Expressive Therapies Category
Live Event

The Roots of Rhythm and Somatic Songwriting: The Healing Power of Music

Fri, Oct 16th, 2026
12:00pm – 3:15pm US Eastern Time
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About the Event

We are all connected, and rhythm is a thread that holds us and our world together.

This workshop begins with an exploration of the power of rhythm as a tool for healing and regulation, particularly in managing the trauma response. Rhythm is universal. Participants will explore the origins of rhythm and its connection to regulation. Rhythm is deeply embedded within our human capacity and is an incredible biological gift. By engaging in simple rhythmic and patterned activities, participants will discover accessible ways to promote regulation, restore balance, and reconnect with themselves and others. Current research regarding the relationship between music, rhythm, and mental health will also be reviewed to provide an evidence-based foundation for these concepts and approaches.

In the second portion of the workshop, the focus shifts from rhythm to songwriting as a tool for regulation, processing, and healing through Somatic Speed Songwriting. This method uses the five senses, thoughts, and feelings as the foundation for transforming lived experiences into lyrics. The therapeutic power of songwriting is well documented. In the Healing in Harmony program study, 91.4% of participants met criteria for anxiety, 90.4% for depression, and 36.7% for PTSD before treatment; following the program, these rates decreased to 14.3%, 15.9%, and 2.1%, respectively (Alexandre et al., 2025). This songwriting process—and the finished song itself—can become a reflection point and an externalized expression of an individual’s experience, creating opportunities for healing and integration.

Participants will learn a syllable-based lyric-writing approach that makes songwriting accessible regardless of musical background as a means of supporting expression and healing. Each participant will have the opportunity to practice creating their own song while being guided through the songwriting process. Additionally, one volunteer will have the opportunity to hear their lyrics come to life through a custom demo track generated in real time using an AI music tool.

Live Event
This live online event will be held as a Zoom Meeting. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions using cameras and microphones, and the presenter may incorporate breakout rooms. Participation via camera and microphone is not required to earn CE credit, though it is highly encouraged.

Live Event Instructor

Donna Lucero MA, LPCC, NCC

Donna Lucero MA, LPCC, NCC

Donna Marie Lucero (MA, LPCC, NCC) is a native New Mexican born and raised in Albuquerque, a University of New Mexico graduate (BA in psychology, with a minor in family studies; MA in counseling and a second Masters in Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies with a certificate in Race and Social Justice). Donna has well over 30 years of experience working with and for kids and families who have experienced trauma, mental health issues, poverty, and adversity. As well as extensive experience providing professional development/training to over 10,000 participants in various trainings, conferences and workshops. Donna strongly believes in the critical nature of early childhood development and the importance of healthy brain development, attachment and relationship for kids to grow to be healthy, productive adults. She believes strongly in the critical importance of family, community and social support, healthy relationships, movement, music, nature, and activity in helping people heal, grow and thrive. Donna has an extensive experience and training working from a trauma informed lens and strives to assure exemplary quality of care to the clients served from a trauma sensitive perspective. Training is provided based on the most relevant research in the areas of brain development, impact of developmental trauma and the strategies and resources to facilitate healing, mastery and integration over trauma. Donna brings knowledge from multiple models and trainings including trauma, early childhood development, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics; Attachment, Regulation and Competence; Circle of Security; Nurtured Heart Approach; Nurturing Parenting; Brain Gym; Growing Brain; in addition to a wide range of study and reading in research, theory and practical application. Donna has over 20 years’ experience as a clinical supervisor/clinical director providing ongoing clinical supervision to therapists and various behavioral health workers in agencies whose mission is working with the impact of trauma.

Target Audience

This live interactive is intended for Behavioral Health and Addictions professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage & family therapists, art therapists, school psychologists, psychoanalysts, music therapists, behavior analysts, school counselors, and addiction counselors. It is appropriate for beginner levels of knowledge.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Describe the concept of rhythm and how it develops early in life.
  2. 2 Explain the connection between rhythm, stress response system regulation, and other brain functions.
  3. 3 Apply the Somatic Speed Songwriting framework using the five senses, thoughts, and feelings as a clinical entry point for lyric creation.
  4. 4 Describe how the finished song functions as a reflection point and externalized expression of experience that supports healing and integration.
  5. 5 Observe the songwriting process from sensory processing through the creation of a finished demo track.
  6. 6 Discuss current research examining the relationship between music, rhythm, and mental health.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Faculty

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

Use our CE Approvals tool to look up your state requirements and how can help you meet them, or log in to your member account to show approvals relevant to your licensure.

Joint Accreditation (JA)

3 Psychologist CE credit hours
3 Social Worker CE credit hours Clinical
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
In support of improving patient care, CE Learning Systems, LLC, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
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American Psychological Association (APA)

3 CE credit hours Clinical
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
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Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB ACE)

3 CE credit hours Clinical
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, CE Learning Systems LLC is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credit(s).
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National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
CE Learning Systems has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5951. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE Learning Systems is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 3 NBCC hour(s) awarded.
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NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Sep 29th, 2026
This course has been approved by CE Learning Systems, service provider of Impact CE, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #192243, CE Learning Systems is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
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NAADAC Approved Education Provider

Florida Certification Board (FCB)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
Impact CE, a service of CE learning Systems, is approved by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) to offer continuing education programs (Provider # 5069A).
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Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
AddictionCounselorCE is an approved provider of the Missouri Substance Abuse Professional Credentialing Board (Provider #101). AddictionCounselorCE maintains responsibility for this course and its contents.
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New York Education Department Board of Social Work

3 contact hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
CE Learning Systems, LLC, (d/b/a impactce.com) 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. Provider #0060.
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New York Education Department Board of Creative Arts Therapy (NYSEDCAT)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
CE Learning Systems (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0008
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New York Education Department Board of Mental Health Counseling

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) 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-0072.
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New York Education Department Board of Psychologists

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
CE Learning Systems, LLC, (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for psychologists, # PSY-0016.
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New York Education Department Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) 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-0045.
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Virginia Certification Board (VCB)

3 CE credit hours
Eligible until Oct 16th, 2026
Virginia Certification Board educational provider # 106
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Event Agenda

Agenda times are listed in US Eastern Time. That is 3 hours later than US Pacific Time. The event starts at 9:00am US Pacific Time.

12:00-1:30 PM: Rhythm and Regulation
1:30-1:45 PM: Break
1:45-3:15 PM: Songwriting model, practice and demonstration

Policies

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If the activity must be cancelled by the provider, all attendees will receive an email notifying them of the cancellation. The email will also provide details about transferring the registration to another educational activity or receiving a refund of the registration fee. As always, you can contact our support team if you have questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

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