CHILD EXPRESSIVE PLAY & ART THERAPY

Foundations & Practical Applications

1. Course Overview

Duration: 5 Evenings
Session Length: 2 Hours per Evening
Format: Interactive, Experiential, Skills-Based

This course provides practical, trauma-informed training in expressive play and art-based techniques that support children’s emotional regulation, psychological safety, and healthy development.

2. Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

2.1 Understand the theoretical foundations of expressive play and art therapy.
2.2 Explain the psychological and developmental basis of play in childhood.
2.3 Facilitate basic expressive art and play-based interventions.
2.4 Design structured and non-structured expressive sessions.
2.5 Apply ethical and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
2.6 Use expressive techniques to support emotional regulation and trauma-informed care.
2.7 Reflect on their own expressive process as facilitators.
2.8 Identify appropriate populations and recognize referral boundaries.

3. Course Content Outline

I. Foundations of Expressive Play & Art Therapy

• Historical development of play and art therapy
• Key theoretical models (psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, trauma-informed approaches)
• The role of symbolism in child expression
• Developmental stages and expressive capacity

II. Psychological & Developmental Basis of Play

• Why play is the language of children
• Attachment and emotional safety
• Brain development and trauma
• Emotional regulation in childhood

III. Core Expressive Techniques & Interventions

• Drawing and visual storytelling
• Therapeutic play materials and tools
• Role-play and symbolic play
• Sand tray and creative movement basics
• Emotional identification and expression activities

IV. Designing Expressive Sessions

• Structured vs. non-structured approaches
• Setting therapeutic goals
• Session planning framework
• Creating safe and supportive environments
• Observation and documentation skills

V. Trauma-Informed & Ethical Practice

• Principles of trauma-informed care
• Cultural sensitivity in expressive work
• Professional boundaries
• Referral systems and multidisciplinary collaboration
• Ethical considerations in working with children

VI. Facilitator Self-Awareness & Reflective Practice

• Self-reflection exercises
• Managing countertransference
• Emotional boundaries and self-care
• Personal growth through expressive processes

4. Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Psychologists and Counselors
• Social Workers
• Teachers and Special Educators
• Early Childhood Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Youth Workers
• Pastoral Care Providers
• Community Health Workers
• Graduate Students in Mental Health or Education
• Parents interested in therapeutic play approaches

No advanced art skills are required.

5. Benefits of the Course

Participants will:

• Gain practical, hands-on therapeutic tools
• Enhance emotional intelligence and observation skills
• Learn effective non-verbal communication techniques
• Improve child and adolescent engagement strategies
• Strengthen trauma-informed intervention skills
• Develop creative and structured intervention plans
• Increase professional competence and confidence
• Experience personal growth through reflective practice

6. Certification

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the course.