Home > Professional Registration > REACE 

See general registration standards and requirements

Read REACE Ethical Guidelines>

Learn about the Registered Expressive Arts Therapist track>

Overview

Through the REACE registration process, IEATA recognizes individuals who bring creative process and awareness of multi-modal expressive arts into a variety of environments. We acknowledge facilitators who use expressive arts as tools for conflict resolution, organizational development, education, personal or professional growth, the healing arts, spiritual enrichment and more. While this work may be of therapeutic value, it is not psychotherapy nor does this registration give recipients authority to conduct psychotherapy.

The Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator uses a variety of arts processes such as visual art, movement or dance, creative writing, voice techniques, music and poetry. She or he understands the potential in using expressive arts in the above contexts and has working knowledge of the various art processes and materials.

These individuals may have formal training through academic settings or training institutes, or may have acquired experience through developing personal skills and applying them to existing jobs, or by creating work situations through a dedication to the arts and a desire to serve. There are two distinct tracks in this application process: a formal training pathway and a non-formal pathway. Each applicant should choose the one that best fits his or her education and experience.

While the expressive arts therapy environment requires an in-depth understanding of human development and psychological growth, those in the Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator field will have a broad spectrum of educational and/or professional backgrounds. These professionals may work in organizational development, management, health care, service organizations, primary, secondary or adult education, and a wide spectrum of additional environments.

We expect these individuals to have a solid understanding of human development and group dynamics. We hope they have the wisdom to steer clear of doing psychotherapy, unless appropriately trained and/or licensed, and should maintain a referral list of therapists where appropriate. They are encouraged to use the REAT referral list on the IEATA web site. Expressive Arts Therapy hours cannot be used as part of the Consultant/Educator application.

The REACE must hold to the highest level of integrity. In applying for REACE registration, the applicant should have a deep and heartfelt understanding of the ethics involved in working closely with individuals. In aligning with the IEATA mission and in receiving IEATA’s recognition at this level, REACEs will be expected to subscribe to a code of ethics required of all registrants, thus ensuring the safety, well-being and profound respect for those with whom they work.

The Consultant/Educator can be a facilitator for groups or individuals, for organizations and in academic settings. Some examples of Consultant/Educator roles and settings include:

• Facilitate or teach in a private institute or academic setting
  
  
• Guide or facilitate individuals seeking to reframe their lives
  
  
• Use the arts to assist a group or individuals exploring personal growth
  
  
• Bring the arts into schools or the private sector to work with at-risk youth
  
  
• Work with those facing the challenges of physical illness and/or death and dying
  
  
• Work with organizations and leaders to facilitate conflict and to assist in team building

By virtue of this diversity, Consultant/Educators come from a variety of training backgrounds. It is essential that the background supports the Consultant/Educator’s ability to interact an ethical and professional manner. He or she must be mature, professional and effective in facilitating conflict and in listening to honest feedback from group members.

top

General Registration Standards and Requirements

Download print version>

Two Pathways to Registration: Formal and Non-Formal Training

The expressive arts field has evolved over the last two decades into a recognized and viable profession. Historically, many individuals explored the arts from a place of passion and personal enrichment. Today there are many academic and training resources available to those wishing to enter the expressive arts field as a profession. Expressive arts is a widely used term to describe a multi-modal approach to arts education, consulting and facilitation. Still, many people have worked independently in the service of others without labeling their work as such. Their path has been self-directed, with a natural inclination toward cross-fertilization in the arts. For the purpose of the registration process, we are identifying two pathways – the Formal Training Pathway and the Non-Formal Training Pathway – outlined below. Through these two pathways, we honor both the formal academic/training path, truly a leap of faith for creative individuals entering this profession, and the non-formal self-directed path, passionately invented by pioneers in the field.

Registration Requirements

REACE Personal/Professional Competency

Completed applications should thoroughly document proof of the following competencies required for REACE registration. This should be evident through the Autobiographical Statement, Statement of Philosophy, portfolio entries and all application materials. We suggest you read these over before embarking on your application process to align yourself with the standards for registration.

General Competencies:

• Use of a variety of expressive arts modalities in facilitation, consultation or educational work
  
  
• Demonstration of personal use of and comfort with a variety of expressive arts modalities for personal growth and professional development
  
  
• Ability to practice expressive arts consultation/education work in a manner that encourages self-exploration and discovery through the arts
  
  
• Encouragement of clients/students to use expressive arts to express thoughts, feelings and/or to find resolutions
  
  
• Ability to work with diverse populations and to support and encourage a wide variety of creative processes
  
  
• Ability to work in concert with the student/client to set goals and to explore a variety of methods (using expressive arts) to reach goals
  
  
• Ability to articulate the philosophical perspectives that guide the consultation/ educational work being done
  
  
• A firm understanding and adherence to a professional code of ethics for Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator, as a representative of IEATA

Requirements

You must meet the following criteria for registration. Please submit four completed packets and title appropriate sections in your application to assist us in our review. Regarding experience, as the expressive arts field is still developing as a profession, we expect that expressive arts consultant/educators often work on a part-time basis. Therefore, we are looking for the amount of hours worked, rather than years of experience. These hours may stretch over a time period of five to 10 years or longer. Where you can identify years of experience, please do so, even if the hours were minimal. There is much to be said for longevity in the field.

A. Formal Training Pathway Only

I. Education

A Master’s degree in one of the following fields (it must be clear how this field relates to your work as an Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator). Three copies of official transcripts are to be mailed to the Consultant/Educator Committee directly from the academic institution in a sealed envelope. The envelope should show a seal or signature of the Registrar across the back of envelope. Only transcripts for MA or relevant degree are necessary.

Expressive Arts • Psychology • Education • Educational Psychology • Counseling • Spiritual Development or Pastoral Field • Social Work • Business Management • Organizational Development • Any of the Creative Arts

Note: You may qualify for registration if you have a Master's degree in a related field not specified above. As stated above, it must be clear how this degree relates to your work as an Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator. Please describe this relationship in the Education and Training Document.

II. Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator Work Experience

In addition to the Master’s degree, 2,000 hours of related work experience is required. This experience might consist of facilitating individuals or groups, and/or working with organizations. It is important that you describe how your work experience demonstrates multi-modal expressive arts consulting and education. We are aware that many consultant/educators work part-time, often establishing their roles in a developing profession. Please indicate the number of hours worked over a time frame of several years, specifying the hours worked per year as accurately as possible. For individuals with a crossover practice, such as expressive arts therapy and expressive arts consulting/education, it is very important that the work hours described fall under expressive arts consultation and education only. Please do not include your therapy hours.

Note: In completing the document for Work Experience we ask that you attach an additional page(s) that gives details of work done in each position. (See the Work Experience form in the REACE application for guidelines.)

III. Expressive Arts Education and Training

Applicant must show proof of an additional 200 hours of experience exploring multi-modal arts. This may be through a training/educational program, arts classes or through self-generated experience. Please include documentation of professional training in expressive arts and in your specialization (including workshops, private classes).

Note: In completing the document for Education and Training, we ask that you attach supporting documentation that describes your expressive arts training experience. This might be a letter of completion or documentation from an educational or training institute or from coursework attended, or a flier or brochure from workshops attended. (See the Education and Training form in the REACE application for guidelines.)

B. Non-Formal Training Pathway Only

I. Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator Work Experience

Where no Master’s degree exists, a total of 3,800 hours of related expressive arts consulting and education work experience is required. Please describe any and all work with individuals, groups and organizations in which you used the expressive arts. Please detail carefully the amount of hours you have worked. It is not necessary that this work has been performed at a full-time level, but rather it is anticipated that the work may have been part-time over a period of years. Volunteer hours may be included.

Note: In completing the document for Work Experience we ask that you attach an additional page(s) that gives details of work done in each position. You must include some verification. (See the Work Experience form in the REACE application for guidelines.)

II. Expressive Arts Education and Training

Applicant must show proof of 200 hours of expressive arts education and training. While applicants in the Non-Formal Training track may not have pursued formal training in the expressive arts, we expect that applicants have explored the various creative arts, however self-directed. This may be through self-generated experience such as educational courses, workshops, or mentoring specifically geared toward applicant’s field of specialization. Please list any formal workshops/classes attended, or describe as best you can, your experience in pursuing your knowledge of the various art modalities. This might include personal forays into exploring various materials, seeking an understanding of the relationship between the different art mediums, exhibiting your artwork, collaborative projects, etc. Please show the number of hours for each entry.

Note: In completing the document for Education and Training, we ask that you attach supporting documentation that describes and verifies your training/exploration experience. This might be a syllabus from coursework taken, or a flier or brochure from workshops attended or a brief confirmation from a mentor. If no documentation exists, you may attach a paragraph describing your expressive arts exploration. Please submit verification where possible.

C. Required of Both Pathways

Note: All written material will be treated confidentially.

IV. Cover Letter of Intent

Please include a cover letter of intention with your application. The letter should express your reasons for applying for the REACE. It will be helpful to include your anticipated role as well as settings in which you see yourself working as a REACE. The salutation in your letter should be addressed to the REACE Review Committee.

V. Autobiographical Statement

The consultant/educator is in a unique position to make inroads into environments that traditionally have not integrated expressive arts. This path requires unique training, creative thinking, confidence and a commitment to inner work. We request a 7-10 page essay (typed, 10-12 point, double-spaced) which describes your experience with the arts, past and present, and your personal growth work, particularly with the arts, including any therapy or spiritual/personal work completed related to the arts. Include any other relevant personal information you’d like to share. Include a self-assessment of your strengths and challenges. We would like to understand how the expressive arts have impacted your personal growth and professional development.

VI. Statement of Philosophy

Our field is defining itself through our many voices. This category provides an opportunity for you to crystallize your thoughts and ideas, and to describe your professional work and underlying philosophy. This should include both your facilitation philosophy and your philosophy in using the arts. We request a 7-10 page essay (typed, 10-12 point, double spaced) that describes how your philosophy is integrated into your work with individuals. Include your understanding of group process where applicable and your understanding of prominent ethical issues in your current consulting/education work. Additionally, please include any major individuals (mentors, consultants) and processes that have influenced your work.

VII. Portfolio

Portfolio Entry 1– Case Study
The case study documents provide an example of your work and philosophy with a particular individual or group within a multi-modal expressive arts approach. The case study explores observations of an individual or group in process, either within a session or over a period of time, and illustrates the effects of the process, as well as the outcome and your findings. For example, where did the individual or group start (their intentions and expectations for the process, and yours as facilitator)? How were they affected and changed by the work? You may want to consider a hypothesis.

The case study should describe the population served, the process and structure, challenges you met, as well as any conclusions and how they relate to your philosophy. Please limit your writing to three to five pages (typed, 10-12 point, double-spaced). If you include support material such as samples of artistic work created, please limit this also to no more than five pages. To protect the privacy of individuals, please use initials when referring to clients.

Portfolio Entry 2 – Personal Process
To truly understand the process through which an expressive arts consultant/educator guides others, it is important that he or she has firsthand knowledge of working with the expressive arts. Please submit a 3-5 page entry in which you share your personal work with the arts. This might be photos of art, poetry or other creative writing, or a description of a movement or music experience. Please include a brief description of your process (within the three to five pages). Here’s a chance to be creative.

VIII. Adjunct to Training and Work Experience

Describe any additional educational or professional activities that support your work as a Consultant/Educator: certifications, conference presentations, publications, specialized training, additional workshops, etc. Please include specific training or educational development that has helped you understand group dynamics and human development.

IX. Resume

Please submit a resume, which includes the following:

• Contact information: name, address, phone number, email

• Career objective: a statement of short and long-term goals

• Educational history: Most recent program listed first

• Relevant employment history: Most recent program listed first

• Professional memberships and any awards or certificates held

• Relevant interests or activities in which you are currently involved

• Please name three references who have knowledge of your work

X. Ethical Guidelines Agreement

Your original signature confirms your full understanding and agreement to uphold the code of ethics set forth by IEATA for the REACE registration. (The Agreement is contained in the REACE application.)

XI. Letters of Reference

Please request three letters of reference from professionals who have facilitated with you, supervised or observed your work. It is preferable for at least one of the references to be an IEATA member. Those writing letters will need to submit four copies, one with original signature, directly to the IEATA Consultant/Educator Committee. Please have them use the Letter of Reference form in the application packet.

XII. Promotional Material

Please provide samples of brochures, flyers, outlines of workshop formats, business cards, promotional kits, website address, videos or any additional artwork or pictures that depict the work you are doing.

XIII. Official Transcripts

Three official copies of transcripts must be sent directly to the Consultant/Educator Committee. Only transcripts for relevant degree are required.
For questions, please contact, consult-educators@ieata.org or call Kathleen Horne, 941-365-6466 or Karen Berg-Smith, 415-924-2163.

REACE application

Download general registration standards and requirements>
Download application for registration>

Ethical guidelines
View ethical guidelines>

Download ethical guidelines>

top