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

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.”

“I have done this course three times now and every time it is different....

I am doing it again next year!"

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

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

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.

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 3-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).

Expressive Arts Therapy Introduction Sessions

These sessions can be from 30 minutes to a full 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:

               Make it happen with a few friends or colleagues in 2018 (5-25 people) - arrange dates with Eleen!  

VENUES used in the past:

Pretoria:  Brooklyn Methodist Church hall, Brooklyn. 

Durban:  Eagles Nest Yoga Retreat, Hillcrest.  

Cape Town: Erin Hall, Rondebosch. 

Nelspruit:  Petra Kollage, Witrivier. 

Welkom: Life Hospital. 

Benoni: Child welfare.

Rustenburg:  Creative Hands Art Center.

Magoebaskloof:  Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge.

Delareyville:  Lillian Mahetla Special School.

Pinetown:  St Benedict School. 

TIME:  From 30minutes to a full day, according to the group need.

INVESTMENT: To be arranged (depending on duration, amount of people and venue)

ACCREDITATION: 3-6  CPD points with the HPCSA, 5-10 SACE accreditation points

TO BOOK: Contact Eleen (eleen@polsons.info)

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: R790 for the first 60 min session; a sliding scale applies.

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

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

Custom Creative Courses

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 Hoogland Health Hydro (Hennops-river Valley), 23 - 25 February 2018

 (More information Link)

In this workshop you will:  

*  Get to know Hoogland Health Hydro and utilize the spa facilities (gymnasium, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, warm and cold pools)

*  Have unlimited spring water, herbal teas, fruit and salad through the day

*  Eat 3 delicious healthy meals

*  Go on guided nature walks in pristine bushveld with breathtaking views

*  Experience guided meditations

*  Do creative reflections

*  Be introduced to Sensory Motor Psychotherapy (SMP) through

*  A practical experience of  TRE (Trauma Release Exercises)

*  Get to know expressive arts therapy principles (Theory and Practice)

*  Play with different art media (oil pastels, soft pastels, water colour, clay).

*  Try your pen at creative writing

*  Get to experience Biodanza - a South American Movement modality 

* Be introduced to VMT (voice movement therapy)

*  Get to know and overcome your creative blocks

*  Understand how to create the right conditions for creative activities - for yourself and others

*  Explore the application of creative techniques to your personal and professional life

*  Earn 15 CPD points (HPCSA) for mental health practicioners or 20 SACE points (for teachers).

Cost:  R4500

Fill in the booking form and contact Hoogland to book.