Body Mind Art ‒ Connection between body experience / embodiment and artistic expression

This three-part continuing education program teaches the fundamentals of self-regulation and embodiment. Its starting point is the connection between body, mind, and environment. Through artistic and creative expression, unconscious material can become visible and more conscious, while at the same time being shaped.

The aim is to experience the significance of body perception, understand relevant theoretical approaches, and make them tangible in practice through body-oriented and creative methods.

One focus lies on combining body-based approaches with artistic and creative elements.

Here, art is our companion on the path from expression to the integration of body experience into creative processes and offers concrete opportunities to regulate experienced stress through creative and physically tangible methods.

Professionals and creative practitioners (e.g. therapists, teachers, artists, coaches) with an interest in somatic work and artistic practice.

Students of artistic therapies are also very welcome – they can deepen and differentiate their knowledge by attending the continuing education program during their studies and use the university certificates they earn in applications. Students of Alanus University have the opportunity to book the continuing education program at special rates (see below).

We would like to enable students of Alanus University to participate in continuing education programs with a 50% discount. An individual quota is available for each continuing education program. University certificates are excluded from the discount.

The first module is about getting to know the group and creating a safe framework for working together. In addition to theoretical and practical familiarization, there are professional inputs from polyvagal theory and on the influence of body posture on our emotions. These relationships are made visible through a body image sculpture made of clay.

The aim of the weekend is to sharpen bodily self-perception and to test low-threshold artistic approaches, trying them out and deepening them through impulses from our body. In addition to process notes, participants work with group and individual reflections and receive suggestions and impulses for the time between the modules.

The second module focuses on translating body-based impulses into artistic processes.

Participants learn SOS exercises – simple, practice-oriented methods and exercises for responding to dysregulated states. With the help of mood images, we make nervous system states visible.

Other topics include protective boundaries and ethical foundations when working with emotions, as well as intensive work with creative processes in a solo setting. Afterwards, the protected group setting offers the opportunity to let these experiences resonate and to reflect on them.

In addition, intervention techniques such as mindful pauses, containment, grounding, and structured feedback formats are taught. promoting the move from reactance to creative freedom.

Guest lecturer: Juli Hornen, graduate pedagogue and art therapist (B.A.), SOS trainer, head of edu.Art

The third module is dedicated to practical implementation:

Participants plan and lead sequences of their embodiment-based practice in the group. Together, a pool of methods and experiences is compiled that supports the sustainable integration of the learning content into professional practice and everyday life.

The certificate assessment takes place within the framework of participants’ own practice and instruction during the three modules.

Prof. Dr. Petra Saltuari, 

Professor of Art Therapy at Alanus University and art therapist and body therapist (Functional Relaxation) in private practice.

Head of the Institute for Continuing Education in Artistic Therapies:
Brigitta Jaroschek (research associate)

Further information, contact options, and our FAQ can be found here:

edu.Art – Institute for Continuing Education in Artistic Therapies | Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences