Interweaving Polyvagal Theory with Expressive Arts Therapy in Clinical Practice

What?

Using a trauma-informed lens, this training offers tools from expressive arts therapy for working with a variety of clients. Presenter Suraya Keating, MFT, REAT, RDT, will discuss various multimodal arts practices as they relate to polyvagal theory. These practices can be used to soothe the nervous system; promote self-awareness; and support the agency, empowerment, and well-being of specific populations, including: 

• LGBTQ+ people 
• Non-binary people
• Individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other severe mental health disorders
• Individuals with dementia
• Individuals with autism spectrum disorder

In breakout rooms, participants will discuss and practice using expressive arts therapy tools informed by polyvagal theory with each of the above populations. Breakout rooms will be organized according to each practitioner’s area of clinical focus and interest. 

When?

Tuesday, June 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT

Who?

This training is intended to serve clinical practitioners, including marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, drug recovery counselors, psychiatric nurses, as well as those in training or internship programs for their respective licenses.

1.5 CEUs are available through full participation in this training event.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

1. Learn and explain key elements of polyvagal theory as it applies to helping clients care for their nervous system.
2. Articulate two examples of expressive arts therapy interventions that activate the ventral vagal nerve/social engagement system.
3. Identify one expressive arts therapy tool that can help a client regulate their nervous system when it goes into dorsal vagal/freeze mode.
4. Identify one expressive arts therapy tool that can help a client soothe when they are experiencing a fight or flight nervous system response.
5. Identify and explain key considerations of the specific population they are focused on, and how to mindfully adapt expressive arts therapy interventions according to the needs of each person and population. 

REGISTER HERE by Monday, June 13, 2022

About the Facilitator:

Suraya Keating, MFT, REAT, RDT, is a master trainer in expressive arts and drama therapy as well as adjunct professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies. For 25 years, she has facilitated expressive arts and drama therapy processes with individuals and groups in schools, prisons, and hospitals, with a focus on populations who are marginalized and oppressed. During this time, she has also guided others in the creation and performance of therapeutic life-story theater. For ten years, Suraya co-supervised Contra Costa County’s Expressive Arts Therapy Department, where she trained and supervised MFT associates in the cultivation of a wide variety of tools from expressive arts therapy to support the wellbeing of individuals on the inpatient medical and psychiatric units of a county hospital, in addiction recovery programs at outpatient clinics, and in a variety of other settings. Since 2005, she has worked as Shakespeare for Social Justice Director for Marin Shakespeare’s prison programs, where she has trained hundreds of teaching artists, drama therapy students, and others interested in bringing the arts to carceral settings. Suraya works with therapeutic clients in-person and online, and also offers individual expressive arts consultation sessions as well as one-to-one solo performance coaching.