14 Mar 2027 | Introduction to EMDR for Arts Therapists | In-Person Day Workshop

EMDR is becoming increasingly popular as a quick and effective intervention for PTSD, and is one of the only PTSD treatments approved by NICE. As a process, it is uniquely positioned to complement art therapy. It can be a helpful tool when clients’ traumatic memories are affecting their ability to function, and especially where PTSD symptoms might make it hard for them to engage with traditional art therapy. 

In this workshop, we will explain some of the key principles of EMDR, discuss what happens during sessions and then consider the integration of EMDR with our art therapy practices. We’ll focus on the commonalities between the approaches: both EMDR and art therapy can help clients to access “flow” states, both are creative and access imagination and the inner world, and both are ultimately client-led and non-directive. 

The workshop will be theoretical and experiential in nature. Participants can expect to learn some practical exercises, and use art materials to explore potential techniques. Modifications will be discussed to make these exercises accessible for both EMDR trained and untrained therapists. There will be opportunity for reflection, group discussion and Q&A.

Facilitator:

Nili Sigal is an experienced art therapist and EMDR therapist and a supervisor in both modalities. She has a special interest in the mind-body connection and has written a book chapter about the somatic aspects of art therapy. She specialises in complex PTSD and set up the BAAT SIG on PTSD, complex trauma and dissociation. She co-authored a journal article with a service user for IJAT and previously facilitated the clinical meetings and wrote the blog for London Art Therapy Centre. 

Now based in Exeter, Devon, she works for the NHS in community services and is currently undertaking an MSc in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture at the University of Exeter. She is passionate about art therapy’s potential to deepen and enhance outcomes in psychedelic-assisted therapy.