Q: I am interested in becoming an expressive arts therapist. How does your program help me with this goal?
A: ITI is not a degree granting institution. However, our 8 course program is a recognized therapeutic arts training experience by the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA). If you wish to become a registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) upon completion of the ITI program of study you would also need the following:

• A Masters degree in a related field (healthcare, education or art)
• 12 documented credit hours in psychology with a degree granting institution. Plus 18 credit hours (or its equivalent) in any art discipline.
• A 700 hour practicum (field placement) with supervision. After this you need to follow IEATA’s guidelines for post-masters additional field work and supervision. Please see IEATA’s website for more details (www.ieata.com)

Q: The information I have states that “classes are experiential” and “taught through a variety of expressive arts.” I am not familiar with this type of learning and am wondering what it is like?
A: It is best to take one of the introductory courses (Studio I or Imagery in Health and Healing) to have a first hand encounter with arts-based learning.  It means that concepts and ideas are covered through lecture/discussion AND various forms of art making. This serves two purposes: 1.) It provides sound academic information and 2.) It provides direct and abundant experience in the arts which is the foundation of Imaginal Tracking work.

Q: One of the courses you offer is Animal Assisted Healing. Would this course be similar to those that offer a certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy?
A: No. The animal assisted healing course covers how to bring animals into a therapeutic environment and the role of art in that engagement. Training for the animals themselves is separate.  Straja Linder King will provide interested persons with the details on how to obtain that training and certification for your companion animal.

Q: I want to clarify what the difference between certification in Imaginal Tracking and/or Expressive Art Therapy is. Is it the additional Master’s degree and a practicum?
A: Yes…ITI will provide its own certificate of completion for those who successfully complete the 8 course curriculum,…which counts as your therapeutic art training toward registration with IEATA once you complete practicum and supervision hours (700) and hold a master’s degree. (please note, there are 1,000 – 2,000 additional hours beyond the ITI program of direct work and supervision required by IEATA before you can apply for registration…please see their website for more details…www.IEATA.org)

Q: Is there a time limit to complete the ITI program of study?
A: There is no time limit. Adult learners need to work at their own pace.