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Why It’s Okay to Talk to a Teapot: Creative Narrative and Jungian Approaches in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy

Mar. 7, 2026

10:00 AM - 1:15 PM (EST)

Virtual Event
3 CE Credits
Discover how creative writing, fairytales, and symbolic dialogue can open new doors in trauma-informed psychotherapy. Through a Jungian lens, this session explores how imaginative engagement with archetypes and objects—like “talking to a teapot”—can help clients reclaim their voice, reauthor their story, and move toward integration and healing. Clinical examples will illustrate how narrative and symbolic practices transform silenced experiences into pathways for empowerment.

This presentation critically examines the role of creative writing, fantasy, and fairytale processes within trauma-informed psychotherapy, exploring how imaginative engagement with symbolic objects and narratives can foster healing, integration, and individuation. Trauma has been described as a rupture in narrative coherence that silences the subject and fragments affective experience, often binding emotion in shame or dissociation (Herman, 1992; van der Kolk, 2014). Creative writing, particularly when structured through fairytale forms, provides a symbolic container in which such experiences may be externalised and reimagined, enabling clients to reclaim authorship of the self and restore narrative agency (White & Epston, 1990). Situated within a Jungian framework, the presentation considers how archetypal motifs, shadow material, and the individuation process can be activated through imaginative storytelling (Jung, 1959/1969). The metaphor of talking to a teapot functions as an entry point into symbolic engagement, where the client can safely project inner states onto external figures or objects. Such imaginative dialogue creates both distance and depth, allowing traumatic experience to be encountered without retraumatisation. Fairytales in particular, with their recurrent archetypes and transformative structures, mirror the psychological processes of struggle, integration, and renewal. The session draws on my doctoral research, which examines the use of fairytale writing as a method for working with shadow material and facilitating individuation in psychotherapy (Brock, forthcoming). Clinical vignettes will demonstrate how the imaginative act of conversing with symbolic figures and constructing fairytales enables clients to articulate silenced experiences, metabolise trauma, and reauthor their identities. These practices will be contextualised within trauma-informed principles of safety, collaboration, and empowerment. The presentation seeks to contribute both theoretical insights to the field of trauma studies and practical interventions for clinicians who wish to integrate narrative and Jungian approaches into therapeutic work.

Session Highlights
  • Trauma and Narrative Healing – Discover how creative writing restores coherence to silenced and fragmented experiences of trauma.
  • Fairytales as Maps of Transformation – See how archetypal motifs and fairytale structures support psychological integration and renewal.
  • Talking to the Teapot – Learn how symbolic dialogue with objects enables safe exploration of traumatic material.
  • Clinical Stories in Action – Experience vivid case examples showing how storytelling fosters healing and reauthorship of the self.

This live interactive webinar is designed for behavioral health professionals, including:

  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychotherapists
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Substance Use Disorders Counselors
  • Case Managers
  • Physicians
  • Other Mental Health Professionals
Pearl Brock, PhDPearl Brock, PhD

Pearl Brock is a PhD researcher whose work explores the intersection of Jungian and post-Jungian thought, therapeutic writing, and narrative exploration as pathways toward individuation. Her doctoral research focuses on the use of fairy tale writing within psychotherapy as a means of engaging the shadow and fostering transformation. A Consultant Clinical Psychotherapist, Pearl is the Clinical Director of Think Well Psychotherapy Clinic in Mullingar and the Founder of the IAPP, an initiative dedicated to advancing excellence in psychodynamic psychotherapy. She teaches ethics and psychotherapy, and also supports undergraduate students in their academic development as a research supervisor. In addition, she works as a dream analyst, bringing a Jungian-informed approach to the symbolic material of the unconscious in clinical practice. Pearl holds a QQI Level 9 qualification in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Her clinical career spans over two decades and encompasses extensive experience with vulnerable and complex populations. She has worked across forensic contexts, with LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and those living with profound trauma and shame. Her practice is grounded in an integrative psychodynamic approach, deeply rooted in symbol, story, and soul.

After this training, participants will be able to:

  •  Describe how fairytale writing and symbolic imagination can be used to explore shadow material, shame, and unspoken aspects of the psyche..
  • Apply reflective and imaginative writing techniques to support self-understanding and deepen therapeutic insight with clients.
  • Integrate Jungian and narrative approaches into their clinical practice in ways that foster individuation, empowerment, and reflective growth

10:00 – 10:05 am – Introduction
Welcome and overview of the session, framing the role of creativity and symbolism in trauma-informed psychotherapy.

10:05 – 10:30 am – Trauma as Narrative Rupture
Exploring trauma as a disruption of narrative coherence and how imaginative writing can restore agency.

10:30 – 11:00 am – Fairytales as Therapeutic Blueprints
Unpacking archetypal motifs and transformative structures as pathways for psychological integration and renewal.

11:00 – 11:30 am – Symbolic Dialogue and the Talking Teapot
Demonstrating how symbolic projection enables safe engagement with shadow material.

11:30 – 11:45 am – Break

11:45 – 12:15 pm – Clinical Vignettes from Practice-Based Research
Case examples illustrating how fairytale writing supports healing, integration, and individuation.

12:15 – 12:40 pm – Reflective Writing Activity
Participants engage in a short symbolic writing or a fairytale exercise.

12:40 – 1:05 pm – Group Sharing and Reflection
Optional space for participants to share their writing, thoughts, and insights, with group discussion facilitated.

1:05 – 1:15 pm – Q&A and Closing Reflections
Final questions, takeaways, and closing remarks.

All levels (content will be accessible to beginners while offering theoretical and clinical depth for advanced practitioners).

Registration Cost

Registration $67 | Mar. 7 | Virtual Event | 3 CE Credits | 10:00 am – 1:15 pm ET

Registration Deadline:  Mar. 7, 2026

 

Cancellation Policy

All registrations are non-refundable. However, you may request a full credit toward a future training if:

  • You notify us at least 72 hours before the event start time.
  • Credit is valid for up to 6 months from the original event date.
  • No credit will be issued for no-shows or cancellations made on the same day.
  • When you register for an event, you agree to these terms

Please email info@clinicalevents.org to request a credit or reschedule.

A total of 3 CE credits are available.

Additional Approvals Pending.


ASWB ACE

Clinical Events, LLC, (provider # 2201) is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/01/2025 – 11/01/2028.

NBCC

Clinical Events, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved   Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7643 Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Clinical Events, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

NAADAC

This course has been approved by Clinical Events, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #320899, Clinical Events is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

NY State Board of Psychologists

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department\\\’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0292.

NY State Board of Social Workers

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department\\\’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0828.

NY State Board of Mental Health Counselors

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department\\\’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0329.

NY State Board of Marriage & Family Therapists

Clinical Events, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department\\\’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0140.

NJ State Board of Social Workers & Professional Counselors

The New Jersey Social Work Examiners Board accepts ASWB ACE Provider credits. The New Jersey Professional Counselors Board accepts NBCC-approved CE provider credits.

All Other States Social Workers & Professional Counselors

All other states accept ASWB ACE Provider credits and NBCC-approved CE provider credits. Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their jurisdictions. States and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Florida Certification Board

Clinical Events is approved by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) to offer continuing education programs (Provider # 5527-A).

Canada Social Workers

BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC accept ASWB ACE-approved provider programs to meet licensure renewal requirements.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Canada Counsellors

Clinical Events is an NBCC-approved provider.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Please contact us if you would like to inquire about applicable approvals for your continuing education (CE) needs.

Each professional is responsible for understanding and meeting the specific CE requirements set by their individual licensing board or regulatory agency. We encourage you to reach out to your licensing body directly to confirm how our programs apply toward your licensure renewal.

Questions:  info@clinicalevents.org

In accordance with continuing education standards and requirements, the presenter discloses that they have no relevant financial relationships, affiliations, or conflicts of interest to report.

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