Using Art in Therapeutic Conversations with Children and Teenagers

Through hands-on activities, case material, and fascinating theory, you'll gain practical tools, theoretical insight, and a deeper appreciation of how creative expression can help children process difficult life experiences. You will learn how communicating in images rather than everyday words allows a shift from surface-level or defensive thinking to deeper emotional experiencing. In other words, images offer a powerful language that can name the unnameable and give voice to what words cannot.

You’ll learn how including art images in therapeutic conversation can bring so many ‘ah-hah’ moments and correct self-blaming narratives. Images on paper create enough distance from difficult experiences enabling children and teenagers to feel psychologically safe to talk about their lives The image is literally ‘out there so not in my head’ and so allow reflection without being overwhelmed.

No artistic skill is needed - just curiosity and openness to creative approaches.

Please note: These days are very much an introduction to the use of the therapeutic arts to enhance your listening skills and creative ways of connecting with children and young people. If you're interested in further training, please see TISUK and IATE for professional programs.

Expert in arts therapy and child psychotherapy, supervision, illustration, parenting.

Integrative Arts Psychotherapist/Supervisor (UKCP). Work included: Lead Supervisor - Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (Education), Clinical Lead Foster Care Support Multi-Disciplinary Assessment Treatment/Therapy Service. Head of Psychological Health and Wellbeing, Wave Multi Academy Trust. Artist Lead for Arts Lab Project (secondary education settings), Therapeutic Lead Attune Research Project (ACEs/Trauma-Informed Practice Oxford, Falmout and Kent Universities). Delivered parenting courses for decades. Chair for The Centre for Child Mental Health for 15 years.

1 Danes Yard, Sugar House Island, Stratford, London, E15 2QL

1 Danes Yard, the home of the Institute for Arts in Therapy & Education (IATE), is located in the heart of the stunning creative quarter known as Sugar House Island. Offering an inspiring selection of creative event spaces, it has been carefully designed to create a unique and stimulating environment for your event.

From Stratford High street walk into Sugar House Lane. Walk past The Talent House. You will find yourself in a square with the big red bus. Go to the big tower. Our building is directly behind it.

Refunds: We regret we cannot offer refunds for non-attendance to our events.

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Host or Publisher Centre for Child Mental Health