• Our focus will be on the crucial issue of therapist's self-knowledge, and self-care abilities while dealing with the demands, challenges and the long-term side effects of being a therapist.

• Participants will be encouraged to bring cases where they felt over involved, helpless, and forgot all they knew. They will be given the opportunity to explore the part their counter transference played in such cases through the use of family of origin geneograms, family photographs, art therapy, sand play therapy, doll house play, story writing, etc.

• The challenges of the issue of therapist self-care (taking into account their physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs) in order to maintain and enhance the integrity, quality and enjoyment of their work will be addressed.

• Participants will be given the opportunity to reflect on their work environment, caseload expectations and how they deal with the issue of vicarious traumatization and toxicity. They will be encouraged to explore their unique gifts and strengths as well as practical and realistic ways of developing a self -nurturing practice that facilitates their personal /professional growth and suit their individual needs and situation. This will be done through discussions, the use of metaphors, visualizations, and various expressive therapies (art, sand play therapy, writing, sewing, storytelling), nature experiences, rituals etc.

• Ample time will be left to enjoy the beauty of Parksville and practice self-care at the end of each day.

The Centre for Expressive Therapy is accredited both by the Association for Play Therapy Provider number (#95-010) and the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy, Provider number (#09-102) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy.