Expressive Arts Parts Work Strategies for Trauma Healing in System-Involved Youth (SIY) and Families

Angela Luna, JD, LMFT

Training Description

We all carry different parts within us, and when children and families experience trauma, those parts often develop protective roles that can show up as anger, withdrawal, anxiety, or shutdown. This training introduces expressive arts-based parts work strategies that give SIY and families a safe, accessible way to externalize and connect with those inner parts without needing words alone. Participants will learn and practice three core strategies, including art card creation, found poetry, and body awareness practices for locating parts in the body. By the end of this training, participants will have practical, ready-to-use tools for supporting trauma healing and emotional regulation in system-involved youth and families.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to identify at least 3 expressive arts strategies used to support parts work with SIY and families.

• Participants will be able to describe at least 2 ways that externalizing parts through…