Registration for this event begins February 23rd.

Using Art and Creativity for Healthy Expression and Mindfulness  
Presented by Emily Goldstein-Nolan, LPC, ATRL, ATR, BC, SEP

Details: April 17, 2026 (9:00am - 4:00pm, including a one-hour lunch break)
*lunch is not provided
**Up to 6 CE credits will be issued to those attending this LIVE, IN-PERSON event in full. See below for details. 

*Special Note* Materials: This creative, hands-on workshop will offer opportunities for you to practice and explore the material! Upon registering, please make a note to bring the following to enhance your learning experience and ensure you are prepared:

• Markers 
• Color pencils 
• Glue stick 
• Scissors 
• At least 2 magazines or catalogues (to share) 

Workshop Description: In this experiential workshop, participants will learn the basic principles of autonomic nervous system functioning, as presented by the Polyvagal Theory. Participants will learn the three organizing principles of the Polyvagal Theory. These include neuroception, the body’s automatic process of detecting and responding to cues of safety and danger, the evolutionary hierarchy of survival responses and nervous system states, and coregulation, the inherent drive to seek and be in connection with others. Participants will be invited to explore their own autonomic nervous system process, and reflect on the impact that autonomic nervous system regulation has on the therapeutic relationship, creating a physical and relational environment that promotes trauma healing, and contributes to positive clinical outcomes for even the most complex clients.  

Utilizing autonomic nervous system functioning as the framework, participants will be introduced to foundational concepts related to interoception, the ability to sense and be aware of internal bodily sensations. Exercises and discussion designed to build participants’ skills in somatic tracking, utilizing movement, incorporating mindfulness, and bringing the body into therapy practice will invite participants to enhance their practice with interventions based in compelling recent research. The role of autonomic nervous system regulation in trauma treatment will also be explored.  

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to..

• Name 3 ways to include expressive arts in therapy including visual art, music, guided imagery, and mindful movement.
• Understand how to include creative methods in therapy appropriately within the scope of their practice. 
• Demonstrate at least one way to attend to self-care through creativity and art for themselves and their clients. 

Presenter Information: Dr. Emily Goldstein Nolan LPC ATRL ATR BC SEP is a professor of practice and practicum/internship coordinator at Syracuse University, a professional counselor and art therapist. In 2012, she created Bloom Art and Integrated Therapies, Inc, a community-based art therapy nonprofit in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Nolan develops and oversees the community art therapy programs for Bloom. She is dedicated to education and research in art therapy and working with people who have experienced trauma and have experienced oppression to feel seen, heard, and understood.  

Dr. Nolan works with people who have experienced trauma, including medical and sexual trauma, to help them process the trauma experienced by the body, make sense of what happened, see how it is impacting how they are currently living. Her hope is that people who have experienced trauma can make changes so that they can live how they wish to in the future.  

In-person Event Attendance: Registrants experiencing any cold, flu, or COVID-like symptoms should not attend the event. Refunds will be made available to those who cancel at least 1 week prior OR for reasons of illness (with notification provided to WAFCA). 

About our Offerings: WAFCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Visit the WAFCA-CE registration page for more information on fees and policies.