Complex trauma and dissociation: how to adapt art therapy practice

Develop your understanding of the legacy of trauma and how to adapt art psychotherapy for adults with PTSD. With a particular focus on stabilisation, this course aims to support effective practice with the most complex PTSD, including dissociative disorders.

Book tickets

Date & Time

Friday 4 – Saturday 5 July 2025

10am - 4pm

Who this event is for

All who wish to attend

Tickets

Non-members: £450

Associate members: £310

Full members
Employed: £280
Underemployed: £260
Unemployed/retired: £230

Trainee members: £230

Please create a free booking account if you don't have one or are not a member.

Location

Online via Zoom

Complex trauma and dissociation: how to adapt art therapy practice

Develop your understanding of the legacy of trauma and how to adapt art psychotherapy for adults with PTSD. With a particular focus on stabilisation, this course aims to support effective practice with the most complex PTSD, including dissociative disorders.

What you will learn

An understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of trauma, including dissociation, are fundamental to developing a safe and effective trauma-informed art psychotherapy practice. Understanding how to practically adapt practice alongside theory, can significantly improve treatment outcomes. This course will deliver both components, tailored specifically to art psychotherapy.

The course will help you to grow in confidence when working with this client group, exploring the many existing resources available for practicing with a trauma-informed lens.

On completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Understand the psychological and physiological effects of trauma.
  • Understand the spectrum of dissociation.
  • Suitably adapt art psychotherapy practice for work with adult clients with PTSD and C-PTSD.

How you will learn

Day 1 will explore the neurobiological legacy of trauma and the subsequent need to adapt art psychotherapy practice.

Day 2 will explain how trauma can lead to fragmentation in the form of dissociation, the clinical structure of dissociation and a practical exploration of working with parts.

The course will blend whole group presentation with creative exploration and small group work within break out rooms.

Tutor

Natalia Higginson

Fantastic course, I would highly recommend it to other art psychotherapists wanting to learn more about this client group.

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