Upcoming Workshops
Eco-Art Therapy: Supporting the Grief Journey
Jess Winnicki-Reinsch, BA, BSW, DKATI, RCAT
October 2024
“What can happen when we take the creative arts therapies and the people whom we work with out of doors in order to provide safe, creative therapeutic healing experiences?” (Heginworth, I., & Nash, G. (Eds.). (2020)
In this workshop we will explore this question and delve into the realm of Eco-Art Therapy as connected to grief work. We will explore theory to support the journey and root us in ‘why we are doing what we are doing when we are doing it’. We will experience Eco-Art Therapy directives as well as spontaneous art making. Being in nature, creating with nature in our homes, thinking creatively around natural materials and expanding our perspectives around what can be an art material. We will experiment with the power of creating impermanent art in nature and the metaphors that connect this process to grief work. This workshop aims to create a foundation of knowledge that enables participants to continue to learn and develop skills related to eco-art therapy and grief.
As a trauma-informed Registered Art Therapist / Registered Social Worker Jess bears witness to the transformation in others and in herself as she bends over her potter’s wheel and moulds the clay into vessels of containment. Healing manifests in that containment - and art is the leavening agent that feeds the growth of the individuals she works with as they traverse the circuitous journey that is life. With both feet firmly planted in a base of spirituality and mindfulness, she works in service to social justice, practicing from a place of curiosity, non-judgment, empathy and respect. I graduated from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) in Nelson, BC in 2018 and have completed Art of Art Therapy Supervision Levels 1 & 2 through KATI. I am currently seeing clients in my private practice in Winnipeg, MB and working towards a PhD at University of Alberta, St. Stephens College.
Date/Time: Oct. 26-27 2024 (Sat-Sun 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST)
Cost: $350
Location: online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Oct. 21, 2024 (Enroll min 6, max 20)
Art Therapy with the Aged (Older Adults)
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Dr. Sharona Bookbinder (she/her), BSc, DTATI, MBA, DAT, OATR, RCAT, RP, HLM
Bertha Fung, BSc, DTATI, RP(Qualifying)
Karen Freud, BA, DTATI, RCAT, OATR, RP
Mollia May Kennedy, BFA, DTATI, RP(Qualifying)
November 2024
This interactive workshop will offer attendees a holistic perspective on enhancing the well-being of older adults through the transformative power of art therapy. We will discuss the nuanced impact of age-related disease, physical challenges, and mental health issues, emphasizing modern therapeutic approaches when working with older adults. Additionally, the workshop will address working with marginalized groups within this population, share techniques for supporting palliative care and managing grief through artistic engagement.
Dr. Bookbinder is a Registered Psychotherapist & Registered Art Therapist, and is recognized as a clinical art therapy supervisor. She is a presenter, author, educator, innovator and leader in healthcare and business. She completed a Masters of Business Administration in Innovation Leadership and a Doctorate of Art Therapy in Mental Health Leadership.
Bertha Fung is an art therapist and a Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying). She completed her art therapy training at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (DTATI). Bertha has over 6 years of experience working with the older adult population. She explores art-making techniques and often draws inspiration from artists and their art, poetry, and nature.
Karen Freud is a Registered Psychotherapist & Registered Art Therapist, who has been in practice for over 20 years. Karen is highly experienced in working with older adults who are facing challenges such as Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, life after stroke, various physical and/or cognitive limitations, depression, anxiety, history of trauma, and mental illness.
Mollia Kennedy is an art therapist and a Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying). She completed her bachelor’s degree in visual arts (BFA) and psychology (BA) at York University in 2020 and completed her art therapy training at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (DTATI). Mollia has experience supporting older adults who faced with grief, life transitions, terminal illness, and physical and/or cognitive limitations.
Date/Time: Nov. 16, 2024 (Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST)
Cost: $175
Location: online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Nov. 11, 2024 (Enroll min 8, max 20)
CEC Credit Hours: 7
Trauma and Related Mental Health Disorders
Dr. Chelsea Jones, OT, PhD
January 2025
This introduction to trauma related mental health disorders will provide participants with valuable and up-to-date evidence-based information on therapeutic treatment with a holistic lens. Through experiential learning techniques, workshop participants will gain knowledge on the effects of trauma and stressors on individuals, families and communities, types of traumas, trauma and stressor related disorders, first line and novel treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder, and considerations for special populations. A focus on the role of counsellors and spirituality in trauma treatment will be highlighted. This workshop aims to create a foundation of knowledge that enables participants to continue to learn and develop skills related to trauma specific psychotherapy.
Dr. Chelsea Jones is an Occupational Therapist at the Edmonton Operational Stress Injury Clinic where she provides trauma specific therapy for military members, veterans, and RCMP. She previously worked for the Canadian Armed Forces and has been working with trauma affected populations for over 10 years. Chelsea is a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC) at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses include cognition, workplace reintegration, and trauma treatment for military members, veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers.
Date/Time: Jan. 25-26, 2025 (Sat-Sun 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST)
Cost: $350
Location: online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Jan. 20, 2025 (Enroll min 8, max 20)
CEC Credit Hours: 14
Introduction to Supporting those with Addictions
Sara Jane Cresswell, MSW, BSW, RSW
February 2025
This interactive two-day workshop offers an overview of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. Students and participants will gain a better understanding of the following: the bio-psycho-social nature of substance use disorders and behavioral addiction (the “why” addiction arises),assessment techniques (motivational interviewing and assessments tools) a brief understanding of the classification of substances, the range of treatment options available, and an overview of the addiction treatment continuum of care.
I am a dedicated lifelong learner, holding both a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). I believe in the importance of continuous learning and education, as our world is constantly evolving and competent clinicians must adapt to these changes. Since 1992, I have passionately worked in the addictions and mental health field, gaining a deep understanding of their complexities through extensive experience.
Date/Time: Feb. 22-23, 2025 (Sat-Sun 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST)
Cost: $350
Location: online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Feb. 17, 2025 (Enroll min 6, max 20)
Cultural Awareness Building Through Art Therapy
Tayler Schenkeveld, MACP, CCC, RCAT
March 2025
In this workshop, participants will deepen their understanding of cultural identities and their intersections.
Throughout the weekend, participants will embark on a journey to:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of their own intersectional cultural identities.
- Explore the complexities of social location, recognizing how it can encompass both privilege and marginalization simultaneously.
- Acknowledge the fundamental principle that all therapy is cultural (Collins, 2018).
- Develop culturally responsive and socially just awareness and art therapy counselling skills.
This workshop invites participants to engage in meaningful discussions, reflective exercises, and practical applications aimed at fostering a more inclusive and responsive approach to art therapy. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this workshop offers valuable insights and tools to enhance your art therapy practice.
Tayler Schenkeveld is a member of the Manitoba Métis and the Bear Clan. She was born and raised on Treaty 1 territory in Win-Nipi (Winnipeg) and is grateful to now live, work, and play on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary). Tayler is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Canadian Art Therapist specializing in Indigenous cultural re/connection, identity formation, and complex and intergenerational trauma healing.
Date/Time: Mar. 22-23, 2025 (Sat-Sun 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST)
Cost: $350
Location: online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Mar. 17, 2025 (Enroll min 6, max 20)
CEC Credit Hours: 14
Introduction to Single Session Therapy
Lorian Gelink, MPS-AT, CCC, RCAT
April 2025
In this introductory workshop, we’ll learn more about single-session therapy, explore relevant counselling theories and concepts, discuss practical tips, and provide clinical encouragement to further prepare you for your professional journey. A student’s transition from the classroom to a real-life counselling encounter may bring about uncertainty, frustration, and insecurity. Through presentation, group discussion, and experientials, you’ll:
- engage in perspective-taking with others,
- learn how to apply counselling theories and transition to simple counselling skills and techniques,
- more resources and experiences, and
- become more confident in your developing clinical identity and skillset.
I believe it’s important to become more empowered, collaborative, and focused with clients who access single-session services. I’ve completed clinical placements in time-limited settings, and dedicated the last 5 years of mentoring/co-supervising intern therapists at a non-profit community setting. I invite you to attend this workshop, and I'd be honoured to be part of your journey!
Lorian strives to empower individuals with a trauma- and strengths-based lens. She identifies as a second-generation Canadian, a Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Canadian Art Therapist, and EMDR Clinician. She invites you to this workshop to become more confident and empowered in your clinical encounters! Lorian contributed 5 years to onboarding, training, mentoring, and co-supervising (2 years) intern therapists in a non-profit community setting that offers single-session, short-term, and group therapy.
Date/Time: Apr. 27, 2025 (Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST)
Cost: $175
Location: online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Apr. 21, 2025 (Enroll min 6, max 20)
CEC Credit Hours: 7