About the Workshop
This workshop is designed for mental health professionals and graduate students working with individuals or groups affected by trauma, anxiety, and social anxiety. Improv-based interventions can be applied across a broad range of populations, and this workshop will focus on their use with clients who struggle with self-regulation, confidence, and interpersonal connection. The workshop will begin with a lecture on the theoretical framework of using improv in therapy, supported by current research. The experiential portion will allow participants to volunteer and engage in beginner-level improv exercises that can be integrated into therapeutic practice. These activities will include simple, accessible games designed to promote spontaneity, self-expression, and connection. Participation will be optional. No performance or improv experience is required for attendees. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of versatile exercises that can be immediately applied in one-on-one or group sessions to support their clients’ healing and growth. Attendees will gain skills applicable to clients of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds. While this workshop will primarily focus on techniques used with adolescents and adults, modifications for working with children will not be covered.
Objectives
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Learner will identify when and how to integrate improv into trauma and anxiety therapy while ensuring client safety and containment.
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Learner will participate in improv exercises to experience how spontaneity and play support connection, empowerment, and safety.
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Learner will describe how improv serves as gradual exposure to fears in a safe, supportive setting.
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Learner will explain the neurobiological benefits of laughter and play in trauma and anxiety recovery.
About the Presenter
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Bella Barajas is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the owner and founder of Mind-Body Trauma Therapy. She earned her Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida in 2019. Bella specializes in helping adults and teens heal from complex trauma, childhood abuse, and anxiety, with a focus on nervous system regulation and developing self-trust.
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Bella is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS - Level 1), EMDR, and somatic practices. Bella’s approach emphasizes the powerful connection between the mind and body to promote deep, holistic healing.
Bella began studying improv in 2020 to work through her own fears and performance anxiety, discovering the power of spontaneity, presence, and connection. Since then, she has performed in three live shows and continues to integrate her passion for improv into her therapeutic work, guiding others toward greater self-compassion, creativity, and courage.
Thriving Vines Counseling and Consulting is approved to offer continuingeducation by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental HealthCounseling. Provider Number 50-42448 Exp. 03/31/2027
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Thriving Vines Counseling and Consulting is fully committed to conducting all activities in strict conformance with the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics. Thriving Vines Counseling and Consulting will comply with all legal and ethical responsibilities to be non-discriminatory in promotional activities, program content and in the treatment of program participants. The monitoring and assessment of compliance with these standards will be responsibility of the practice owner. While Thriving Vines Counseling and Consulting goes to great lengths to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, it recognizes that complaints do and will arise. We will do our best to anticipate problems and, when they do present themselves, will attempt to alleviate complaints as quickly as possible.
Grievance Policy
When a complaint, either verbally or written, is filed with the owner, the following guidelines are followed with respect to achieving resolution:
1. Complaints relative to a speaker or workshop leader, contents of instructional materials being presented, or an individual educational style being utilized, the individual voicing disapproval is requested to first address concerns to the presenter. If the presenter is not available, place his/her comments in writing. Owner will convey these comments to the speaker while maintaining confidentiality of the complainant.
2. If the complaint concerns a continuing education activity, its content, level of presentation, or facilities in which the event is being held, owner will attempt to resolve the mater as expeditiously as possible. If the offered resolution (resolutions may include, but
not be limited to partial/full refund of fees paid; credit toward future event) not satisfactory to the individual filing the complaint, then further action may be taken. In the later instance, the individual is requested to place his/her complaint in writing to the attention of the owner. The complaint is then reviewed by the owner. A written response will be issued within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint. Within 30 days of the resolution rendered by the owner, the complainant may file a written appeal to the owner. The decision of the owner is final.
Refund Policy
All refund requests must be made in writing within five days of the scheduled CE event. Every effort will be made to achieve resolution, including, but not limited to: refund of fees, substitution of course purchased, or credit provided for future course.
Please contact Brooklyn Hancock, Owner, Thriving Vines Counseling and Consulting, for additional information at 407-906-6167 or admin@thrivingvinescc.com