Creative Conversations

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

Creative Conversations is an eight-week evidence-based expressive arts curriculum for individuals experiencing social isolation. It is a person-centered program designed to be facilitated by a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) in a clinical setting. The program is grounded in the Empowerment Theory, resulting in each week of the program focusing on aspects of the empowerment process through expressive arts activities. Sessions will run one time per week for 60 minutes and will be supported by introductory discussions, various art mediums, debrief activities with discussions, and a collaborative art gallery.

Watch the Intro Video Below

Marissa Guldan, MS, CTRS

About the Curriculum Developer

Marissa Guldan completed her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation (TR) at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UWL) in May of 2022. Shortly after, she became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in August of 2022 and completed her Master of Science in TR at UWL in May of 2023. She has prior experience working in community and clinical-based settings and working with individuals and families of all ages and varying disabilities.

In addition, she has a passion for working with children. Marissa has been involved in working and volunteering with children and families throughout high school, undergraduate, and graduate schooling. Marissa is also pursuing an independent Child Life Specialist Certification as a part of her professional development. Her love of expressive art activities and working in community and clinical-based settings has influenced her research to focus on the impacts of expressive arts on reducing social isolation for individuals 18-25 years old with varying disabilities.

Curriculum Training

Training Overview:

Take the Pre-Training Quiz
Watch the Training Video
Review the Fidelity Manual
Take the Post-Training Quiz

Training Quizzes:

Click the link to access the quiz

The Fidelity Manual: Click Here to Download

Creative Conversations - Fidelity Manual Cover.png

Watch the Training Video Below

Client Assessment

Assessment Description/Explanation

NIH Toolbox Loneliness Fixed Form (18+)

This 5-item self-report questionnaire measures the perception that one is alone, lonely, or socially isolated from others. It utilizes a 5-point Likert scale with ratings that range from “never” to “always.” It will be administered prior to and at the conclusion of the program to measure the overall perception of loneliness, time that one is alone, or social isolation levels and any changes that occur.

Note, this assessment must be obtained from an online resource, free of charge. Acceptance to the organization's terms and use policy and a valid email address will be needed to obtain access to this assessment; however, the materials will be readily available when accessed. For further guidance refer to the Creative Conversations Fidelity Manual. It is recommended to complete this step prior to implementing the program.

PROMIS – Social Isolation Short Form (8a)

This 8-item self-report questionnaire assesses perceptions of being avoided, excluded, detached, disconnected from, or unknown by, others. It utilizes a 5-point Likert Scale with ratings that range from “never” to “always.” It will be administered prior to and at the conclusion of the program to measure the perceived level at which an individual avoids, excludes, detaches, and disconnects from known and unknown others.

Assessment Download and Upload

Program Evaluation

Program Evaluation/Description

Program Evaluation

The CTRS or another qualified person that assisted with the program will complete this evaluation the after each program. It will assess the overall program and is to be completed within two weeks of the conclusion of the program

Participant Program Satisfaction Survey

A Participant Satisfaction Survey will be completed by all participations at the conclusion of session 8. This survey is designed to assess the participant’s satisfaction with the Creative Conversation program after completion of the program

Program Evaluation Upload

Download the Program Evaluation HERE
Upload Completed Program Evaluation HERE
Download the Participant Program Satisfaction Survey HERE
Upload Completed Participant Satisfaction Survey HERE

Research Poster

This poster was presented by
Marissa Guldan, MS, CTRS at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Research and Creativity Symposium in the Spring of 2023