Communications Theory, Creativity and Counselling Skills [402]

Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 24 - July 29 | 3:00pm-6:00pm PDT. No session on July 1.

Participants will cultivate essential counseling skills and lay a strong foundation for further studies in therapeutic or creative counseling. The journey is enhanced with thought-provoking readings, group discussions, and engaging breakout room activities.

This workshop can be used towards the 30-hour admission requirement for enrollment in the online hybrid delivery of the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute diploma program.

This workshop is designed for individuals who:

• Are eager to practice, refine, or deepen foundational counseling skills such as active listening, holding space, and effectively reflecting and summarizing.
• Wish to explore the use of metaphor in therapy, counseling, and daily life as a tool for deeper understanding and connection.
• Seek a supportive, creative, and open-minded community to connect with like-minded peers and foster meaningful sharing and collaboration.
• Aim to enhance self-awareness while developing the ability to track and attune to others through active listening.
• Want to learn practical somatic tools to regulate their own nervous system while supporting clients effectively.
• Desire to understand and create a safe, trauma-informed space for healing and growth.
• Are curious to experience transformative art-making exercises that support therapeutic insights.
• Are preparing to pursue studies in art therapy at KATI or other similar institutions.

Fees

Early Registration
Before Feb 3
$490

General Registration
Until June 22
$530

For each workshop in our intro series we reserve one seat, free-of-charge, for a BIPOC registrant planning to attend the KATI diploma program in the following school year. Click Register for the workshop of your choice to claim the seat, if still available.

Testimonials

“This course was amazing and was the perfect prerequisite class before starting the KATI diploma program in September. The course was laid out perfectly and focused on the use of metaphor, listening and reflecting back. I feel like I learned a lot about what is required to be a good art therapist, but also what the level of instruction and preparation is going to be like at KATI. I feel very lucky and excited to start the program next week. I feel like this course helped to prepare me better on what to expect during my studies with KATI.” - Workshop participant

“Part of what drew me to this workshop was the emphasis on communication. I’ve had difficulties with communicating in what feels like an authentic way and throughout the workshop I’ve gained skills, confidence, and knowledge around how to be a more effective communicator.” - Workshop participant

“I learned so much! - How to set up a safe container - How metaphors are woven into our language and our psyches - Awareness of tracking others using active listening and how to look for congruence - Awareness of tracking the self while listening - Strategies for down-regulating and self-soothing (useful for co-regulation) - How using metaphors with art and language can be SO POWERFUL - the ability to see problems in a new way, to modulate and transform, and to view aspects of psyche outside the self, or to give non-human entities personified characteristics to deepen understanding - How receiving feedback/reflection brings a-ha moments - Kate was very open about her dynamic processes, working with what the group needed and within time constraints, while staying close to the curriculum.” - Workshop participant

Instructor

Kate Leppard BA (Hons), DKATI, RCAT, is an accomplished art therapist and KATI adjunct faculty member with over eight years of professional practice. Drawing on two decades of experience harnessing art as a catalyst for social change, Kate is deeply committed to the transformative power of art therapy in facilitating personal growth and healing. 

Kate’s passions include leading women’s groups, somatic coaching, dreamwork, and cultivating vibrant online communities. She develops and delivers engaging online courses, in addition to offering personalized one-to-one art therapy sessions through her website, www.kateleppard.com. 

Beyond her work at KATI, Kate has also taught postgraduate courses at Toronto Art Therapy Institute and St Stephen’s College and provides continuing education for both emerging and seasoned art therapists, empowering them to thrive in their practice.