Working creatively with complex trauma after domestic abuse

This one day interactive and experiential workshop will encourage active engagement and build knowledge and confidence in how to work creatively with clients who have experienced domestic abuse. Often people accessing counselling for domestic abuse are experiencing complex trauma symptoms due to their experiences. Creative methods can enhance the processing of complex trauma and build confidence and self esteem, making this an ideal addition to domestic abuse counselling practice. This workshop is suitable for qualified and trainee counsellors, psychotherapists and other mental health professionals.

Learning outcomes

1. Understand what complex trauma is and how to support clients in session.
2. Understand how creative approaches can be helpful to clients in processing trauma.
3. Learn about and use skills in working with metaphor and sand trays.
4. Experience different creative approaches, such as using imagery, movement, writing and drawing, which could be used with clients.
5. Understand the value and application of individually based and group based approaches

Please note that you will need to bring a stone/pebble to the session and have access to facilities for drawing or writing, either computer or paper based to take part in this session eg crayons, felt tips, paints, pastels. You will also need some paper (A4 and / or A3) and some small figures or ornaments that could represent different things - these can be anything that you have to hand such as small handheld toys, items on your working area like paper clips, glue stick, clothes peg, small keys, etc.

The workshop will be run by Jeannette Roddy and Leigh Gardner who are both experienced counsellors, educators and supervisors with their own private practices. Both contributed to the book "Working with client experiences of domestic abuse: A handbook for counsellors, psychotherapists and other mental health professionals", edited by Jeannette Roddy. They bring not only their skills and knowledge in creative therapeutic approaches, but their experience and knowledge from years of counselling practice.