning component will provide:
• An invitation and opportunity to work with personal experiences to illuminate trauma-informed processes and support clinical skill development in the application of the Expressive Arts Therapies.

**This training will be offered in small group format (6-12 participants) to ensure optimal experiential learning.

Training Dates:  February 28 & 29, 2020
Cost: $495 on or before February 1, 2020 and $535 after 
Location: 57 Bearspaw Summit Place
For further information or to register:  carmenr@telusplanet.net

One Day Workshop in Expressive Arts

Friday, March 6, 2020

-an experiential day of expressive arts for therapy, education, and community building
-excellent introduction for therapists, child care workers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, art therapists and educators
-an opportunity to personally explore how the arts may be used both individually and in group format 

Date: Friday, March 6, 2020
Time: 9:30 - 4:30
Location: 57 Bearspaw Summit Place
Cost: $175 on or before February 8, 2020 and $195 after
To Register:  carmenr@telusplanet.net

Trauma Training-New Dates!

NEW DATES!!  

Small Group Training - Space Limited!

Three Day Training in Body-Focused Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children and Adolescents

When: September 24 - 27, 2020
Where: 57 Bearspaw Summit Place, Calgary, AB 
Cost: $560 on or before August 25, 2020 & $600 after
Payment Methods: e-transfer or cheques 

Overview: This three day training will provide participants with a comprehensive framework for treating traumatized children & teens. This four- phase, resource-oriented model is grounded in attachment theory, the psychophysiology of trauma, CBT, and expressive arts therapy. It is based on Carmen’s book, “Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children and Adolescents: A Four-Phase Model”.

Training Objectives: To provide a practical, structured framework that guides assessment & treatment processes. To learn structured, arts-based, sensory interventions to effectively treat key trauma reactions and promote self-regulation. To increase clinical skills such as working with a resource-oriented lens, tracking client sensory processes, & working with the body, art & relationship.

About the four-phase model: “Although rich with creative activities, the author quickly establishes that these are not to be approached as a ‘recipe’ of activities to pick and choose from, but as strategically placed activities to support the larger picture of helping children develop the resilience needed to experience posttraumatic growth.  The structured framework helps to ensure a process that is safe, but it also provides the flexibility necessary for following the child’s creative processing and use of varied activities at a pace that is safe and tolerable.”

William Steele, PsyD, MSW
Founder, The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children

Trauma Training

Three Day Training in Body-Focused Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children and Adolescents

When:  October 3 - 5, 2019

Where: 57 Bearspaw Summit Place, Calgary, AB 

Cost: $550 on or before September 1, 2019 & $595 after

Payment Methods: e-transfer or cheques 

Overview: This three day training will provide participants with a comprehensive framework for treating traumatized children & teens. This four- phase, resource-oriented model is grounded in attachment theory, the psychophysiology of trauma, CBT, and expressive arts therapy. It is based on Carmen’s book, “Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children and Adolescents: A Four-Phase Model”.

Training Objectives: To provide a practical, structured framework that guides assessment & treatment processes. To learn structured, arts-based, sensory interventions to effectively treat key trauma reactions and promote self-regulation. To increase clinical skills such as working with a resource-oriented lens, tracking client sensory processes, & working with the body, art & relationship.

About the four-phase model: “Although rich with creative activities, the author quickly establishes that these are not to be approached as a ‘recipe’ of activities to pick and choose from, but as strategically placed activities to support the larger picture of helping children develop the resilience needed to experience posttraumatic growth.  The structured framework helps to ensure a process that is safe, but it also provides the flexibility necessary for following the child’s creative processing and use of varied activities at a pace that is safe and tolerable.”

William Steele, PsyD, MSW

Founder, The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children

TO REGISTER EMAIL: carmenr@telusplanet.net 

2020 Level 1 & 2 Dates!

Expressive Arts Training: Level 1 Certificate 

January - June, 2020

This is a 6 month intensive training program in the fundamentals of expressive arts therapy.  The program is designed as an introduction to expressive arts for those who may want to incorporate the arts in their clinical practice, community work, or for personal growth.  You are not required to have a degree, but an openness to experience the intermodal use of expressive arts.  

Dates:  January 10-12, February 8 & 9, March 7 & 8,  April 4 & 5, May 2 & 3 June 6 & 7

Registration Deadline: October 1, 2019

Expressive Arts Training: Level 1 Certificate Immersion

April - September, 2020

This is the same foundational program as describe above, with students attending two intensives in Calgary.

Dates:  

First Immersion:  April  17 - 24, 2020

Second Immersion:  September 13 - 19, 2020

Registration Deadline:  January 15, 2020

Expressive Arts Training: Level 2 Certificate

A true journey of deepening what was learned in prior expressive arts training.  Students dive in upon their arrival on Day 1, beginning the process of creating group safety with an openness to learn from the arts, the trainers, and one another.  Every aspect of the program is intentional as all activities tie into well thought out learning objectives.  The immersion experience is itself both challenging and enriching as it allows for the learning to be layered and deepened by moving from theory to experience as we develop more fully our roles as therapists and facilitators.  

Dates:  July 17 - 30, 2020

Registration Deadline:  May 1, 2020

One Day Workshop in Expressive Arts

Friday, September 27, 2019

-an experiential day of expressive arts for therapy, education, and community building
-excellent introduction for therapists, child care workers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, art therapists and educators
-an opportunity to personally explore how the arts may be used both individually and in group format 

Date: Friday, September 27, 2019
Time: 9:30 - 4:30
Location: 57 Bearspaw Summit Place
Cost: $170 on or before September 1, 2019 and $190 after
To Register:  carmenr@telusplanet.net

Soul Care for Helpers
A closed group for those who are committed to taking space for caring for self, rejuvenating & creating art.  

In whatever capacity you are caring for others, it is critical we create space for our own soul care.  These 4 days are a journey towards connecting with your self and tending to your own needs.  This will be a safe space to land, to "let go, let your burdens drop..." (Nancy Paddock).  A place to breathe a little deeper, be seen, and nurtured through expressive art making and sharing in a small closed group setting.

Dates:  Fridays, September 13, October 18, November 15, December 13, 2019
Times:  9:00 - 11:00
Cost:  $400 for all 4 sessions
Register/Payment due by August 1, 2019

For further information or to register, contact Carmen at
carmenr@telusplanet.net

FACILITATOR RETREAT DAY

This day combines reflection, group discussion, and art making to provide facilitators with time to take stock of strengths and directions for growth.  A supportive environment to re-connect with and reawaken inspiration and confidence.

Date:  Saturday, June 22, 2019
Time:  9:30 - 3:30
Location:  57 Bearspaw Summit Place
Cost: $180
Register by May 1, 2019

For further details or to register contact Carmen at
carmenr@telusplanet.net

CONSULTATION GROUP FOR THERAPISTS

A 2 part closed group for therapists interested in consultation regarding the use and integration of the arts in their practice.  Group limited to 4-6 participants.  Must register/pay for both dates.

May 11, 2019 9:00 - 11:00

June 15, 2019, 9:00 - 11:00

Cost:  $200 for both days.

Register/payment due by April 15 

For further information or to register contact Carmen at

carmenr@telusplanet.net

CONSULTATION GROUP FOR FACILITATORS

This is a closed consultation group for facilitators who have taken Level 1 and/or 2 Certificate and are looking for a place to discuss questions, concerns, EXA processes, in a supportive environment.  

Group limited to 4-6 participants.  Must register/pay for both dates.

May 11, 2019, 11:30 - 1:30

June 15, 2019, 11:30 - 1:30

Cost:  $200 for both days.

Register/payment due by April 15 

For further information or to register contact Carmen at

carmenr@telusplanet.net

Expressive Arts Training: Level 2 Certificate

Dates:  July 12 - 25, 2019

Registration Deadline:  May 1, 2019