Learn evidence based expressive arts and drama therapy approaches that can be incorporated into individual and group therapy for youth of all ages with special needs. Explore the physical, cognitive and psychosocial features of common disorders, along with the therapeutic benefits of using visual art, music, creative movement, drama and creative writing with this population.  Pros and cons of structured vs. unstructured arts activities, abstract vs. concrete play, and proximal vs. distant therapeutic interventions will be also be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to explore these techniques through role play.  Cost of course: $205 plus $10 materials fee.  Register through JFK website (scroll down to page 24 for course number) at: http://www.jfku.edu/assets/resources/departmentResources/JFKU-CEFallWinterCatalog2011.pdf

Suraya is available to provide the following workshops at in-service trainings for teachers at your school or for MFT's, LCSW's or Psychologists at your agency.  With her dual background as a therapist as well as a teaching artist in the public schools  for 12 years, Suraya can tailor the workshop to focus more on the therapeutic aspect of the arts or to highlight the educational aspects of the arts depending on the needs of your group.  Contact Suraya at surayasusana@yahoo.com for current workshop prices.



WORKSHOP #1: Incorporating Drama and Creative Movement into the Classroom: An Introductory Toolkit for Teachers


In this highly experiential 3 hour workshop, teachers will be introduced to approaches and techniques of interweaving drama and creative movement into their curriculum as a way of enhancing student engagement, increasing cooperation skills, and bringing freshness and vitality to the learning material.  This workshop is available for teachers of the following grade levels:

PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS
K-5th GRADE TEACHERS
6-8th GRADE TEACHERS
9-12th GRADE TEACHERS

Teachers will bring away from the workshop a collection of very practical, easy-to-use drama and movement exercises that can be immediately applied to virtually any course material they are teaching.

This action-packed 3 hour workshop designed for both teachers and therapists who work with youth with special needs will introduce three key approaches to using visual art, creative movement, music and drama in classrooms and therapy groups for youth with various physical, cognitive and psychosocial disabilities.  

"Knowledge is a love affair with answers.  Wisdom is a love affair with questions."  - Unknown