PD553: Curriculum Development

Instructor: Kathleen Adams

You’ll first learn the four stages of therapeutic writing groups, then an easy, effective method for creating an “arc” of sessions designed for any audience or theme you choose. The end product? A 6-8 week curriculum of your own design for a therapeutic writing workshop/class. This is a laboratory-style class where interactive learning includes offering critique and feedback on other students’ work, and receiving critique/feedback on your own work.
CEUs Available.
CJF/CJT Requirement

Required Text: None, Internet Reading Only

This class is for trainees who have been in the program for at least 1 year. Trainees need to have completed the ICT and have taught at least 1 JTTS Workshop prior to taking this class.

PA501: Psychology of Differences

Instructor: Elaine Brooks, MA, RN-BC, PTR, CAPF, M/S
This survey course on contemporary issues in mental health is designed to raise awareness about the prevailing causes, responses and treatment of mood disorders, traumatic stress responses, disorders of childhood/adolescence/the elderly, dysfunctional family of origin issues, sexual identity, etc.
CEUs Available.
CJF Requirement unless transferred or waived.

Required Text: None, Internet Reading

TW 596.1: Writing as a Mindfulness Practice

Instructor: Deborah Ross, MA, LPC, CJT

Join us at the intersection of eastern spiritual traditions and modern neuroscience as we practice Mindfulness with our pen and journal. Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention that invites greater well-being through grounding, centering and stabilizing.   It is the superhighway to the installation of new neural pathways for our well-being.   If you don’t have a mindfulness practice, this course will help you develop one that uses writing as the primary modality. If you already have a mindfulness practice, this course will add dimensions and depth to your results.
CEUs Available.
TW Elective

Required Text: “How to Train a Wild Elephant” by Jan Chozen Bays

TW558: Poetic Forms for Poetry and Journal Therapists

Instructor: Nancy Scherlong, LCSW, PTR, CJT, M/S

Stumped by sestinas, vexed by villanelles or allergic to alliteration? Join us for this interactive course wherein we will study and practice writing various poetic structures, examine their application to poetry or journal therapy and learn some of the psychology behind different types of creative writing. Each week will feature three different forms or literary devices coupled with (no pun intended) exploration of application with our writing groups, in accordance with the structure, pacing and containment of the journal ladder. Applicable for clinicians or developmentalists alike.
CEUs Available.
TW Elective

Required Text: 2nd Edition of The Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett (available through Amazon.com), and internet resources.

TW526: Being YOU in Memoir: Journaling to an Authentic Life Story

Instructor: Sharon McLeay, M.A., CJF

Contemporary research shows that memoir writing involves self-making, a process that can be fraught with fear and uncertainty because it is not entirely within the writer’s control.  Journal writing and the journal ladder provide an ideal way for memoirists to reach deep into their experiences in a safe environment.  This 8-week course offers a balance of memoir and journal writing theory with actual memoir writing using journaling techniques.
CEUs NOT Available.
TW Elective

Required Text:  None

TW554: Visual Journaling: Drawing on the Healing Power of Creative Self-Expression

Instructor: Cyncie Winter, LPC, CJT

When we combine art journaling with expressive writing, we give ourselves an invaluable gift that helps us achieve insight, tranquility, clarity and depth of knowing.  As we move through this breakthrough book together by Barbara Ganim, and Susan Fox—both expressive art therapists—you will learn how to use the arts to reduce stress, release anger, resolve conflicts, get in touch with feelings, and give voice to your soul—even if you believe you can’t draw!  You will learn to set intentions, access the wisdom and resources found in the body, find visual images waiting there to teach us, and then converse with them, using journaling tools. Beautifully illustrated with drawings from the journals of students from the authors’ acclaimed workshops, Visual Journaling teaches a lifelong tool that helps us move beyond thought into the deep dimensions of feeling and intuitive knowing, as a force for healing.
CEUs Available.
TW Elective

Required Text: Visual Journaling: Going Deeper Than Words by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox

TW560: More Wellness Please!  Better Health Practices Through Writing

Instructor:  Nancy Scherlong LCSW, PTR, CJT, M/S

Together we will explore the four major domains of wellness – physical, emotional, social and spiritual – through a variety of poetry, journal prompts and holistic health coaching practices. Popular research indicates we need at least 28 days of focused attention to begin behavioral change. Let’s strengthen our overall life balance and gain strength together in community!

CEUs Available
TW Elective

Required Text: None