Explore Expressive Arts here:

    • If you are a psychologist, you will find new ways to increase awareness, empowerment and change in your clients – while earning CPD points.

    • If you are an occupational therapist, you will find creative tools and learn how to use them with confidence – and earn CPD points.

    • If you are a life coach, these tools give you access to unlimited creative resources and the ability to find unique solutions for your clients.

    • If you are a teacher, you will learn how to foster your learners’ creativity, and find inspiration and tools to help you in your important job.

    • If you are a frustrated or closet artist, you will come to understand creative blocks and learn how to awaken your creativity.

    • If you are feeling stuck or have a midlife crisis, we can show you new possibilities and inspire you.

    • If you are a spiritual seeker, expressive arts therapy can show you how to connect creatively with the Divine and the Source of all Creativity.

 

“The act of creating and expressing is medicinal in and off itself.” ~ Shaun McNiff

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Did you know?

Expressive arts is a collective term for all creative expressions, including drama, dance, creative writing, singing, music making, visual art and craft.

Expressive arts therapy aims to integrate these different expressions into therapy and personal development. The process of participation in expressive arts aims to allow and integrate different parts of the self. By focusing on the doing in a non-judgmental space, release of emotions and stress is achieved, and insight and integration are gained. Expressive arts therapy has its roots in art therapy, music therapy, psychodrama, process work, creative writing and mindfulness training.

Creative Connection® is a specific expressive arts therapy tool defined by Prof Natalie Rogers. It integrates two or more forms of art expression in a supportive setting to help clients to experience and express their feelings, and to facilitate integration. The focus is on the process of creating and not on the end-product or the performance. Music and movement are combined with visual art, clay work, creative writing, singing and/or contemplation.

An important connection exists between using one mode to unleash creativity in another. When a group is involved in the creative connection process, the power of the arts to heal and transform is undeniable.

~ Natalie Rogers, The Creative Connection for Groups, 2011, p.6

 

What previous explorers of Creative Connections said:

 

“It is like a breath of fresh air!”

“It is like an ice cream on a hot day.”

“I did not know I was so creative!”

“Like going on a holiday without leaving the room.”

“The most powerful journey of my career so far!”

 

 

Join our mailing list to receive information about upcoming courses and creative opportunities.

 

 

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Explore Creative Learning (for Teachers)

A 3-hour (half-day) introductory course for teachers. A fresh new way of igniting creativity while improving your life skills:

 

This experiential workshop incorporates practical learning to reconnect participants with their natural desire to create. The course is based on expressive arts therapy principles and life skills training. We use art, music, movement and creative writing to increase process awareness on inter- and intrapersonal levels, and to empower the individual, the group and the community.

Accredited by SACE; 5 CEUs.

 

More:   There are 3 modules of this workshop for the teacher. The workshop provides a theoretical grounding with enjoyable practical learning exercises allowing participants to reconnect to their creativity and natural passion to teach. It is based on expressive arts therapy principles and life skills training, using a combination of art, music, movement and creative writing to increase process awareness on interpersonal level. It ignites creativity while sharpening life skills.   
 
Module 1 is an introductory 3 hour experiential workshop. It lays the foundation for the expressive arts principles using movement and colour. It is CPD accredited with the South African Council for Educators. It carries 5 professional development points. 
Module 2 deepens the learning experience with the inclusion of clay as a medium. 
Module 3 adds storytelling, rhythm and voice to complete the repertoire.
Only Module 1 is required to continue to the other modules although it can stand alone as a meaningful module.

 

Why should teachers participate?

* Participants are helped to identify blocks to creativity and a positive context is created.

* They experience essential creativity as process.

* Everyone participates in different modalities of creative expression.

* Emotional, cognitive and physical functioning are integrated.

* Their communication skills on verbal and non-verbal levels are improved.

* Participants experience rejuvenation and increased vitality.

 

For more information or to book a course at your school,

contact Eleen (eleen@polsons.info) or creativelearning4life@gmail.com

 

Explore Creative Learning (for Teenagers)

A 4-hour (half-day) course for adolescents. A fresh new way of igniting creativity while improving your life skills:

This experiential workshop incorporates practical learning to reconnect participants with their natural desire to create. The course is based on expressive arts therapy principles and life skills training. We use art, music, movement and creative writing to increase process awareness on inter- and intrapersonal levels, and to empower the individual, the group and the community.

 

Why should learners participate?

* Participants connect to their identity in a creative way.

* Their self-esteem improves and their confidence increases.

* Their awareness and emotional intelligence are enhanced.

* Learners’ flexibility is improved via the integration of different experiences.

* Their emotional, cognitive are physical functioning improve.

* Their verbal and non-verbal communication skills are enhanced.

* Learners experience the positive impact of creating in a non-judgmental space.

 

Fees and dates on our calender.  For more information or to book a course at your school,

contact Eleen (eleen@polsons.info).

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Explore Expressive Arts Therapy

6-week course

(6 x 2.5 hours, 12 CPDs, Pretoria, Wednesday evenings 18:30–20:30

or Friday mornings 10:00–13:00)

In a small group (3–6 people), participants explore their own issues/dreams/dilemmas/patterns with the aid of new, experimental, non-verbal means that include sound, line, colour, movement, music, creative writing and visualisation. The interplay between expression and exploration results in new, creative words and dialogue about partipants’ lives and insights. On offer is a deeply meaningful journey in a safe, supportive environment.

Dates:

  • Six Wednesday evenings from 19 October to 23 November 2016 (19, 26 October, 2, 9, 16 and 23 November 2016). This course starts at 18:30.

  • Six Friday mornings from 21 October to 2 December 2016 (21, October, 4,11,18, 25 November. The course starts at 10:00.

  • The next course is planned for February 2017 (to be confirmed).

Investment: R500 per session, R3000 per course. (A part of the costs may be claimed from the medical aid depending on the benefits allowed.)

Venue: At the studio-practice, 13/35 Ayton Street, Clydesdale, Pretoria. (See map https://goo.gl/maps/iRDGUki3mHy.)

Contact Eleen (eleen@polsons.info ) for more information or book at http://goo.gl/forms/2Z3gPv10bg.

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A Tantalizing Taster

1-day Expressive Arts Therapy Introduction Workshop

In this 1-day workshop:

  • You will get to know the principles underlying Person-Centred Expressive Arts Therapy.

  • You will learn how to create a safe and stimulating context where creativity is enhanced.

  • You will come to understand blocks to creativity and learn how to overcome them.

  • You will experience the powerful healing effect of a Creative Connection session.

  • You will learn practical techniques using different expressive arts therapy modalities (movement, music, pastels, clay, watercolour, creative writing and mindfulness) to apply in your practice and personal life.

  • You will earn 8 CPD points as a mental health practitioner.

  • You will have fun while learning about yourself!

DATES:

Pretoria: 14 May 2016 (Saturday) & 16 September (Friday)

Durban: 23 September (Friday) Durban

Cape Town: 29 October (Saturday) Cape Town

 

Dates for 2017 to be confirmed.

 

VENUE:

Pretoria:  Brooklyn Methodist Church hall, Brooklyn. 

Durban:  Eagles Nest, Hillcrest.  

Cape Town: Erin Hall, Rondebosch. 

TIME:  09:00 to 17:30 (registration starts at 08:30)

INVESTMENT: R1400 (10% Early bird discount applicable if full payment before 1 May 2016)

ACCREDITATION: 8 CPD points with the HPCSA

TO BOOK: Fill in the booking form or contact Eleen (eleen@polsons.info)

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Individual Expressive Arts Therapy Sessions (for Adults and Children)

The sessions explore the powerful combination of the intuitive non-verbal creative process with in-depth insight-oriented psychotherapy (using Narrative, Gestalt, NLP, hypnotherapy and short music journeys). The psychotherapy is supported by holistic body therapies like TRE (trauma release exercises). The journey leads to the experience and release of emotions and old patterns, making way for new possibilities, vitality and enthusiasm.

The Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI) may be used to explore the non-verbal and symbolic aspects of the psyche and to shed light on a person's current life experience.

Investment: The fee may be claimed from the medical aid.For private clients: R750 for the first 60 min session; a sliding scale applies.

Venue: The studio-practice, 13 Ayton Street, Clydesdale, Pretoria. (See map https://goo.gl/maps/iRDGUki3mHy.)

Contact Eleen (eleen@polsons.info) for more information.

 
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Custom Creative Courses

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Creative courses of different lengths (half-day to 4 days) can be custom made for specific groups according to their requirements. We have facilitated team building for the South African Reserve Bank and SAAB; and offered Expressive Arts Therapy training for trainee psychologists, counsellors and church groups.

Contact eleen@polsons.info to help you overcome your creative blocks and to release your unique creativity.

 

Creative Retreat at Melody Hills (Magaliesburg)

Experience true transformation.

Included:

  • All art materials, hearty meals and beautiful surroundings

  • Shared accommodation in a safe space

  • Biodanza presented by Alexander Polson

  • Expressive Arts Therapy by Eleen Polson

  • 14 CPD points for health care practitioners

 Cost on request.  

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