Are you passionate about the expressive arts and eager to embark on a career that involves creativity, healing, and personal growth? The world of expressive arts therapy offers a wide range of opportunities, from clinical to non-clinical applications, catering to various interests and aspirations.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll help you navigate the exciting journey of starting a career in the expressive arts.

1. Define Your Path: Clinical or Non-Clinical?

Before diving into the world of expressive arts, it’s crucial to define your career path. Are you interested in a clinical role as a psychotherapist, or do you see yourself pursuing a non-clinical route as an artist, teacher, facilitator, or coach?

Take some time to explore your interests and aspirations within the expressive arts field.

Consider the following questions:

• Do you want to work with individuals, groups, or communities?
• Are you drawn to the psychotherapeutic aspects of expressive arts or as a means of personal expression and growth outside of clinical settings?
• Are you interested in using expressive arts in education, healthcare, wellness, community development, or other settings?

Understanding your career goals will help you choose the right educational and training path—and there’s no wrong answer! The expressive arts can make a rich addition to any career path.

2. Assess Your Educational Background

Your level of education is a critical factor in shaping your career in the expressive arts.

Different roles within this field may require specific degrees and training. It’s essential to review your educational background and determine whether you need to pursue additional education to achieve your career goals.

For instance, if you aspire to become a licensed expressive arts therapist and obtain REAT® (Registered Expressive Arts Therapist) or REACE® (Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator) credentials, you’ll need to meet specific educational requirements.

3. Explore Different Programs and Schools

The world of expressive arts offers a diverse range of theoretical orientations and instructional styles.

As you embark on your career journey, take the time to explore different schools, institutes, and training programs to find the one that aligns with your interests and learning preferences.

Consider factors such as:

• Theoretical orientation: Some programs may emphasize Jungian psychology, person-centered therapy, or other approaches. Choose a program that resonates with your values and interests.
• Teaching methods: Look for programs that offer experiential learning, practical training, and opportunities for personal artistic expression.
• Location and format: Decide whether you prefer in-person or online courses and consider the geographical location of the program.

Exploring your options will help you select the right educational path that suits your career aspirations.

4. Define Your Target Population

Expressive arts practitioners often work with specific populations, such as children, adults, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or those who are incarcerated.

Identifying your preferred target population early on is essential for several reasons:

• It may influence the type of training and specialization you pursue.
• It can help you tailor your career and marketing efforts toward your chosen demographic.
• It allows you to align your personal values and passions with your professional practice.

Consider the unique needs and challenges of the population you wish to serve and explore specialized training or certifications that may be relevant.

5. Pursuing Credentialing and Licensure

Depending on your career goals, you may need to pursue certification and licensure in the expressive arts field.

REAT® (Registered Expressive Arts Therapist) and REACE® (Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator) are among the recognized credentials in the field. These credentials require a combination of education, training, and supervised experience.

It’s important to note that every country and US state has its own licensing board for psychotherapists. Please consult with your respective board for further information.

It’s essential to research the specific requirements for the credentials you aim to achieve and ensure that your educational and training choices align with these criteria. Many accredited programs offer guidance and support for obtaining these credentials.

6. Building Your Skills and Experience

Regardless of your chosen path, building your skills and gaining practical experience in expressive arts are crucial steps in your career journey.

Here are some ways to build up your expertise:

• Attend workshops and seminars: Participate in expressive arts workshops and training programs to deepen your understanding and practice of various art forms.
• Seek supervision and mentorship: Connect with experienced professionals in the field who can provide guidance and mentorship as you develop your skills. Many of our REATs® offer consultation.
• Create a portfolio: Document your creative work and projects to showcase your abilities to potential clients or employers.
• Volunteer or intern: Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or interning with organizations that use expressive arts in their programs.

7. Marketing Yourself as an Expressive Arts Practitioner

Once you’ve acquired the necessary education and experience, it’s time to market yourself as an expressive arts practitioner.

Whether you plan to work independently or seek employment with an organization, effective self-promotion is essential.

Consider the following strategies:

• Build a professional online presence: Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work, qualifications, and services.
• Network within the expressive arts community: Attend conferences, join professional organizations like IEATA, and connect with peers and mentors in the field.
• Offer workshops and classes: Share your expertise by teaching expressive arts workshops or classes in your area of specialization.
• Collaborate with other professionals: Explore partnerships with therapists, educators, healthcare providers, or community organizations to expand your reach. (As an IEATA member, you can leverage our Memberclicks platform to meet other professional members working in the field!)

Ready to get started?

The expressive arts are an exciting and fulfilling journey, no matter whether you aspire to become an expressive arts therapist, an arts educator, a facilitator, a coach, or something completely unique to you. There are so many different ways to follow the creative thread—all you need is a deep passion for expression, healing, and growth through intermodal expressive arts.

The expressive arts community is a welcoming and supportive one, filled with passionate individuals dedicated to the healing power of creativity. Your journey in this field can be as unique as your artistic expression, and with dedication and the right guidance, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others through the expressive arts.