Echo is partnering with HaGomel for a training that will explore how the embodied practices of the expressive arts can support trauma survivors in releasing hypervigilance, withdrawal, and fear while increasing their sense of safety, self-regulation, and self-esteem.

The training will cover the following:

• The neurobiology of safety as a response to trauma and fear
• Overview of the expressive arts
• Mindfulness techniques as means of self-regulation
• Creative drawing and writing exercises for self-awareness
• Relational safety and how it affects self-regulation and self-esteem
• SoulCollage® Card creation as a method of self-exploration and healing

Learning objectives:

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Identify signs of dysregulation in themselves and others
• Practice 3 mindfulness tools to regain equilibrium
• Identify bodily sensations of safety and translate those into movement, visual representation, and writing
• Identify the experience of relational safety and practice tools for finding “the right place” in relation to others
• Utilize the practice of SoulCollage® to explore various aspects of themselves and their community along with an inquiry method to go deeper with the process

Details

Dates: Friday, October 24, 2025 | 9am-4:30pm
Cost: $85; $70 early bird (before 09/24/25)
Location: IN-PERSON The California Endowment, 1000 N. Alameda St, Los Angeles CA 90012
Parking: Free parking is provided at The California Endowment. Tell the parking attendant that you are attending the training.
Lunch: Lunch is not provided. There are several eateries within walking distance to the training venue.
Continuing Education: 6 CE credits are available for an additional $30. For more information visit our continuing education page.

Additional Information

Cancellation fees may apply; be sure to review our refund policies here.

Continuing Education: This course meets the qualifications for 6 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. These credits are available for an additional $30. For more information visit our continuing education page.

For questions about this training, please contact us at training@echotraining.org or (213) 484-6676

* Echo maintains responsibility for this course and its content*

ELYA BRADEN is the Founder and President of HaGomel Foundation (https://hagomel.org/), whose mission is to provide free expressive arts programs to support emotional and psychological healing for women who have experienced sexual and other trauma. Elya was inspired to launch HaGomel after experiencing the power of the expressive arts in her own healing journey.

After practicing corporate law for 14 years, Elya returned to her passion for the expressive arts, first with singing jazz and cabaret, then acting in plays, musicals, and independent films. For the last 15 years, Elya has focused on creative writing, mixed-media art, dance, and yoga. She is a level one NIA dance instructor and has completed the Certification Program in Social Emotional Arts (SEA) with Arts & Healing Initiative.

Elya’s poetry has been widely published and has been nominated for several awards. Her first chapbook, Open The Fist, a poetic exploration of her own experience of childhood abuse and healing, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2020. Her full-length collection, Dragonfly Puzzle Box, is forthcoming from Sheila-Na-Gig Editions in 2026.

NANCY L. WEISS, LCSW, BCD, is HaGomel’s Program Director and also serves on HaGomel’s Board of Directors. Nancy is a psychotherapist, spiritual director, collage artist and poet. She holds Masters’ degrees in Clinical Social Work and Education. Nancy taught in the Clinical Psychology Program at Antioch University and supervised MFT and LCSW interns for more than 20 years.

Nancy’s diverse body of experience and interests includes an extensive private practice, SoulCollage® facilitation, and facilitating groups in the ancient Jewish practice of Mussar. Nancy leads expressive arts workshops and trainings for psychotherapists, educators, families, non-profits serving the underprivileged, and other organizations, including Arts & Healing Initiative and the Expressive Therapies Summit. She is a co-creator of the Lights of Mussar™ Cards for Creating a Balanced life.