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

TW595: Your Brain on Ink

Instructor: Deborah Ross, M.A., LPC, CJT
Neuroscience is now confirming what research has shown for nearly 30 years: Therapeutic writing has positive effects on health, mood, and behavior. This class explores the powerful interaction between writing and the new, emerging brain science. You’ll learn and practice a toolbox of techniques, strategies, and experiences to inform your work with clients/students/groups–while perhaps creating some new neural pathways of your own!
CEUs available
CTW/PD (Flex) Elective.
Required Text: Your Brain on Ink by Deborah Ross and Kathleen Adams, available on Amazon.

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 journal facilitators and therapists to help memoirists, students and clients 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 that can be applied in any journal writing setting.
CEUs NOT Available.
TW Elective

Required Text:  None

TW504 – Introduction to Positive Psychology

Instructor: Hanna Merin, B.Ed., M.Sc., CJF

The field of positive psychology is a relatively young field which is gaining momentum in the research, therapeutic, and business fields. Positive psychology directs the point of view to “what works and succeeds”, personal empowerment, strengthening personal abilities, and increasing happiness, without ignoring difficulties and problems. In the course we will understand the fundamentals of positive psychology, parallel and related areas of thought, and practice these insights and tools, using expressive writing techniques. Some of the topics we’ll study are positive thinking, character strengths, values, and wellness.
CEUs NOT Available.
TW/PD Elective

Required Text:  Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman (2002)