The course is intended for professionals who seek to expand their understanding of their own and their clients’ art making with the aim of facilitating well-being and self-development. The course is suitable for professionals who treat individuals who have experienced trauma. Participants are expected to have education and experience related to therapy and/or have basic knowledge about art therapy which they may have acquired at another foundation course on art therapy.
The course will offer participants insight into the following aspects of art therapy for people who have experienced trauma.
From the perspective of art therapy, art making is seen as a useful resource for processing emotions and memories related to traumatic events. Making non-verbal images is a dimension which allows the client to express complicated and difficult memories and experiences which words sometimes cannot reach. The artwork creates a safe space where trauma-related emotions can be processed. A manageable distance is formed through the symbolism of the artwork. Creativity can give rise to hope and replace the hopelessness that is often a consequence of traumatic life events.
The therapeutic relationship is an imperative part of a safe therapeutic setting in which listening and understanding is offered. The art-making that takes place within the therapeutic relationship is an appreciated approach where an opportunity is provided to view the problems through the artwork from a manageable distance.
The course offers participants insight into the above-mentioned topics, for example the ways in which art-making within the therapeutic relationship can aid individuals in gaining strength, life fulfilment, joy and hope, despite traumatic past events. The course consists of lectures, discussions and workshops where participants are invited to take part in the creative process and experience the possibilities entailed therein.
For further information please contact us via email: unnur@unnurarttherapy.is.
The course expands on the main topics of Introductory Course I – What is Art Therapy? Insights into the precursors, influences, origins and history of art therapy are offered. The course is based on lectures, reading, written assignments, discussions and workshops, where participants get to experience the creative process personally along with the ways it relates to the concepts and theories of art therapy. No prior knowledge or experience of art or creating art is required for participation.
Some of the pioneers of art therapy, such as Margaret Naumburg and Adrian Hill, will be introduced in the course. The basic approaches, methods and theories that form the foundation of art therapy will be reviewed. Influential factors which shape contemporary art therapy approaches will also be explored.
The course is intended for those who are interested in art therapy, such as individuals who would like to study and work with art therapy on a professional level. The course is also useful for professionals who seek to expand their understanding of their own and their clients’ art making with the aim of facilitating well-being and personal development of their clients and students. Some knowledge about art therapy is recommended, for example, attendance at Introductory Course I – What is Art Therapy?
The course is held among other places at the Continuing Education Department, University of Akureyri. For further information please contact us via email: unnur@unnurarttherapy.is or simenntunha@simenntunha.is.
Do you want to unleash the creativity within you and your clients? Do you want to understand how thoughts and emotions are expressed through art making? Do you want to know how you can increase strength and facilitate well-being through the process of making art? Do you want to increase your understanding of imagery and symbolism of art?
The course is intended for everyone interested in art therapy, including those who seek to study and work with art therapy professionally. The course is also useful for professionals who are searching for a better understanding of the art-making process in order to facilitate well-being and personal development of their clients and students.
Insight into the basic concepts and methods of art therapy is offered in the course by means of lectures, reading, written assignments, discussions and workshops, whereby students take part in the creative process and experience the opportunities facilitated. Knowledge of one’s own art making increases self-awareness and gives participants the tools to help others who might find themselves in trouble. A number of ways to create artwork will be introduced in the course, with the aim of increasing creativity, strengthening identity, fostering communication, facilitating self-awareness and improving well-being. Prior knowledge or experience of art is not required for participation.
One of the course locations is the Continuing Education Department at the University of Akureyri. For further information please contact us via email: unnur@unnurarttherapy.is or simenntunha@simenntunha.is.
“The knowledge I gained from attending the course has been of great use to me throughout my career of working with children and adolescents, and it still is. I learned to understand that the art created by the children and teenagers who I work with has important underlying meanings. What I learned in the course has proved useful for understanding a wide variety of symbols and signs in the artwork.
My understanding of the art has in some cases opened up a dialogue with the students which I have then been able to share with other professionals. For example, I have managed to present difficulties which the children express in their artwork at team meetings with other professionals.
Sometimes the message in the children’s artwork is quite clear. Art teachers and other staff are in a perfect position for developing an understanding of an individual’s condition and overall well-being through the images they create. I think the course should be part of the core of teacher education programmes. I would be the first person to attend a continuing art therapy foundation course for professionals.”
“What you offered to us who participated in the course was an opportunity to stop, look, review and rethink. Your presence allowed us a certain freedom to be, just be present there and then in the moment, which can only be created through respect for the individual and belief in the individual's abilities. You gave us a framework and I think we all adjusted to it without fear of being judged. What we learned about art therapy and the insight you provided into that world was immeasurably valuable for me. Giving keys to that world to someone who is ready to open up will increase our possibilities to work on and support ourselves and others. You are a great teacher, Unnur, and hopefully I will get the chance of meeting you again soon and experience and learn more and more and more.”
