Introduction to using fairy tales in art therapy

Fairy tales continue to fascinate and teach us, after centuries of being told. This course explores how these stories and their language of images can be an effective and powerful tool in art therapy.

Book tickets

Date & Time

Friday 25 April 2025

10am - 4pm

Who this event is for

Qualified and trainee arts therapists

Tickets

Non-members: £225

Associate members: £155

Full members
Employed: £140
Underemployed: £130
Unemployed/retired: £115

Trainee members: £115

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

Location

Online via Zoom

Introduction to using fairy tales in art therapy

Fairy tales continue to fascinate and teach us, after centuries of being told. This course explores how these stories and their language of images can be an effective and powerful tool in art therapy.

Why fairy tales and art therapy?

The longevity and persistence of fairy tales indicates a fundamental importance to both individuals and societies as groups. The language of metaphor and symbol within the stories has parallels with the work of art therapy. Examining the stories themselves, the symbols within them, and the ways in which they have been used indicate a number of elements which can help therapeutically.

What you will learn

This course will give an overview of the history of fairy tales and introduce diverse theoretical perspectives from a variety of writers. It will give examples of how they have been used in therapy and consider their power in therapeutic work.

On completion of this course you will:

  • Understand some the history of fairy tales, their evolution and some ways in which they have been analysed
  • Be able to consider a variety of ways in which fairy tales have been used in therapy
  • Be able to reflect on the ways in which fairy tales use the language of symbol and metaphor, and could be helpful to those using art therapy services
  • Use existing art therapy skills to support the use of fairy tales in therapy sessions

How you will learn

Through storytelling, case studies and art making the course will explore how fairy tales can be used in art therapy practice.

Tutors

Carol Arnold and Julia Gwynne

A wonderful training course. So full of content and really interesting and inspiring. For me it was the perfect mix of content and art making.

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