One of the most important things I learned in my training at Lesley University is that the power of the expressive therapies does not come from a particular activity or group structure but from the ability to be present and creative in a therapeutic relationship. Throughout my graduate studies, we were rarely ever taught prescriptive activities for particular diagnoses or conditions, such as, "Use the 'Lifeline' activity with sexually abused clients." What we learned was how to authentically attune to a client on a heart level so we could truly partner our clients in the unfolding journeys of their lives. While we were given extensive ethical guidelines and protocols for respecting and supporting someone when facilitating a therapy session, our adept supervisors were also guiding us to become confident in a kind of unknowing as our greatest resource for creative therapeutic relationships. We were given the tools for self-awareness and personal development that can enable us to be cleaner mirrors for others. I believe that this rigorous training is what enables Lesley graduates to provide exemplary standards of care in the expressive therapies.
Having competent mentors and teachers is indispensable in developing proficiency as an expressive therapist. For anyone unfamiliar with the expressive therapies who is interested in using creative activities in a therapeutic setting, I strongly recommend seeking training in expressive arts therapy to ensure that one has adequate direction and supervision in one's work. Conferences and workshops are also great places to ask specific questions about particular populations. Please visit http://www.ieata.org to learn more about programs worldwide and to connect with the expressive therapies community.
To my reader, I applaud you in the challenging work that you do - don't forget to stay strong in your self-care through the emotionally demanding work of serving the transformation of others.