canDID Expressions is dedicated to exploring and sharing the lived experiences of people who have trauma-based dissociation through writing and other expressive arts.

Our online groups and classes offer a safe space to create in a community of people with shared experiences.  Join us in our offerings below.

If you are interested in facilitating a writing or art group, please contact us with your idea.

If you have been harmed by mistreatment based on your identity, you can request scholarship funds.

In partnership with CALIF, we offer funding for individuals harmed by identity-based mistreatment, including bullying, harassment, threats, assault, vandalism, or other discrimination based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or similar identities.

After you submit your application, we’ll schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and the offerings you might find supportive. Once you’ve completed the selected activity, we’ll meet again to reflect on your experience and talk about next steps.

This is the writing group that inspired canDID Expressions!  We have been meeting every Sunday since the Healing Together conference in 2024.  Openings are rare, and by invitation only.

These interactive groups fosters community and connection through free writing related to life with trauma-based dissociation.  Whether you are a beginner or experienced writer, new ways of self-expression will emerge.  Invitations to share and receive comments from other group members are extended, helping deepen the experience of self discovery.  

Maximum number of participants: 7

Dates:   Nov. 25th – Dec. 16th (4 weeks)

Time:   10:30 AM – Noon   Pacific

Cost:  $30.00*

This process-based art class is designed to facilitate connections between you and your inner world.  You will need:  paper, pen, and colored pencils.  If you have fine liner pens and a larger tip marker, those will be helpful, but are not necessary.  The use of lines and shapes makes this approach accessible to all.

Maximum number of participants: 10

Date:  New session coming soon 

Time:   Pacific

Cost:. $10.00*

Paola Patel leads this 4 week course in meeting your part(s) through creative and gentle movement. In each class, participants may be invited to bring awareness to mind, body, breath, and part(s) connection utilizing a variety of music, journaling prompts, and group sharing. The beginning stages of the course will focus on resourcing our part(s) to enhance trust within the creative movement space. This class will also cover somatic (body) exercises to promote grounding and ease by learning how to activate a calming nervous system state.

Maximum number of participants:  9

Dates:  Mondays:  November 3rd – 24th (4 weeks)

Time:  9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Pacific

Cost: $30.00*

Join Kimberly Lee, JD for a two-hour, hands-on workshop.  She will guide us through a gentle introduction to the enchanting practice of SoulCollage®.  Using images, imagination, and intuition we’ll create collages representing our unique selves. With reflective journaling prompts, we’ll find meaning in our creations, accessing the inner wisdom that exists within us all. 

A background in art or writing is not necessary or required—anyone can enjoy this process!

Supply list:  Pen and paper/journal, 5×8 piece of cardstock or cardboard (or simply fold a regular-sized piece of paper in half!), 3-4 primary images of people or animals*, 3-4 larger background images (nature settings, interiors, patterns)*, 3-4 images of objects*,Scissors, Glue stick

*How to select these images: flip through magazines and tear out pages with images that resonate with you, move you, or somehow seem to be calling to you. Try to avoid overthinking it and simply go with what captures your attention. Don’t worry about cutting anything at this point—we’ll get to that in the workshop!

Date: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific

Cost:  Donation

Connecting with a fellow survivor who is further along in the healing journey can be transformative.  Bring your questions and situations to these 45-minute meetings to explore, gain insight, and problem-solve.  

Date:  By appointment

Cost:  $50.00

Your story is important, and writing can be a healing process.  Maybe you struggle with knowing what to write about, how to write without getting triggered, or how to move beyond merely describing what happened to making meaning.  We will develop an individualized plan based on your project, from single journal enteries to book-length narratives.

Date:  By appointment

Cost:  Agreed upon during initial consultation

Gather in community to work on your individual writing project.  These drop-in sessions begin with a quick greeting followed by 60 minutes of writing with others.  Wrap up with a goal for the month ahead.  

Maximum number of participants: 25

Coming soon!

Gather in community to work on your individual art project.  These drop-in sessions begin with a quick greeting followed by 60 minutes of creating with others.  Wrap up with a goal for the week ahead.

Maximum number of participants: 15

Coming Soon!

Cancellation Policy:  If you are unable to attend an offering you registered for, contact us a minimum of one week in advance to request a full refund minus a 20% transaction fee.  Cancellations a minimum of 3 days in advance will be eligible for a credit towards a future offering.

Art and Writing
Kristin Schultz leads this 3-week class combining art and writing.  In each session, participants will be guided to do some form of art:  drawing, coloring, painting, oil pastels, (scribbling!), whatever they choose.  Next, they will be guided to write about their creation or the process of creating.  Participants will then be encouraged to share their experience, insights, and/or their art or writing.  It is hoped that through this process of expression, reflection, and sharing that participants will connect with feelings and parts of themselves that can sometimes be difficult to access.  All levels of art and writing are welcome.  Come prepared with your choice of art supplies (which can be as basic as paper and pen).

Music in Writing
Tiffany Starkey leads this 4-week exploration of our relationship with music and how to apply it to the written word. When we write about music, we are the listeners. Participants will consider shared experiences with music-bands, albums, and songs. Topics include music genres, words, sounds, descriptions, and impact. Music backgrounds of all levels and types are welcome!

Dance Exploration
This is a 6-week exploration of embodied dance and movement.  Participants will focus on building mind-body connections for mindfulness, emotional co-regulation, resilience, empowerment, and confidence.  Topics include expression,  creativity, senses, element, form, and production.    Dance/movement backgrounds of all levels and types are welcome!