This course introduces Creative Psychotherapy (CP) to those seeking a deeper understanding of human nature, and experience how creativity enriches and enhances our knowledge, perception, and emotional intelligence. During this course, students will actively experience the methods of practice and learn about the principles of CP.

CP is a therapeutic method that utilises creativity in treating mental health dysfunctions. CP is a process, where a relationship is formed between the psychotherapist, the client and the creative work providing a safe framework for the inner self to unfold, heal and flourish.

Psychotherapy stemming from psychology is a very young discipline formed tentatively over millennia. The inner aspects of our being have been defined in antiquity as the Psyche, the Spirit (Pneuma) and the Mind (Nous), in describing something manifested only in our behaviour. Plato talks about how to raise the young to avoid causing distortion to their perception and values. Healing of the Psyche existed as support from family, friends and guidance by spiritual or religious leaders of our communities.

In the 9th century AD Rhazes applied a psychological approach in the Middle East. In Europe, mental health pathologies were viewed as effects of demonic intervention and punishment or exorcism was prescribed. Only after the Enlightenment medicine is ready for the ‘talking cure’ as coined and practised by Josef Breuer in 1881. Developed by his protégé Sigmund Freud to become psychoanalysis, and later on evolved to a plethora of specialised methods of psychotherapies, and counselling. Arts/creative psychotherapies started by artists working with people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other severe mental health problems in psychiatric institutions during the post WWII era.

Creativity in psychotherapy is about enabling subconscious mechanisms rise to self-awareness/consciousness, bringing improvement of insight and quality of life. The process of art-making has by nature healing properties for offering a space to express and explore ideas and feelings.

The course is based on hands-on workshops. Students will be participating in an interactive educational setting to develop their emotional intelligence. Understanding emotions is vital to becoming a clinical practitioner. Students will be making creative work as a way of exploring, and connecting with their subconscious. A process for understanding the self and the social environment. Creativity and interaction will be the primary ways in which the principles of CP will be presented and explained.

The course’s methodology takes into consideration the individual’s ability and willingness to explore at one’s own pace and character in a setting where confidentiality is respected and where it is safe to express both ideas and emotions.