Clinical Program: Hybrid Pathway

Open to: Licensed Therapists, Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, Licensed Associates, and Graduate Students (preferably in internship)

This program provides a solid foundation in Expressive Arts (EXA) practices through experiential and didactic learning, and by encouraging creative inquiry. Special focus is put on creative practice, and the exploration of the intermodal process of EXA as we dive into a sampling of various arts modalities and prepare for offering EXA to individuals and groups.

“Now I see creative arts and the healing process as inextricably linked. I see them as symbiotically connected and truly strengthened by one another.”

-Chris Porter, former graduate – read more, here.

Upon graduation you will receive a professional certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. Earning this professional certificate meets the education requirements towards REAT. It allows you to claim that you use expressive arts therapy as a therapeutic approach and have received extensive training and a certificate from NWCEAI. See our FAQs for further information.

Join one of our upcoming Information and/or Mini Expressive Arts Sessions!

These are FREE, but registration is required.
Click on the date(s) and time(s) that work for you and sign up to learn more,

Training Program Info Session
You’ve spent years learning how to hold space for others. What if the most powerful tool you could offer was the creative process itself? Join us for a free information session about NWCEAI’s Professional Expressive Arts Training Program — a practitioner-level training designed for Mental Health Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workers, who want to deepen their clinical work through the expressive arts. Learn about our curriculum, our cohort model, and what it means to train in an approach grounded in humanistic, depth-oriented values. We’ll answer your questions, share what this training looks and feels like from the inside, and help you discern if it’s the right next step for you.

Friday May 22 | 8:00 – 9:00am PT – Information Session: Register here

 
Mini Experiential Workshop: Creative Beginnings
What does it feel like to make something — not to make it well, but simply to make it? In this free one-hour experiential workshop, you’ll be gently guided through poetry, visual art, writing, and somatic awareness in a way that is accessible, playful, and surprisingly revealing. No artistic experience required. Creative Beginnings is an introduction to the heart of expressive arts — the belief that the creative process belongs to everyone, and that something meaningful is always waiting to emerge. Come curious. Leave changed.
Online
Please have some basic art and writing materials available.

Friday May 22 | 4:00 – 5:00pm PT – Mini Expressive Arts Session: Register here

Applications are open: Apply here!
Submit your application by June 15, 2026
Level 1 begins August 2026

Program Requirements Overview

Professional Certificate received upon completion of Level One & Level Two

HYBRID level 1

program overview

August – December

Level 1 includes:

  • Over 65 hours of classes (asynchronous & hybrid courses)
  • 12 hours of mentor groups
  • 6 hours of individual mentoring
  • Clinicians can receive up to 30 CEs!

Check out the Clinical Hybrid
Program Overview

Please note that not all dates/times are finalized and all curricula are subject to change, based on faculty discretion.

Level One Objectives:

  • Understand the principles, as well as cultural and theoretical underpinnings of expressive arts practices.
  • Explore the principles of integrating multiple art forms (visual arts, movement, music, drama, writing) in therapy.
  • Engage in reflective creative practices to deepen self-awareness and personal growth.
  • Explore how expressive arts techniques can be applied to facilitate personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional healing.
  • Develop proficiency in facilitating expressive arts activities and invitations.
  • Learn techniques for creating a safe and supportive environment for the facilitation and practice of EXA.

Financial Investment for Level 1:

  • Synchronous & Asynchronous Courses: $3000.00
  • 6 Group Mentor Meetings: $595.00
  • 6 Individual Mentor Meetings: $570.00
  • Administrative Fee: $170.00
  • Materials Fee: $75.00
  • Level One Program Total: $4410.00*

**Travel, meals, and lodging during the in-person meetings are not included in tuition

Ready to Apply? Submit your application today!

Check out our FAQs!

HYBRID level 2

program overview

Following Level 1 Completion:
January – December

Level 2 includes:

  • 30 hours of classes 
  • 20 hours of supervision groups
  • 10 hours of supervision mentoring
  • 200 Practicum Hours

Check out the Clinical Hybrid
Program Overview

Please note that not all dates/times are finalized and all curricula are subject to change, based on faculty discretion.

Level Two Objectives:

  • Develop proficiency in using expressive arts activities and applications.
  • Engage in resources, research, and development of EXA modifications for various populations.
  • Learn trauma-informed approaches to expressive arts therapy.
  • Gain practical experience through supervised clinical practicum
  • Continue exploration of Expressive Arts modalities through electives coursework.

Financial Investment for Level 2:

  • Courses & Electives: $1500.00
  • Group Supervision Meetings: Program requires minimum 20 hours while acquiring practicum hours. 20 hours group supervision = $850.00
  • Minimum 10 Individual Supervision Meetings: $950.00
  • Level Two Program Total: Approximately $3300.00 (Investment total may fluctuate depending on timeline to complete 200 practicum hours)

Check out our FAQs!

Hear from recent alumni about why the Training Program may be a great fit for you!