Artistic expression can be healing. Expressive Arts Therapy is the intentional use of multiple arts modalities–such as visual art, creative writing, music, movement, and theater–to promote psychological growth and well-being. This Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Toolkit can be used to foster healing and growth through the creative process. This toolkit includes simple, trauma-informed activities from Expressive Arts Therapy that can be used for self-care or in provider’s work with individuals or groups. The toolkit is intended for those working in the field of mental and behavioral health as psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, drug and alcohol recovery counselors, and more. Most of the activities can be done individually or in groups.
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) for American Indian Youth
This research publication weaves in culturally appropriate and meaningful concepts about resilience and healing while maintaining CBITS’ core cognitive-behavioral skill-building techniques. In this new adaptation, a team of experts convened by the University of Montana adapted the CBITS program for American Indian youth.
Being Culturally and Trauma-Informed While Assisting Displaced Afghan Families
This resource offers providers guidance on being culturally- and trauma-informed while assisting displaced Afghan families. This tip sheet provides ways to build connection and trust, help maintain and strengthen family relationships, and align the work with child and family goals while using a strength-based approach. It also includes several practical strategies to keep in mind while assisting displaced Afghan families.
Health Care Considerations for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Indigenous Communities
This publication is designed to support health centers in providing affirming care and
services for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people.
Two Spirit describes an Indigenous person who expresses their gender identity, spiritual identity, or social role in a traditional, non-Western way. The term Two Spirit was developed by LGTBQIA+ AI/AN activists in 1990 as way to unify tribal traditions that
historically embraced diversity and fluidity of gender identities and sexual orientations.
‘SchoolHouse in Session’: A Hub of Stories on Youth Homelessness
This is hub of stories and expertise around youth homelessness written on Medium – a blogging platform – addressing solutions around children, youth, and family homelessness.
‘SchoolHouse in Session’ is a project of SchoolHouse Connection, a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with early childhood programs, schools, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth.