Mindful Journey Center

Description:

For some clients, it may be difficult to access the words to describe their experiences or emotions. In these cases, art journaling may provide a way to express what cannot yet be articulated in words. Additionally, for individuals who have experienced complex trauma or multiple traumas, the act of putting words to paper (or pixels) about the events may trigger further trauma reactions. In these cases, starting with visual journaling may provide a way to begin the process of recovery without becoming overwhelmed.

This training provides an introduction to the core principles of visual journaling as an intervention within the expressive arts therapy approach. Participants will explore the therapeutic value of combining writing and imagery in visual journaling and learn how to incorporate this method within a multi-modal expressive arts framework. The session will review current literature and clinical practices on journaling and visual journaling, with a focus on ethically applying these techniques in trauma-informed care. Attendees will participate in three trauma-focused exercises based on the three-phase consensus model of trauma treatment, gaining hands-on experience. The training will also guide participants in creating a personalized plan to integrate visual journaling into their clinical work, including its use within the EMDR Therapy 8-Phases protocol where applicable. This experiential session emphasizes "learning by doing" and includes various creative exercises involving writing, mixed media, drawing, and music. Additionally, the training will address key language modifications necessary for trauma-informed practice and explore how to incorporate these techniques into existing modalities like EMDR therapy. The importance of the therapeutic relationship as a safe space for creative exploration will be emphasized, and case examples will demonstrate how visual journaling can be applied in trauma-informed expressive arts therapy.

 
This training is designed for mental health professionals who completed at least Part I of EMDRIA-Approved EMNDR Therapy Training and  want to learn how to use visual journaling interventions as part of their trauma-informed expressive arts therapy practice. This includes clinicians who are new to using the expressive arts in therapy as well as those who are experienced in using the arts but want to learn more about how to use visual journaling specifically in trauma therapy. This training will be beneficial for clinicians who work with adolescents, adults, and facilitate group sessions. 

Objectives:

1. Explain the Practice of Visual Journaling and the Therapeutic Benefits of Visual Journaling for Trauma Treatment.

Participants will learn about the psychological and emotional benefits of journaling and visual journaling for clients who have experienced trauma. Will cover how visual journaling can help in externalizing thoughts and feelings, creating a safe space for expression, and aiding in trauma processing.

2. Identify the Benefits of Various Art Materials and Mixed Media in Trauma Therapy, and Learn How to Intentionally Incorporate Them into Interventions.

Participants will explore the therapeutic benefits of different art materials and mixed media, understanding how each can be used to support specific therapeutic goals. This objective will emphasize the importance of intentional selection and use of materials to enhance the therapeutic process, tailored to meet the individual needs of clients and their clinical settings.

3. Explore Different Visual Journaling Techniques and Their Applications in Trauma Therapy.

Participants will learn and practice at least 3 visual journaling techniques, such as free writing, collage, receiving the imaginary, free drawing, and mixed media. Participants will learn how these techniques can be adapted to different client needs and therapeutic goals.

4. Integrate Visual Journaling Techniques into EMDR Therapy.

Participants will learn 3 ways about how to incorporate visual journaling into the phases of EMDR therapy to support trauma processing and memory integration. This will include the use of visual journaling as a resource development tool and a means to process traumatic material.

5. Learn three considerations for Facilitating Visual Journaling in Individual and  Group Settings.

Participants will learn 3 considerations about how to effectively facilitate visual journaling exercises in individual and group therapy settings.

6. Create a Personalized Plan for Integrating Visual Journaling into Your Practice.

Participants will develop a tailored plan for incorporating visual journaling into their therapeutic practice, considering their specific client populations, treatment modalities, and clinical settings.

By Registering for this Training, You Acknowledge and Agree to the Following:

• Attendance: Your presence at the entire training is required at all sessions. No partial credit can be awarded.  

• Technological Requirements: Attendance at all live sessions on the indicated dates is mandatory for completion of this course. Please plan on joining a few minutes early for troubleshooting if you are not already familiar with the platform. For more information on how to join a Zoom meeting, please read through the following article: https://www.howtogeek.com/662339/how-to-join-a-zoom-meeting/. By registering for these trainings, you acknowledge that you meet the technological requirements needed to participate. If you require technical assistance, you are required to reach out to your instructor at least one week prior to the start of training.

• Refund/Cancellation Policy:  You have read and agree to Mindful Journey Center's  Organizational Policies, which stipulate the terms for refunds, cancellations, and resolving grievances and disputes.

• Correspondence from Training Organization: Mindful Journey Center regularly sends correspondence about the training, including an email confirmation at registration and several emails leading up to each training. The emails presently come from [email protected]. Additionally, Mindful Journey Center  may send out emails from [email protected] . If you are not receiving these emails, you are required to check your spam folder as correspondence from new organizations often ends up there. Once you receive your first correspondence, please save the email to your address book. If you have not received a confirmation email or other correspondence from the organization within seven days of the event, it is your responsibility to reach out to us by email or phone.

• Professionalism: You will show up on time and be fully present for each session, acting in a professional manner. You will reach out to your faculty member or any assistant if any unexpected problems arise. Staying present for online learning can come with its unique set of challenges, and you agree to take full responsibility for addressing your needs in the area of grounding and self-care during the training. You agree to refrain from all alcohol and illicit drug use during the training and agree to speak with your faculty member or an assistant if you anticipate that your impairment due to prescribed medications might pose a problem during the training. The faculty and staff reserve the right to remove trainees at any time if the trainee creates an unsafe or unprofessional environment for you or for other trainees, or for any other reason, at their sole discretion.

• Accommodations:  Mindful Journey Center follows the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We ask that if you are in need of any special accommodations that will allow you to take your training with us online, please at [email protected]  with any special requests thirty days before the scheduled training. If, during the training, a need for an accommodation arises, you are expected to contact your instructor and/or practicum assistant immediately and we will discuss the best possible solution.

• Preparedness for Doing Your Own Work: If you have received a major mental health diagnosis (past or present), you acknowledge that you are taking this training at your own risk, and agree to alert faculty or training staff before or during the training if any complications arise. If any problems arise, you agree to address them with faculty or staff members.

Email [email protected] with any questions or concerns. After registering for this course you will receive an email from Thinkific, which will ask you to complete your registration and give you access to the course portal.