This experiential workshop presents a synergy of expressive therapy and self-discovery. It uses Tissue Paper Collage, somatic awareness and contemplative practices to awaken creativity and provide insight into one’s self and one’s world.  A playful and effective way to work with the imagination, this process allows for the discovery of our own internal alchemy.

Carl Jung often encouraged his clients to use active imagination as a means of expressing unknown parts of themselves.  The Tissue Paper Collage process utilizes active imagination in a unique way.  We will be creating original collages, engaging in somatic exercises, and exploring how the story of our inner landscape informs our lives.  Collages are made using 30 colors of tissue paper prompting the imagination to come to life. The Tissue Paper Collage process invites a deep-rooted wisdom and holistic intelligence to arise.  The images that emerge are the expressions of our unconscious, revealing profound levels of insight- from the archetypal to the personal.

This experiential workshop provides counselors, mental health professionals, and other health care practitioners an opportunity to learn how to integrate creative arts, somatic awareness and mindfulness practice into their work.  These techniques can also be used by individuals for their own self-discovery. We invite you to be surprised and maybe even amazed at what emerges.    

Upon completion of the seminar you will be able to:

• Demonstrate the basic technique of making and viewing the collages
• Describe body-centered techniques of meditation
• Describe body/mind techniques with movement to help identify content in collage images
• Identify how to use imagination to unlock creative potential and promote healing

Karen Stefano, EdM, MA, LPC, NCC is an artist and practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Bio-energetic Analyst. She has trained extensively in psychodynamic psychotherapy, group psychotherapy and analytic somatic psychotherapy. A trained sculptor and painter, she also draws on the synergy of expressive arts and counseling. Working with individuals, couples and groups, her approach is somatic, existential, and influenced by Jungian ideas. Karen is a co-founder of DuVersity, a non-profit educational organization devoted to building bridges between psychology and spirituality.

Karen is a member of the International and American Group Psychotherapy Associations and the American Counseling Association. She is a graduate of the Washington School of Psychiatry National Group Psychotherapy Institute, The Washington School of Psychiatry Couples and Family Psychotherapy Training and the Analytic Somatic Psychotherapy Program in Berkeley, California. She received her master’s degree from West Virginia University. She has been in private practice in Jefferson County for more than a decade.

Teaching The Collage Connection for over 20 years, Karen leads Collage Connections workshops worldwide. For more information on this instructor please visit her website at www.tissuepapercollage.net

Cost Notes
Course Fee includes art supplies ($20 value)
CEUs available for NDs (except CA & OR)
CEUs available for marriage & family therapists, mental health counselors, and social workers licensed in WA
CEUs available for ARNPs and RNs licensed in WA
CEUs approved by National board of Certified Counselors

Course Notes

Location: Bastyr University Kenmore Campus, room 277. Bastyr University is housed in an older facility with fluctuating interior temperatures; it is advisable to wear layers. Also, Bastyr is a “fragrance-free” campus.

Fri: bring a snack and bottled drinks
Sat: one hour lunch break – Bring a sack lunch or eat in Bastyr’s dining commons