Description:

In this daylong workshop, we will gather in person to explore the integration of art therapy with Schwartz's Internal Family Systems therapy model (IFS) in play therapy. IFS is based on the assumption of a normal multiplicity of the mind: we all have “parts.” The goal of IFS is to build internal cooperation among our parts and increase Self-leadership, using eight internal resources such as compassion. A video will illustrate the concepts of IFS; and case material will demonstrate how the presenter, an IFS-trained Art Therapist, has integrated art-making and play with the IFS process. Several art experientials will allow participants to use collage and clay to explore their own internal parts and Self, and learn how this process can enhance play therapy. The concept of legacy burdens, addressing personal and generational trauma, will be defined and explored in art. Quiet time will be given to practice an internal dialoging among parts that will foster somatic understanding of the concepts. Participants will have the option to discuss their artwork and process. Participants do not need prior knowledge of this approach. Proficiency in art skills/talent is not necessary, just bring your courage, creativity and curiosity! Art materials will be provided.

Please Note: This session does not count toward an IFS certificate and is only presenting foundational concepts. Strong emotions may emerge in this process. 

Objectives:

• Define 3 or more basic principles of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of treatment that can be applied to clinicians’ current play therapy approaches.
• Clarify 3 or more ways that IFS and art therapy theory overlap to promote transformation for clients in both individual and group play therapy settings. 
• Describe the 3 types of “Parts”, defining 1-2 examples of the roles they each play within the internal family system.
• Identify the 8 qualities of Self-energy in the IFS model of treatment and how these would be recognized within both the clinician and the client to develop a more compassionate therapeutic process with children and families.
• Describe 4 IFS-informed art interventions used to identify parts and their relationship to each other, fostering unblending, enhancing internal dialogue, and increasing self-compassion in both the clinician and the client. 
• Define and identify at least 3 types of legacy burdens.

Presenter: Peggy Kolodny MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT is a licensed Board Certified Art Psychotherapist with 40 years trauma-focused clinical experience across the lifespan. Trained in Level 2 EMDR and Level 2 IFS, she integrates both with art therapy.  She is adjunct faculty at George Washington University's Graduate Art Therapy Program and the School of Social Work for the University of Maryland; and is on the professional faculties of CBPS, Expressive Therapies Summit, Expressive Therapies Summit, and The Ferentz Institute’. 

Currently she serves on the Board of the Maryland Art Therapy Association and chair of the CAT-SIG of the ISSTD. 

Peggy has several chapters on the neurobiology of trauma and the Neurosequential Art process in Art Therapy in the Treatment of Trauma and Addictions (edited by Quinn 2021, JKP Press); and a chapter on " The interweave of IFS, EMDR and Art Therapy in "EMDR and Creative Arts Therapies" (Editors Davis et al, Routledge, 2022).

She is the founder of Art Therapy Collective, a private practice in Maryland.