Certificate in Creative Interventions, Laughter Therapy, and Clown Doctoring
Fee per participant: $800
Rationale
Creative therapeutic interventions offer powerful tools for emotional expression, healing, and communication, particularly among individuals facing medical, psychological, or developmental challenges. This certificate provides participants with theoretical foundations and hands-on experience in applying creative interventions across various clinical, health, and educational settings.
The training brings together experts from complementary disciplines, including yoga laughter therapy and clown doctoring, in working with oncology patients and those with health difficulties, as well as with children on the autistic spectrum, or those with learning disabilities. Through experiential learning and reflection, participants will explore the therapeutic potential of creative processes in fostering resilience, connection, and well-being.
Objective
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles and benefits of creative therapies in diverse contexts (mental health, oncology, special education).
- Apply creative and expressive techniques in individual and group settings.
- Integrate laughter, movement, and improvisation into therapeutic practice.
- Recognize the ethical and emotional dimensions of creative interventions.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary professionals using art-based approaches.
Target audience
Psychologists, psychotherapists, art therapists, counselors, educators, medical staff (nurses and medical doctors), and individuals interested in the use of creative therapeutic techniques. Between 20 and 25 participants per group.
Course duration
The training will run for 4 days, 8.30am – 3.30pm (30 hours in total; 2 credits). Participants have to attend all 4 days to receive the certificates.
- AKSOB 0903: Friday, October 9 & Saturday, October 10
- GB 403: Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17
Assessment
Participants will be required to complete MCQs related to case studies provided by the course leads, based on the learning outcomes and skills gained through the relevant module. Course leads will provide feedback on the case study within 1 week of completion. Participants will receive their certificate if they receive a passing grade on the MCQs.
Workshop Lead
Fouad Yammine, Mike Ayvazian, and Valentine D. Fadlallah.
Topics covered
|
Day |
Schedule |
Session Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 |
8:30 – 10:30 Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapies: Theory and Foundations |
Overview of the origins, principles, and techniques of expressive arts therapies. Exploration of the therapeutic process, symbolism, and the role of creativity in healing. Includes guided creative exercises.
MIKE H. AYVAZIAN |
| Coffee Break | ||
|
11:00 – 1:00 Creative Therapies with Oncology Patients |
Focus on supporting patients’ emotional expression, meaning-making, and coping through artistic media. Case discussions and reflective exercises.
MIKE H. AYVAZIAN |
|
| Lunch (included) | ||
|
1:30 – 3:30 Clayfield therapy and Guided Drawing for trauma healing: art therapy and somatic components |
Two Experiential sessions as an introductory exploration of somatic art therapy and its use in trauma healing.
MIKE H. AYVAZIAN |
|
| Day 2 |
8:30 – 10:30 Laughter and Yoga Therapy: The Healing Power of Joy |
Introduction to body–mind connection, laughter as release, and movement as emotional regulation. Includes guided practice.
Valentine Fadlallah |
| Coffee Break | ||
|
11:00 – 1:00
Laughter Therapy and stress management
|
Tools for emotional regulation and stress management—within educational, corporate, and community settings. Applications.
Valentine Fadlallah |
|
| Lunch (included) | ||
|
1h30-3h30
Group Improvisation and Emotional Awareness through Play |
Participants practice interactive exercises using movement, imagination, and humor as therapeutic tools. Valentine Fadlallah | |
| Day 3 |
8:30 – 10:30 Creative Interventions for Autism and Learning Disabilities |
Techniques for adapting art and drama therapy to support sensory regulation, focus, and communication. Practical demonstrations and group activities.
MIKE H. AYVAZIAN |
| Coffee Break | ||
|
11:00 – 1:00
Art, Play, and Emotional Expression in Children and Adolescents |
Exploring how artistic expression can foster soft skills, self-awareness, confidence, and emotional regulation among younger populations.
MIKE H. AYVAZIAN |
|
| Lunch (included) | ||
|
1:30 – 3:30
Case Reflections and Practical Exercises |
Participants will engage in small-group discussions and hands-on activities to integrate morning concepts into practice.
MIKE H. AYVAZIAN |
|
| Day 4 |
8:30 – 10:00 Clown Doctoring and Emotional Healing |
Focus on humor, vulnerability, and human connection in hospital and therapy settings.
Fouad Yammine |
| Coffee break | ||
|
10h15-11h45
Clown Doctoring: application |
Demonstrations and improvisational exercises.
Fouad Yammine |
|
| Coffee Break | ||
|
12h-1h30
Integrative Art Therapy Workshop |
Group-based experiential project combining art, movement, and laughter techniques. Participants co-create a thematic artwork symbolizing resilience and healing.
Valentine Fadlallah |
|
| Lunch | ||
|
2h-3h30 Supervised Practice, Case Simulation, and Reflection |
Role-play and simulation of real-life scenarios. Participants receive supervision, feedback, and reflect on how to integrate creative interventions into their professional contexts.
Valentine Fadlallah |