Art as a tool to engage clients

Tweet

The SFNFCI hosted a one day Art Therapy session on Nov. 30, 2016 for 24 Child & Family Services  Prevention staff.  The day long workshop included training from two art therapist: Felicitas Drobig and David Baudemont and traditional beading by Elder Maria Linklater. 

Each participant received a resource kit including art therapy tools to assist them with creating conversations with clients.  

At the end of each workshop session the SFNFCI hands out a feedback form, the form supports SFNFCI to assess how we are doing in the service we provide, ways to improve the service and ideas for future workshops.  The SFNFCI also hands out a testimonial form.  If participants would like to leave comments about training and its impact on the work they do.  We welcome your feedback. 

Some responses from the testimonials include:

“More communication with children through art therapy.  Very well done and good information”  Roy Daniels, Family Enhancement worker, Sturgeon lake Child & Family Services Inc.

“I can use the training with parents and children I work with.  I can’t wait to use what I’ve learned” Lorena Pinay, Prevention Worker, Qu’Appelle Beardy’s Okemasis Wahpeton Child & Family Services Inc.

“Can use the ideas in my parenting class. Can use it working with children and youth” Mary Rose Opekokew, Child & Family Services Prevention Worker, Canoe Lake Health Center.

A summary roll up of the feedback form responses:

Participants were asked about the opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills that will assist them in their job:  45% of respondents strongly agreed and 55% agreed.

Participants were asked for their overall response to the workshop: 75% indicated excellent and 25% said good. 

Participants were asked about key learnings from the workshop:

Let clients tell their story

Art is positive therapy

Art is storytelling

Do not push for explanations

The prevention staff had a great experience, had fun while learning more tools to work with children, youth, and families in their communities.

Visit the SFNFCI SK you tube channel to watch Elder Maria Linklater’s teachings during the Art Therapy session.

Please watch the video of Elder Maria Linklater discussing the value of using craft art to keep youth busy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Saot4PLME

Thank you to all the participants for an awesome training day!

For more information please contact  shelley@sfnfci.ca