Available IN PERSON Only!

This project-based class designed for therapists seeking to engage creatively with special populations, particularly seniors, through storytelling and performance. Participants will collaborate with senior communities to co-create and stage performances that capture the richness of their life experiences and collective narratives. Through this innovative approach, therapists will learn to harness the power of storytelling as a therapeutic tool to foster connection, empowerment, and social engagement among seniors.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to...

Understand the therapeutic benefits of storytelling and performance for seniors, including enhanced social connection, self-expression, and sense of belonging.
Collaborate with senior communities to identify and explore meaningful themes and stories that reflect their lived experiences and cultural heritage.
Facilitate creative workshops and rehearsals to support seniors in sharing their stories through various artistic mediums, such as theater, spoken word, or multimedia presentations.
Apply principles of therapeutic performance to create inclusive and supportive environments that honor the diverse voices and perspectives within senior communities.
Evaluate the impact of therapeutic performance projects on seniors' well-being, resilience, and sense of agency, both individually and collectively.

Through hands-on project work and reflective practice, therapists will gain valuable skills and insights into leveraging the arts as a medium for therapeutic expression and community building with special populations, particularly seniors. This course empowers therapists to embrace creativity and collaboration in their practice, promoting meaningful connections and cultural preservation within senior communities.

Center for Creative Arts Therapy has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7460. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Center for Creative Arts Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Required Drama Therapy Course - 3 Credits of Special Populations

Optional Expressive Arts Therapy Course - 3 Credits Advanced Electives

Therapeutic Performance w/ Seniors: Telling Community Stories (45 CEs)

$1,350.00

Course Participant Info (Full Name, Email & Phone Number)

License OR Certification/Registration # for CEUs (optional)

Quantity

Required Drama Therapy Course: DT w/ Special Populations

(45 hours/3 credits) Monday-Friday, June 16-20, 2025, 9:00AM-5:30PM & Friday, June 20, 7:00PM-10:00PM (Performance), at the Center for Creative Arts Therapy, 2600 Warrenville Rd., Suite 205, Downers Grove, IL 60515
HOTELS

For those of you that are traveling a great distance to be with us, here are local hotels near our Downers Grove location:

Extended Stay America Suites - Chicago-Lisle

445 Warrenville Road

Lisle, IL 60532

PH: 630-434-7710

Hyatt Regency Lisle near Naperville

1400 Corporetum Dr.

Lisle, IL 60532

PH: 630-852-1234

RESTAURANTS

Culver's

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

Noodles & Company

Fresh, made-to-order goodness sure to please any appetite. From their World Famous Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Penne Rosa and Pad Thai to their delicious, better-for-you dishes made with cauliflower or zucchini pasta they call Zoodles. There’s even a tempting selection of craveable, garden-fresh salads, hearty soups and yummy shareables. Paleo, Keto, vegetarian, gluten-sensitive and calorie-counting friendly.

Starbucks

Coffee & light eats.

The Baked Apple Cafe

Delicious breakfast and lunch. Hearty portion sizes.

Chipotle

Mexican fare, burritos, salads, guacamole. Vegan and Vegetarian options.

Additional food options exist in the Downtown Downers Grove area, which is under a mile away from the Center for Creative Arts Therapy.
Dear Future Workshop Participant,

Thank you for choosing the Center for Creative Arts Therapy. Sign in will be from 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM on the first day of your class. Should you have any special requirements or needs please contact our office at (847) 477-8244.

We typically keep our front door locked. If you arrive and it is locked, please call/text your instructor.

Certificates will be distributed approximately one week after the conclusion of the course requirements and assignments. Certificates are awarded according to the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) and International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) regulations and are based upon clock hours of attendance.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may prevent you from arriving at the start of the program or cause you to have to leave the program early. Please understand we can only award Certificates based upon your attendance. Certificates will be adjusted accordingly for those attendees arriving or leaving significantly early or late.

Materials that are included in these courses may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of mental health professionals. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that may be considered beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession's standards.
Azizi Marshall, LCPC, RDT/BCT

Azizi Marshall, Founder & CEO of the Center for Creative Arts Therapy, has been a guide for many clients who have lost their way, and struggled with their own identity and relationships. She has extensive knowledge and experience working with first responders, survivors of trauma and abuse, parents of struggling children, adolescents, grief/bereavement, anxiety, families living with cancer and terminal illness, relationships and women's issues.

Prior to founding the Center for Creative Arts Therapy, Azizi also served as Director of Expressive Arts Therapy with Riveredge Psychiatric Hospital, Director of Theatre Education with Alchemy Theatre, and as a Drama Therapist and counselor for The Youth Campus, School of Expressive Arts and Learning, Wellness House and Trinity High School.

Azizi holds two Masters degrees in Community Counseling and Theatre from Northeastern Illinois University, Graduate-level training in Drama Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy at Kansas State University, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, a Registered Drama Therapist and Board Certified Trainer (RDT/BCT) in Drama Therapy, a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, and a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association and the Illinois Counselors Association.

Azizi has been featured in Oprah Magazine, CNN, NBC News, Bustle, Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Glancer Magazine. She speaks regularly throughout the country on Creative Arts Therapy, and guest posts on national news articles about wellness and creativity.

Therapeutic Performance w/ Seniors: Telling Community Stories (45 CEs)

Details

Textbook Requirements

Hotel & Restaurant Information

Additional Information

Faculty Instructor

Class Type