 CANY has recently returned to Connecticut - but not to provide direct service programs. Instead, we've teamed up with four different agencies and trauma expert Dr. Robert Franks to participate in a Learning Collaborative. The Learning Collaborative is an interactive and primarily experiential learning model. Participants, who are clinicians providing direct care services, learn how to use drama therapy tools and techniques through active participation in creative exercises and dynamic discussions, designed and facilitated by CANY. (A more detailed description of this learning model can be found on the National Child Trauma Stress Network website.) So how did we become involved in this type of project? The Tow Foundation in Connecticut, a long-time proponent of CANY, asked if we could develop a comprehensive drama therapy training program. We have provided in-service trainings at our partner sites in the past. This, however, is the first time we have been involved in such a comprehensive, long-term training program in the CANY model of drama therapy. Then we met Dr. Franks, and, through a Tow Foundation-sponsored event, made connections with Extended Day Treatment (EDT) programs that provide services to trauma-exposed youth. CANY decided to embark on this pilot training program. CANY Training Director Lucy McLellan has been instrumental in developing the CANY curriculum. "The Learning Collaborative has provided a wonderful opportunity for CANY to develop a training program that is truly comprehensive in nature. Over eight months, we will disseminate concrete drama therapy tools and techniques as well as the core principles behind the CANY model as a trauma-informed practice." McLellan went on to note, "We liked the idea of working with the staff at EDT sites where clients are typically seen over a longer period of time than in crisis care. The CANY model of drama therapy works well with long-term clients. The staff at these sites will be able to see the fruits of their labors. We've also had very positive feedback from all 22 of the Learning Collaborative participants. It's a pleasure working with such an enthusiastic group."
The goal for our participants is to integrate CANY's drama therapy model into their current model of therapeutic care with traumatized clients. The CANY E-News will revisit this subject in the future. We'll find out how the participants enjoyed the training and what sites we work with in the following year. | 
