This creative and experiential training invites psychotherapists to explore the therapeutic power of expressive practices—such as letter writing, altar creation, and personalized rituals—as tools for healing, meaning-making, and emotional integration. Drawing from grief work, trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, and cultural traditions, participants will learn how symbolic expression can help clients process loss, honor transitions, reclaim agency, and access deeper layers of self-understanding. The training will offer practical guidance on ethically and sensitively incorporating these practices into therapy, with attention to cultural humility, spiritual diversity, and client readiness.

Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the therapeutic value of expressive practices such as letter writing, altar creation, and ritual in supporting healing and integration.
• Identify clinical scenarios where expressive practices may be especially beneficial for grief, trauma, or life transitions.
• Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive principles when incorporating expressive and symbolic practices into therapy.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW

Recording Date: 08/21/2026