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The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) is a non-profit, professional organization founded in 1994 to encourage the creative spirit. Our inclusive, culturally diverse organization supports expressive arts therapists, artists, educators, consultants and others using integrative, multimodal arts processes for personal and community growth and transformation.

What are the expressive arts?

The expressive arts combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development. IEATA encourages an evolving multimodal approach within psychology, organizational development, community arts and education. By integrating the arts processes and allowing one to flow into another, we gain access to our inner resources for healing, clarity, illumination and creativity.

What we do

Build worldwide community and offer an open forum for dialogue

IEATA provides a professional guild and an international network for bringing the arts into the world for growth, healing, communication and collaborative learning. We sponsor bi-annual international conferences. Our website includes a wealth of information about our association and activities, including the option to join and renew membership online. We offer a searchable Member Directory and the IEATA Members Network, our online community, where members can connect with each other in regional groups; share images, videos or music; promote upcoming events; or post bulletin board listings such as job opportunities, RFPs, office space rentals, etc. We also publish a semi-annual, members-only Newsletter, and the quarterly IEATA News is sent by email.

Promote professional excellence and standards of practice in the field of expressive arts

One of IEATA's key missions is to promote professional excellence and ethical standards of practice. To this end, IEATA has established an application and registration process for Registered Expressive Arts Therapists (REATs) and Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educators (REACEs). These practitioners are guided by an established professional code of ethics, an expression of values and goals that help define our work as a professional community.

• REAT registration is designed for those using the expressive arts in psychotherapy.

• REACE registration includes expressive arts consultants and educators using the expressive arts in a broad range of approaches in education, organizational development, health fields and more.

Increase the recognition and use of expressive arts as a powerful tool for psychological, physical and spiritual wellness

IEATA engages artists, educators, therapists and other facilitators in all aspects of expressive arts practices. Our biennial international conference attracts more than 300 participants and presenters from around the world. We also cultivate relationshiips with other professional organizations and academic institutions to increase awareness and expansion of the expressive arts. Learn more >

Leadership

The inspired collaboration of our international board of directors nurtures IEATA’s heartfelt and democratic environment. Board members work through a wide array of committees and dedicate countless volunteer hours. Their caring and creative direction provides leadership, strength and forward movement of expressive arts around the world.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a member >