Visual Journaling and Internal Family Systems:

Supporting Complex Trauma Using Expressive Arts

Facilitated by: Theresa Soltzberg, LMFT

Read more about our Instructors/Facilitators here.

Date: Saturday June 7, 2025
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PST (with a 1 hour lunch break)
Location: Online via Zoom
CEs: 7
Cost: $233.00

In this course, participants will learn how to support complex trauma clients with an approach that combines expressive arts therapy with Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work. Through experiential exercises, participants will learn the basics of expressive art journaling and how to integrate intermodal expressive arts work with internal family systems work to support clients to more deeply heal complex trauma through IFS and expressive arts. Utilizing right and left-brain integration, in addition to other benefits of right brain healing work specific to SoulPages and IFS work. Clients will learn the basics of expressive arts journaling, including layering techniques, the elements of SoulPages art journaling and how to introduce and walk their clients through a SoulPages art journaling spread.

Participants will also learn the fundamentals of Internal Family Systems parts work, including the three kinds of parts and the Self, or observing non-changing core of our being. They will learn to work with clients to approach client engagements using IFS and SoulPages art journaling, utilize resources to learn more, and continue learning about both processes and this combined approach. In this workshop, participants will walk through the process of completing an art journaling spread from start to finish, as we learn the elements of IFS parts work and the layering processes and techniques. Participants will be able to pass along this technique to their clients to use both in session and continue parts work between sessions. The SoulPages approach does not require art experience and is accessible to anyone, including those with no art experience. It involves collage, simple mark making and painting techniques, and includes writing and movement. We will be incorporating some IFS work which can be built upon.

No prior IFS experience necessary, but it is important to familiarlize yourself with some basic IFS knowledge and concepts prior to the workshop by reading materials provided after completing registration.

Supplies to have on hand:

• Art Journal or Watercolor paper (or any thicker paper)
• Watercolors, acrylics, inks or other paint
• Paint brushes
• Pen, waterproof pen, pencil
• Acrylic markers or sharpies
• Magazines, old books, ephemera, or printed paper, printed images, or other images
• Scissors
• Glue
• Hairdryer (optional, for faster drying)
• Substitute what you have, as long as you’re expressing yourself! If you don’t have all of the items, bring what you do have to create!

Course learning objectives

Goals of this workshop include increasing knowledge of methods to support client access to right brain-based healing modalities to allow clients to more fully express healing through creativity, somatic based expression, and parts-based healing connected to creativity. This approach allows clients to connect with parts work on a deeper, more ongoing and personal level, with an intermodal approach that builds confidence and connection with others, contributing to healing multiple aspects of complex trauma.

Measurable Learning Objectives

1. Participants will describe how expressive arts right brain healing approaches benefit complex trauma healing.
2. Participants will name and understand the elements of IFS parts work and how to express parts work through expressive arts.
3. Participants will be able to demonstrate five layers of mixed media art journaling.
4. Participants will be able to list the six IFS 6F questions.
5. Participants will list five components of intermodal expressive arts work.
6. Participants will be able to describe how to create a plan for intermodal IFS focused art journaling sessions for their clients.
7. Participants will list objective questions to ask clients about expressive arts work to deepen client experience and encourage autonomy.

Cancellation Policy: We require cancellation notification at least 2 weeks prior to the workshop date in order to use your registration fee towards a future workshop. No refunds will be given. read more…

• School Counselor/Teacher (OSPI) Approved by the Washington State Office of Public Instruction as a “Washington State approved clock hour offering workshop.”
• If you are outside of Washington State, we advise that you check with your state licensing board to confirm that they accept NBCC approved CEs. 
• This workshop offers 7 CEs for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Social Workers.

Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute (NWCEAI) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7104. Programs that do no qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute (NWCEAI) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.