August Newsletter
Good Afternoon,
As winter envelops us with its cool and crisp air, I welcome you to the August edition of the ITT Newsletter. In this edition, I'm excited to share a curated collection of insights and resources designed to support and inspire you in your professional journey. It’s time for another a cup of tea, and a little thinking.
Warm regards, Tania
What's Happening at ITT
Bimonthly Peer Supervision Offering:
ITT has announced its 2024 schedule for peer supervision, available both online and in-person. This initiative aims to provide a platform for professionals to engage in mutual learning and support, enhancing their clinical skills and therapeutic understanding. More details on the structure, dates, and how to participate can be found on our clinical supervision page.
https://www.integratedtraumatherapy.com.au/clinical-supervision-and-program-design
Dates
August 21st online peer supervision
Sept 6th in person peer supervision
Participants of the peer supervision groups have been sharing the unique value they have gained by being part of this group.
The value of art making as a way of knowing and understanding continues to amaze practitioners. We can often forget it’s power and quality if we don’t engage in it ourselves which is easy enough when we are the ones offering to others in our work. Keep creative and making art for your wellbeing and nourishment.
Look out for the next Professional Development offering coming in November, Using Art therapy to explore Shame: Understand how Shame presents in the nervous system, its function and how to support repair.
Please register your interest by emailing info@integratedtraumatherapy.com.au with subject title: PD Shame Nov 2024
For more info about the PD head to:
https://www.integratedtraumatherapy.com.au/workshops-1
Professional Development:
When I learnt about shame, I began to notice how often it turns up in my work with clients. It can be very subtle and present in so many different ways. I felt a need to share this by creating a PD for practitioners to help clients recovery from its damaging impacts on us and our bodies.
This workshop will delve into the manifestations of shame within the nervous system, distinguishing between toxic traumatic shame and healthy shame. Utilising frameworks like Somatic Experiencing and Polyvagal Theory, the session will explore the therapeutic power of art in understanding and facilitating the repair of shame-related issues. It's an essential opportunity for professionals working with complex trauma, addiction recovery, and more.
Book here
Art Therapy Offerings at the Creative C:
We are pleased to invite you and your clients to participate in our diverse range of creative offerings at Creative C. Our programs are designed to cater to various needs, from art making and skill development to art therapy workshops focused on insight and self-reflection. Here are our upcoming workshops for August and September:
Pandora’s Box – Aug 11th
Nourishment of Clay – Aug 24th
Drawing for Regulation – Sept 7th
Join us to explore these enriching experiences and advance your creative journey.
Creative C Workshops
Services Spotlight: Supervision
I find immense value in sharing knowledge and working collaboratively with fellow practitioners. Receiving supervision enhances my ability to understand and support clients effectively. I also offer supervision for individuals and organisations, integrating my expertise in Art Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and Polyvagal Theory, which fosters rich discussions and exchanges. My passion lies in supporting other practitioners to continue the essential work we do.
The online peer group supervision sessions have been well-attended by practitioners from Australia and New Zealand, held bi-monthly. Participants have expressed feeling well-supported and invigorated by the insights and knowledge shared.
I invite you to join these peer group sessions and experience the benefits firsthand.
My aim is to offer these sessions monthly.
Image: Aleksandr Ledogorov
Therapy Insights: Understanding the Nervous System
Addressing Client Freeze States in Art Therapy
Have you ever encountered a client who struggles to engage in art making? This can be challenging in art therapy, as the client may be stuck in a freeze state, making expression difficult. Movement can evoke a shame response, intensifying their freeze state and inner critic. As practitioners, we might also experience our own freeze response.
Here are some strategies to address this:
Identify and Name the Freeze State: Recognise and gently name the possibility that the client is in a freeze state, which indicates they may be feeling unsafe.
Orienting: Encourage the client to look around the room or at the art materials, helping them identify any perceived dangers.
Art Alongside: Create art alongside the client to model engagement and keep yourself mobilised.
Ink Drops: Use ink drops on wet paper, allowing the materials to encourage movement.
Bilateral or Guided Drawing: Engage in these activities together to provide mirroring and support.
Sensory Exploration: Invite the client to explore sensory materials like kinetic sand, clay, or dough.
Magazine Images and Buttons: Encourage them to select magazine images or sort through buttons or shapes.
These approaches can help clients gradually overcome their freeze state and engage in the therapeutic process. You may have some suggestions.
Resources & Readings
There is a selection of resources on the ITT resource page that maybe useful to you or your clients:
Male initiation myth - Iron John
Trauma Geek - Neurodiversity and Autism and Trauma
Dafna Lender - who works dyaticly with children and their care givers
https://www.integratedtraumatherapy.com.au/resources
Nono Orbrach an Israeli Art therapist who created the Good enough studio
Along with a whole lot more. I hope you find something there that is useful for you. The CC NL for August features this video. I found it very insightful and have offered it to a range of my client. Its a great way to focus and mobile clients who may be stuck or experiencing Freeze
Check it out the ITT Resource Page
https://www.integratedtraumatherapy.com.au/resources
Have a look at the Creative C too:
https://www.creativec.com.au
The CC has studio hire for events on the weekends or evenings during the week.
Thank you for reading.
Take care,
Tania
