Trauma Informed Methodology

Distinguished from “art therapy” models that may inadvertently pathologize the unhoused, our workshops are facilitated by a trained community artist and educator who uses a holistic approach that integrates self-expression and self-efficacy while encouraging participants to create art together with others to develop a sense of belonging and community.

Participants are invited into an intimate, safe, and quiet environment with a limited number of participants to engage with a variety of professional grade art materials. Participants are encouraged to engage in art making according to their individual skills, desire, and capacity allowing them to choose their own project, as well as learn and share their skills with other participants and their community.

Workshops are facilitated by a professional artist trained in trauma informed teaching methods to provide arts activities aimed at increasing individual and collective well-being. A classroom atmosphere is created in a way to encourage capacity building and skills, and the development of new relationships built on self-awareness and sharing.

Participants are invited to participate in six consecutive expressive arts workshops where they are free to create images and art works of their own choice, and to “play” with a variety of mediums and materials including clay, mosaics, ceramics, wood and paints, as well as poetry and journaling.