In-Person Training

May 10, 2025 9:30AM-4:30PM PST
VANCOUVER, CANADA
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Cornelia Elbrecht, AThR, SATh, SEP

Exploring the Implicit Memory Systems Through Haptic Perception With Clay

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COURSE OVERVIEW

This in-person workshop in Vancouver, Canada, explores the therapeutic benefits of working with the resistance of clay, which creates an instant feedback loop between physical interaction and sensory resonance within the individual.
Built on five decades of clinical evidence, Clay Field Therapy® fosters the development of new neurological pathways that can bypass traumatic memories to restore wholeness and wellbeing.

Clay Field Therapy® is touch therapy, a breakthrough modality endorsed by leading somatic experts. A box filled with clay, water and a sponge provide the simple setting for discovering safe relationships, loving attachment and the fulfillment of vital needs.

The clay’s texture, weight, and resistance demand physical effort, pushing aside cognitive conditioning and engaging the deeper, instinctual urges of the body. Participants will experience a process-driven engagement with the material, emphasizing sensation, movement, and self-discovery rather than artistic outcomes.

There will be no finished product, no artwork to display, and no sculptures to be fired. Instead, participants will take home intense body memories that emerge from the kinaesthetic motor actions combined with sensory perception. This unique approach has lasting therapeutic benefits, particularly in cases of developmental delays and in trauma work. Through guided, hands-on interactions with clay, this workshop offers a new approach that fosters self-awareness, emotional processing, and resilience for clients, within a safe and supportive environment.

The participants to this workshop will be able to:
1. Analyse the therapeutic benefits of Clay Field Therapy® and its role in fostering neurological development and emotional well-being.
2. Experience the sensory and motor engagement required by resistant clay and how it facilitates self-awareness and expression.
3. Explore the connection between kinaesthetic motor action and trauma processing, emphasizing the body’s role in healing.
4. Develop skills to integrate Clay Field Therapy® principles into clinical or personal practices, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants.
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  • Study time: 6 hours
  • In-person, in Montreal
  • Certification included
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Location
Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre For Dialogue, Room 320
580 West Hastings St, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1L6, Canada
(enter via Seymour Street courtyard entrance)
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Course program
9:00-9:30 AM PST   Registration

9:30 AM-12:30 PM   First Part.
12:30-1:30 PM           Lunch Break
1:30 PM-4:30 PM     Second Part.
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Certification included
Participants who complete this training receive:
- a Certificate of Completion
- in process of approval of 6 continuous education hours - details will come soon
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Questions about the training, location, Payment, ETC.
Please contact us at contact@artstherapies.org if you have any questions that are not responded here.
PRESENTER'S BIO

Cornelia Elbrecht, AThR, SATh, SEP is a leader in ground breaking art therapy techniques with a particular focus on healing trauma. An art therapist with over 40 years experience she is a renowned author, educator and the Founder and Director of the Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy.

Cornelia studied Expressive Arts Therapies at the School for Initiatic Therapy in the Black Forest, Germany and holds degrees in fine arts and arts education along with extensive postgraduate training in Jungian and Gestalt Therapy, Bioenergetics and at the Somatic Experiencing Training Institute (SETI).

Best known for her cutting edge work with Guided Drawing® and Clay Field Therapy®, she holds regular workshops around the world and at Claerwen Retreat in Apollo Bay, Australia - an internationally respected arts therapy education facility.

Author of numerous books, she runs accredited online courses for art therapists, educators and mental health professionals looking to understand a body focused art therapy approach to trauma therapy.
The Early Bird discount will be available until March 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

Students benefit of a reduction of 65$ from the displayed price upon sending us a proof of full time enrollment in an academic program.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars.
A word from
the organizer

Carmen Oprea,
MA, MFA, ATR-BC, RCAT, ATPQ
art therapist

Since I first heard about Cathy's work, during my master's degree, I wanted to participate in her trainings. Today, my dream came true, and Cathy accepted to offer a training here, in Montreal. Cathy's work is a true inspiration, and I am honored to have her join us for this transformative experience. She has dedicated her life's work to exploring the use of expressive arts therapy in trauma work, and has helped countless professionals to be well-equipped when working with their clients, through her teachings and techniques.

I know how deeply committed you are to providing the best therapy for your clients, and how important it is for you to have access to the best training and resources available. That's why I am so excited that we could have this unique opportunity to learn from one of the most renowned experts in the field of expressive arts therapy.

This training is not just about learning the latest research and techniques, it is also about creating a space where you can connect with others who share your passion and commitment. You will have the opportunity to participate in experiential exercises designed to deepen your understanding and skills, and leave with a renewed sense of inspiration and purpose.
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