Expressive Arts Strategies for System-Involved Youth Healing from Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

Robert Dousa

Training Description

For system-involved youth (SIY) dealing with trauma or victimization (including exposure to violence), it is important to provide an outlet for addressing emotional and/or problem behaviors, help them cope with painful experiences, and guide them to view themselves as survivors and not as victims. In this training, we will explore a sampling of creative and expressive arts strategies which provide opportunities to learn new skills, develop new talents, and express thoughts and ideas in creative, helpful ways.  These expressive arts activities can support SIY strengthening of problem-solving skills, autonomy, sense of purpose, social competence, and positive emotions which helps SIY change their view of themselves from surviving to thriving. Another intention of this training is to grow and support the leadership for healthy community engagement and improved outcomes for all. Practicing and sharing the methods outlined by this workshop will allow us to improve the practice…