Course starting 26 January 2025. Enrollments are now open.

Seven weeks of training with Cornelia Elbrecht

Learn the fundamentals of healing trauma using the unique Sensorimotor Art Therapy® approach of Guided Drawing®.

Presented by Cornelia Elbrecht this engaging and fully accredited training provides a largely non-verbal, body-focused approach to trauma exploration. 

High quality video lessons are complemented by Practitioner Round Table discussions with Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy faculty, filmed Therapy Sessions and supported by our Moderated Student Forum.

Professional Development

  • For Mental Health Professionals

    Receive a 'Certificate of Completion' from the Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy and earn up to 28 Professional Development Points. Certified professional development training.

  • 7 Week Training

    Learn the fundamentals of Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing and master new therapeutic skills. Integrate Guided Drawing® into your practice. Six months to complete the course.

  • Interactive Group Forum

    Be actively supported through our Moderated Student Forum - ask questions, share drawings and engage with Cornelia Elbrecht, faculty members and your fellow course participants.

"Sessions unfold like a quest towards healing, creativity, meaning and love.”

Cornelia Elbrecht

This certified training course has been tailored to a global, online audience. The professionally filmed video lessons that form the basis of the curriculum are pre-recorded and accessible to complete in your own time. 

New content is released weekly - over the seven weeks of the course.

All participants will benefit from our Moderated Online Forum - where comments, observations and experiences can be shared. Cornelia Elbrecht will be available daily to answer questions and provide individual guidance in this space. 

Participants are encouraged to engage in this interactive forum, and benefit from the experiences of the cohort as you move through the curriculum together. Access to review and complete the training will remain for a total of six months.

Immersive Training

Each week of the course features:

  • Full recorded Therapy Sessions

  • Practitioner Round Table discussions

  • Reading Lists & Practical Exercises

Outstanding - Donna

★★★★★

"This online course in Guided Drawing was just outstanding - beautifully designed and presented with substantial and in-depth content and valuable opportunities to interact. Honestly, I cannot recommend it highly enough - I feel enriched personally and professionally. Thank you!"

More of this - Els

★★★★★

Spontaneous, alive, good tempo, generous with showing the real stuff through videos with clients. Really much info and insights in a short and dense time. Good support through sharing the drawings and answering questions. [...] A very generous and useful and grounded course. I feel able to try out with own clients."

A great balance of theory & practice - Pat

★★★★★

"It is a clearly presented course with a great balance of theory and practice. Cornelia is a warm and knowledgeable presenter and I am enjoying every element of the course [...] This is probably one of the best professional development courses I have ever attended."

A Journey of Creative Discovery and Healing - Lisa

★★★★★

"I loved this course. The pace, alongside Cornelia's way of teaching was totally immersive and engaging. [...] For me, Guided Drawing was the missing piece within my training as an art psychotherapist."

Comprehensive, enlightening course - Alison

★★★★★

"The field of mental health care would be much richer and more effective if this course was built into all training programs for mental health professionals. I cannot think of a way to improve it in any way."

Inspiring - Clare

★★★★★

"I have studied Guided Drawing many years ago. I was keen to refresh my knowledge. I enjoyed the fact that Cornelia has integrated Guided Drawing within contemporary trauma theory using the SIBAM framework. I feel inspired to offer it to my current clients."

Outstanding Online Training! A must for all Creative Arts Therapists - Helen

★★★★★

This training has been remarkable [...] I would highly recommend this training to all Creative Arts Therapists, especially if you're considering specific work with trauma clients. This is the best course I have experienced, which explains Polyvagal Theory and it's relevance to treating trauma effectively. Just brilliant!

Enrollments are now open for a January 2025 start.

Course commences January 26, 2025. Monthly installment options available.

Course Overview

A summary of the main course themes:

  • Week 1: An Introduction to Guided Drawing

    - What is Guided Drawing - Art Materials In Guided Drawing - Archetypes - Inner Guidance - Faculty Round Table - Case Study

  • Week 2: The Female Yin Shapes

    - The Language of Guided Drawing - Introduction to the Female Shapes - The Female Yin Shapes - Faculty Round Table - Case Study

  • Week 3: The Male Yang Shapes

    - Introduction to the Male Shapes - The Male Yang Shapes - Trauma Responses - Faculty Round Table - Case Study

  • Week 4: Neuroscience in Art Therapy

    - Understanding Neuroscience in Art Therapy - The Triune Brain - The Expressive Therapies Continuum - Body Focused Trauma Healing - Faculty Round Table - Case Study

  • Week 5: Trauma and Stabilization

    - Trauma and Stabilization - Stabilization and Building Resources - Haptic Perception and The Sensorimotor Base - Stabilization with the Shapes - Faculty Round Table - Case Study

  • Week 6: Trauma Exploration

    - Pendulation - Activation States of the ANS - Line Quality as a Diagnostic Tool - Shapes of Trauma Exploration - Faculty Round Table - Case Study

  • Week 7: Integration and Trusting the Process

    - Integration - The SIBAM Model - Trusting the Process - The Healing Journey of Guided Drawing - Faculty Round Table - Case Study

We are now accepting enrollments to join the next group of participants for this training.

Course start date 26 January 2025.

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Founder & Director

Cornelia Elbrecht

BA. MA. (Art Ed), AThR; IEATA; IACAET; SEP. Cornelia is the Founder and Director of the Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy. She has over 45 years of experience as an art therapist and has been conducting professional certified training in Initiatic Art Therapy, Clay Field Therapy and Guided Drawing for nearly two decades. She has studied at the School of Initiatic Art Therapy in Germany, is trained in Jungian and Gestalt therapy, Bioenergetics, Shiatsu and Naturopathy. More recently Cornelia has completed her trauma therapy training with the Somatic Experiencing Training Institute (SETI). She has published four books on Sensorimotor Art Therapy. Cornelia works in private practice and conducts training throughout Australia, internationally and online. She is an accredited supervisor with ANZACATA.

Course Curriculum

See the detailed course structure and find free preview videos inside!

  • 1

    An Introduction to Guided Drawing

  • 2

    Week 1 - Module 1: Welcome to the course

    • Welcome to the Course!

    • Introducing the ISAT Faculty

    • Introductory Survey

    • Medical Disclaimer

    • Legal Disclaimer

    • Supervision Sessions

    • Email Notifications

    • A Guide to using the Moderated Student Forum

    • Recommended Reading List - Week 1
  • 3

    Week 1 - Module 2: Art Materials in Guided Drawing

    • Introduction to Art Materials in Guided Drawing

    • List of Art Materials for Guided Drawing - PDF Download

    • The Paper, Crayons and Chalk

    • Paints and Haptic Perception

    • Hand Reflexology Diagram - Optional PDF Download

    • Art Materials as Intervention Tools

    • Art Materials in a Group Setting
  • 4

    Week 1 - Module 3: Faculty Round Table

    • Faculty Round Table: Haptic Perception
  • 5

    Week 1 - Module 4: Archetypes, The Body Focus & Inner Guidance

    • Archetypes

    • Instincts as Archetypes

    • Directive and Non-Directive Inner Guidance

    • Case Study - Directive Intervention

    • Case Study - Non-Directive Inner Guidance

    • Faculty Round Table - Non-Directive and Directive Guidance
  • 6

    Week 1 - Module 5: Faculty Round Table - Working with Children

    • Guided Drawing with Children - PDF Download

    • Faculty Round Table: Working with Children

    • Test your Learning - Week 1

    • Homework - Week 1
  • 7

    Week 1 - Module 6: Case Study 1

    • Therapy Session - Week 1: Introduction

    • Therapy Session - Week 1: Lee's Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 1: Review
  • 8

    Week 1 - Moderated Student Forum

    • Moderated Student Forum - Week 1
  • 9

    Week 2 - Module 1: The Language of Guided Drawing

    • The Language of Guided Drawing - Part 1

    • The Language of Guided Drawing - Part 2

    • Introduction to The Shapes

    • Recommended Reading - Week 2

  • 10

    Week 2 - Module 2: The Bowl

    • The Bowl - Part 1

    • The Bowl - Part 2

    • The Bowl - Part 3

    • The Bowl - Part 4

    • Test your Learning - The Bowl
  • 11

    Week 2 - Module 3: The Arch

    • The Arch - Part 1

    • The Arch - Part 2

    • The Arch - Part 3

    • The Arch - Part 4

    • Test your Learning - The Arch
  • 12

    Week 2 - Module 4: The Circle

    • The Circle - Part 1

    • The Circle - Part 2

    • The Circle - Part 3

    • The Circle - Part 4

    • The Circle - Part 5

    • Test your Learning - The Circle
  • 13

    Week 2 - Module 5: The Spiral

    • The Spiral - Part 1

    • The Spiral - Part 2

    • The Spiral - Part 3
  • 14

    Week 2 - Module 6: The Lemniscate, Figure Eight and Wave

    • The Lemniscate

    • The Figure Eight

    • The Wave

    • Test your Learning - The Female Yin Shapes
  • 15

    Week 2 - Module 7: Faculty Round Table

    • Faculty Round Table: The Female Yin Shapes

    • Conclusion to the Female Yin Shapes

    • Homework - Week 2
  • 16

    Week 2 - Module 8: Case Study 2

    • Therapy Session - Week 2: Introduction

    • Therapy Session - Week 2: Vita's Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 2: Review
  • 17

    Week 2 - Moderated Student Forum

    • Moderated Student Forum - Week 2
  • 18

    Week 3 - Module 1: The Male Yang Shapes

    • Introduction to Week 3

    • The Early Development of Linear Shapes

    • The Significance of Male Yang Shapes

    • Recommended Reading List - Week 3
  • 19

    Week 3 - Module 2: The Vertical

    • The Vertical as a Diagnostic Tool

    • The Vertical: Transcendence of the Ego

    • The Vertical as an Archetype
  • 20

    Week 3 - Module 3: Drawing the Vertical

    • The Vertical - Part 1

    • The Vertical - Part 2

    • The Vertical - Part 3

    • The Vertical - Part 4

    • The Vertical - Part 5

    • The Vertical - Part 6

    • Test your Learning - The Vertical
  • 21

    Week 3 - Module 4: The Horizontal,Cross and Trauma Responses

    • The Horizontal

    • The Cross: Introduction

    • The Cross: Trauma Responses

    • The Cross: The Fight Response

    • The Cross: The Flight Response

    • The Cross: Conclusion

    • Test your Learning - The Cross
  • 22

    Week 3 - Module 5: The Triangle, Rectangle and Dot

    • The Triangle: As Higher Consciousness

    • The Triangle: Part 2

    • The Rectangle

    • The Rectangle: Interpersonal Boundary Violations

    • The Dot

    • Test your Learning - The Male Yang Shapes
  • 23

    Week 3 - Module 6: Faculty Round Table

    • Faculty Round Table: The Male Yang Shapes

    • Conclusion to the Male Yang Shapes

    • Homework - Week 3
  • 24

    Week 3 - Module 7: Case Study 3

    • Therapy Sessions - Week 3: Introduction

    • Therapy Session - Week 3: Maria's Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 3: Review
  • 25

    Week 3 - Moderated Student Forum

    • Moderated Student Forum - Week 3
  • 26

    Week 4 - Module 1: Neuroscience in Art Therapy

    • Guided Drawing: The Bottom-Up Approach

    • Understanding Neuroscience in Art Therapy

    • Recommended Reading List - Week 4 // Downloadable PDF
  • 27

    Week 4 - Module 2: The Triune Brain

    • The Triune Brain

    • The Brain Stem - Part 1

    • The Brain Stem - Part 2

    • The Limbic System

    • The Neocortex

    • Test your Learning - The Triune Brain
  • 28

    Week 4 - Module 3: The Expressive Therapies Continuum

    • The Expressive Therapies Continuum

    • The Kinesthetic-Sensory Level

    • The Perceptual-Affective Level

    • The Cognitive-Symbolic Level

    • Test your Learning - Guided Drawing and The Expressive Therapies Continuum
  • 29

    Week 4 - Module 4: Body Focused Trauma Healing

    • The Bottom-up vs Top-Down Approach

    • Body Focused Trauma Healing

    • The "Flow" Phase: Kinesthetic/ Sensory Level

    • The "How" Phase: Kinesthetic / Sensory Level

    • The "How" Phase: Perceptual/ Affective Level

    • The "How" Phase: Somatic Experiencing

    • The "What" Phase: Cognitive/ Symbolic Level

    • The "What" Phase: Modulating Emotional Experiences

    • The Bottom-Up Approach
  • 30

    Week 4 - Module 5: Line Quality

    • Introduction to Line Quality

    • Disconnected Line Quality

    • Dense Line Quality

    • Subtle Line Quality

    • Transparent Line Quality

    • Conclusion to Line Quality

    • Test your Learning - Line Quality
  • 31

    Week 4 - Module 6: Faculty Round Table

    • Faculty Round Table - How to Facilitate A Session

    • Homework - Week 4
  • 32

    Week 4 - Module 7: Case Study 4

    • Therapy Session - Week 4: Introduction

    • Therapy Session - Week 4: Fiona's Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 4: Review
  • 33

    Week 4 - Moderated Student Forum

    • Moderated Student Forum - Week 4
  • 34

    Week 5 - Module 1: Trauma and Stabilization

    • Introduction to Week 5

    • The Incomplete Fight Flight Response

    • Map of the Central Nervous System

    • Trauma and the "Sensory" Brain Division

    • Trauma and the "Motor" Brain Division

    • Applying the Brakes

    • Trauma Healing and Stabilization

    • Recommended Reading List - Week 5 // Downloadable PDF
  • 35

    Week 5 - Module 2: Stabilization with Body-Focused Tools

    • Stabilization with Traditional AT Tools 1

    • Stabilization with Traditional AT Tools 2

    • Mandala Templates

    • Stabilization with Body-Focused Tools 1

    • Stabilization with Body-Focused Tools 2

    • Stabilization with Body-Focused Tools 3

    • Stabilization with Body-Focused Tools 4

    • Test your Learning - Stabilization and Building Resources
  • 36

    Week 5 - Module 3: Stabilization Through Strengthening the Sensorimotor Base

    • Haptic Perception and the Sensorimotor Base

    • The Sensorimotor Base: Skin Sense

    • Optional Case Study: Skin Sense

    • The Sensorimotor Base: Balance

    • Optional Case Study: Balance

    • The Sensorimotor Base: Depth Sensibility

    • Optional Case Study: Depth Sensibility

    • Test your Learning - The Sensorimotor Base
  • 37

    Week 5 - Module 4: Stabilization with Guided Drawing Shapes

    • Supporting Clients Using Shapes

    • Stabilization using the 'Bowl'

    • Stabilization using 'Sorting the Seeds'

    • Stabilization using the 'Rectangle'

    • Stabilization using the 'Lemniscate'

    • Stabilization using the 'Mandala'

    • Test your Learning - Stabilization and Guided Drawing Shapes
  • 38

    Week 5 - Module 5: Faculty Round Table

    • Faculty Round Table - Trauma-informed Practice: Stabilization

    • Conclusion to Week 5

    • Homework - Week 5
  • 39

    Week 5 - Module 6: Case Study 5

    • Therapy Session - Week 5: Introduction

    • Therapy Session - Week 5: Beth's Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 5: Review
  • 40

    Week 5 - Moderated Student Forum

    • Moderated Student Forum - Week 5
  • 41

    Week 6 - Module 1: Pendulation

    • Introduction to Week 6

    • Recommended Reading List - Week 6 // Downloadable PDF

    • Flight or Freeze - Body Responses to Trauma

    • Pendulation: A Graphic Representation

    • Pendulation

    • Pendulation: In More Detail

    • Pendulation and Inner Guidance
  • 42

    Week 6 - Module 2: Faculty Round Table - Pendulation

    • Faculty Round Table - Trauma-Exploration through Pendulation

    • Test your Learning - Pendulation
  • 43

    Week 6 - Module 3: Activation States of the ANS

    • Chart: Activation States of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

    • Introducing the ANS Chart

    • The Activation States of the ANS: Green

    • The Activation States of the ANS: Orange and Red

    • Clients in Shut Down: Red

    • Deactivation of the Nervous System: Orange

    • Conclusion: ANS Activation States
  • 44

    Week 6 - Module 4: Line Quality as a Diagnostic Tool

    • Line Quality in the "Red"

    • Line Quality in the "Orange"

    • Line Quality as a Diagnostic Tool

    • Test your Learning - Line Quality as a Diagnostic Tool
  • 45

    Week 6 - Module 5: Shapes for Trauma Exploration

    • Shapes for Trauma Exploration: Part 1

    • Shapes for Trauma Exploration: Part 2

    • Titration and Pendulation

    • Client Safety in Trauma Exploration
  • 46

    Week 6 - Module 6: Faculty Round Table - Trauma-Exploration: Polyvagal Theory

    • Faculty Round Table - Trauma-Exploration: Polyvagal Theory

    • Conclusion to Trauma Exploration

    • Test your Learning - Trauma Exploration

    • Homework - Week 6
  • 47

    Week 6 - Module 6: Case Study 6

    • Therapy Session - Week 6: Introduction

    • Therapy Session - Week 6: Kaye's Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 6: Review
  • 48

    Week 6 - Moderated Student Forum

    • Moderated Student Forum - Week 6
  • 49

    Week 7 - Module 1: Integration

    • Introduction to Integration

    • Recommended Reading List - Week 7 // Downloadable PDF

    • Integration in a GD Session

    • Integration Case Study 1

    • Integration Case Study 2
  • 50

    Week 7 - Module 2: Integration - Case Examples

    • Integration in GD Group Sessions

    • Integrations in a Group Session: Case Example 1

    • Integrations in a Group Session: Case Example 2

    • Integrations in a Group Session: Case Example 3
  • 51

    Week 7 - Module 3: Faculty Round Table - Cognitive Integration

    • Faculty Round Table - Trauma-informed Practice: Cognitive Integration
  • 52

    Week 7 - Module 4: The SIBAM Model

    • Introduction to the SIBAM Model

    • The 5 Elements of the SIBAM Model

    • The SIBAM Model: Download the Diagram

    • SIBAM and Guided Drawing: Part 1

    • SIBAM and Guided Drawing: Part 2

    • Faculty Round Table - Trauma-informed Practice: SIBAM

    • Test your Learning - The SIBAM Model
  • 53

    Week 7 - Module 5: Trusting the Process

    • Mindfulness In Guided Drawing

    • Being Comfortable with what "Is"

    • From Fragmentation to Wholeness: A Case Example

    • The "Higher Self": Part 1

    • The "Higher Self": Part 2
  • 54

    Week 7 - Module 6: Week 7 Therapy Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 7: Introduction

    • Therapy Session - Week 7: Shelly's Session

    • Therapy Session - Week 7: Review

    • Homework - Week 7
  • 55

    Week 7 - Moderated Student Forum

    • Moderated Student Forum - Week 7
  • 56

    Week 7 - Module 7: The Healing Journey of Guided Drawing

    • The Healing Journey of GD

    • Conclusion to the Course

    • What Next...

    • Course Completion Survey & Feedback

    • Testimonial

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this an interactive training?

    Yes. The training is delivered via high quality, prerecorded video lessons. All participants are supported by Cornelia Elbrecht through the Moderated Student Forum, which is a closed chat-style discussion forum hosted directly within the course. For the full seven weeks of the training Cornelia is available daily to answer any questions or observations that have come up. Participants are able to upload images of their own Guided Drawing processes and contribute to ongoing discussions. This has been a very successful format for past groups completing this training!

  • What will this training qualify me for?

    This course is certified as professional development training by our Australian registering bodies ANZACATA and ACA. Our training is widely recognized internationally, although we recommend you check with your local registering body as this may vary. Upon successful completion participants are able to integrate Guided Drawing into their practice. This training is not the equivalent to a formal tertiary qualification to become a registered Art Therapist, which here in Australia required a masters-level degree.

  • How long will I have access to the course for?

    The course is accessible for 6 months.

  • I live in a different time zone to Australia. How will I be able to access the training?

    The course is designed with an international group of participants in mind. The video lessons are pre-recorded and are available to access in your own time. There are no scheduled group calls or live sessions that participants are expected to attend.

  • Are there any prerequisites for enrolling?

    Anyone can enroll in the training and no prior qualifications are needed. The course is designed as professional development for mental health professionals, however many participants also join for personal development.

  • How do the monthly payment installments work?

    When you enroll on a payment plan, our payment system (Stripe) will charge the first installment to your credit card. The next payment will be processed automatically one month later. You do not need to cancel a payment plan.

  • Do you offer discounts?

    As a general rule we are unable to offer discounts on our training. We do offer occasional part-scholarships to mental health professionals based in developing countries where the cost of the training is prohibitive relative to the incomes. These are assessed on an individual bases.

  • Is there anyone I can contact if I have more questions or if I experience any technical issues?

    Please contact [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

Enroll now - join the training!

Course commencing January 26, 2025. Monthly installment options available.

Also available from our Online School

Save US$150 with our Guided Drawing Course Bundle - which includes The Transformation Journey