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Dear Creative Friend, Spring is in the air this first week of April which happens to also be the beginning of internships for nine students. Each one has designed a six week experience that they will facilitate for a group. They will also offer feedback to the other students, share their learning and mutual support. It is amazing to witness
them as they begin doing their own work as expressive arts facilitators. Each one is unique, shaped by their interests, setting, goals, and expertise. They each have created a plan to offer something brand new to their groups - something all their own. It is so exciting to see them take what they have learned in our training program and integrate their specific skill sets with their passions, in their own communities all over the country. It is truly an honor to see them step out on their own
and blossom into expressive arts professionals! When we started training others in 2011, we set out to do exactly this - to help others offer this work in the world in their own unique ways. We love training facilitators who practice expressive arts in settings that are not therapy (as well as training expressive arts therapists) because of our deeply held belief that expressive
arts is meant for everyone, not just those who are seeking therapy or counseling. Expressive arts belongs to us all and as facilitators we can offer a variety of experiences with purposeful intention, careful planning and preparation to encourage connection, community, and deeper understanding of self and others. It is such rewarding work and we are excited to see what unfolds for each of the students. It is like the blossoming trees in spring - seeing each of them bursting with
color! I took these pictures while traveling this weekend. Look at that color- it gives me so much joy to witness. I invite you to consider what you see emerging or blossoming in the natural world this week. If you feel up to it, take some pictures from different angles of
something that inspires or intrigues you. Zoom in, zoom out, move around it and look at it from different perspectives. Then write about what you see. Imagine your own blossoming - what color will it be? If you would like to share with us, you can do that in our private Facebook Group. We would love to witness you. If you are not already a member, please be sure to fill out the membership questions in order to join. You may also enjoy following Kathleen's personal
practice on Substack. |
We have opened up a few more spots for the next Heart of the Elder online workshop Claiming the Wisdom of Age. This is an online workshop, on Friday, April 10 from 1-3:30pm ET. Registration is also now open for the following brand new
events! Removing Blocks, Creating New Paths (live online training) with Anin Utigaard MFT, REAT® - May 30, 2026 | 12:00-5:30 pm ET - In this experiential training, you'll explore how expressive arts practices can help reveal, understand, and transform the obstacles that keep us from moving forward. Centering the
Circle (live online workshop) with Dr. Heidi Heft LaPorte, DSW, MSW - April 20, 2026 | 7:00-8:30pm ET - Missing the steady company of others who understand this work? This monthly gathering offers a place to come home to your creative practice—held in community, rooted in presence, and open to whatever is unfolding within
you. The FOAT Institute is hosting Kathleen and
Tamara for,The Creative Wisdom Approach: Embodying a 5-step Intermodal Expressive Arts Process (live online) April 20, 2026 - 6:00-8:00pm ET - Join us to learn about and experience Kathleen’s and Tamara’s
5-step intermodal expressive arts process that draws on the natural world and the deep inner wisdom accessed through the arts. They will share an intermodal sequence of checking in, nature witnessing, guided meditation, art-making, movement, sound, witnessing and sharing. Didactic and experiential with applications to clients, students, mentees, or workshop participants. If you feel called to explore things more deeply, we invite you to join us in one of the upcoming offerings below. |
NEW!!! Save the Date for the following events! Take a look at what's coming up for the rest of 2026! Registration
will open soon for these training workshops. |
Featured Self-Study Course |
Mandala: Universal Symbol of Transformation Discover the beauty and power of mandalas as tools for healing, clarity, and self-expression. In this self-paced course, you'll learn about their rich history and create your own meaningful mandalas with guided meditations, demos, and creative prompts. No experience needed—just your curiosity and a willingness to explore. *No previous art experience necessary All self-study courses contain detailed, yet approachable instructions, videos, and meditations facilitated by Kathleen & Tamara.
The imagery and guidance from this work can assist you, whether dipping your toes into expressive arts or seeking a deeper connection. *All courses come with lifetime access so you can refer back to them at any time! *No previous art experience is necessary! |
Tamara is accepting new clients in Florida seeking therapy services and support using expressive arts to heal and grow. Using her years of creative practice and a compassionate approach, she is able to help clients access their inner strengths and
create the change they most want in their lives. To inquire about services, you can go HERE, call/text 941-444-9585 or email [email protected] With gratitude and love, Tamara, Kathleen, and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team |
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