Paints and Pins:  The Therapeutic Meaning and Understanding of Tattoos, Body Piercings and Body Art and Why it Matters for Clinical Practice

Presented by Nigel Darvell, ACSW, LCSW, CAC

6.0 Clock Hours

The practice of body art through tattoos  and body piercings have been increasing steadily over the years and have their beginnings in history and cultural lore. This workshop will explore the ‘hidden’ clinical and therapeutic benefits of exploring the meaning of such art for the client and how through this understanding it can lead to therapeutic value. Clients are often exploring their needs, challenges and difficulties in therapy and exploring the meaning and value of their “body art” can bring profound therapeutic benefits and breakthroughs. This workshop will assist the clinician in utilizing the “overt story” of the client with body art and assist the client in understanding the hidden values and meanings of their own body art in helping them through their emotional distress.

Participants of this workshop will come away with the following:

1. Historical and cultural relevance of body art
2. Therapeutic techniques and application in utilizing the “overt story”
3. Clinical relevance and therapeutic value in exploring the meaning of the art
4. Understanding the context of the cultural diversity issues in this population
5. The search for the “authentic self” vs “painted masks”
6. Strategies to assist the client who is stuck in treatment by utilizing their tattoo and body piercing history
7. The clinical distinction between “Body art” and the “self-injurer
8. Developing therapeutic rapport and alliance between client and clinician in the context of their body art
9. The profiles of clients likely to engage in tattoos and body piercings
10. Treatment plans and techniques will be utilized in assisting the client in sessions to go further into the meaning of their art
11. Examples of actual individuals with tattoos and body piercings and their own words in the meaning of such art (Pictures will be viewed only)

Registration 8:00 am, workshop 8:30 am - 4:00 pm 

Registration fees-NASW Members $125.00, Other Professional $165.00

Our online system identifies late fees as Early Bird savings, however, our printed catalog identifies them as late fees charged.  These calculations and deadline dates will be the same online or in the catalog.
Registration Deadline Late Fees: 2 weeks prior add $15.00; 1 week prior add $25.00; and 24 hours prior add $40.00