by Deborah Koff-Chapin
I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Sheri Gaynor nominated me to take her spot as the Southwest Regional Coordinator for the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) since she is now a Co-Chair of the Regional Committee. I got the official word so I wanted to share this good news and tell you more about IEATA.
In case you aren’t familiar with IEATA, here is their mission statement:
OUR MISSION
The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association supports artists, educators, consultants and therapists using multimodal expressive arts processes for personal and community transformation. We provide a global forum for dialogue, promote guiding principles for professional practice, and work to increase recognition and use of expressive arts as a powerful tool for psychological, physical and spiritual wellness.
Many folks wonder what in the world are the expressive arts. Here is the official definition from IEATA:
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.
There are two professional credentials that IEATA has established:
*REAT (Registered Expressive Arts Therapist) registration is designed for those using the expressive arts in psychotherapy.
* REACE (Registered Expressive Arts Consultant Educator) 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.
One of my main goals this year is to apply to become a REACE. Even though the application process is quite intensive and extensive, I feel it is a positive affirmation of my 20 year expressive arts journey.
I encourage you to visit the IEATA Web site and take a look around. There is a wealth of information on colleges and institutes that offer both degrees and professional trainings in expressive arts. If you utilize the expressive arts in your work and aren’t a member of IEATA, take a look at the membership benefits. A project in the works is the creation of a Global Resource Network.
I am very excited about creating more buzz around both the expressive arts and IEATA. One idea discussed at the Southwest Regional Meeting during the IEATA conference is organizing a mini conference on the alternate year from the big conference. If you live in the Southwest and are interested in the expressive arts, I’d love to hear from you!
congrats to you! it sounds wonderfully exciting!
Congratulations, Silky!
Woo Hoo!! Congrats Silky-Girl!!! Yaaaaay!!!
Congratulations Silky!! You are going to shine in that position and do so much good for so many souls! Big hugs!
That is so awesome Silky! Congrats my friend!
Hey Silky,
Congrats. I’m going to check out this organization. As a writer who also teaches writing, this sounds like it could be a fun group to belong to.
Enjoy!
Giulietta
Thanks so much everyone! I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the plate for this volunteer position.
Congratulations on this fantastic honor and opportunity! I am confident that you will do an amazing job within this role!
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Hi:
I joined IEATA recently and also want to apply for the REAT status.
I’m trying to figure out how to get creative therapy training near Mesa, AZ. Please advise.
Thanks,
Stacey
Hi Stacey,
Delighted to hear you joined IEATA and want to apply for REAT status. There is lots of info on the IEATA site as to the process for becoming a REAT.
Prescott College has an expressive arts program and The Expressive Arts Institute in San Diego is fantastic.
Keep me posted!
Cheers,
Silky
Dear Silky,
Very happy to find that there is now a Southwest Regional IEATA division! My name is Dr. Paula Artac, and I am an adjunct expressive arts therapy instructor at Ottawa University at the Phoenix, AZ campus. What is of particular interest to me is the idea of an alternate “mini conference” in the alternate years of the main conference. Would love to discuss this concept more!
Hello Paula,
Yes, the “mini conference” is a great idea to generate energy and interest on a smaller level than the bi-annual conference. As the Southwest Regional Coordinaor, I represent Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Arizona — I know — not exactly the “Southwest.” Arizona is in the West-Rocky Mountain region. I just checked and a regional coordinator is open for that region. We’ve discussed how to put on an event (offer an expressive arts process and network). But, I’m with you, a “mini conference” would be more my cup of tea. Feel free to email me and perhaps we can do some brainstorming. Delighted to connect with you!
Silky