Dear Creative Friend,

Expressive Arts is like a living tree—rooted in a rich variety of disciplines and traditions, woven together into a vital core that honors both diversity and commonality, and holds tremendous energy and potential. Its branches represent the many ways practitioners bring this work into the world, while its leaves and flowers reflect the transformative impact it has on individuals, communities, and the world as a whole. Expressive Arts invites each practitioner—whether working professionally or cultivating a personal practice—to contribute their own unique voice and gifts to the greater whole.

A luminous tree, 

Reflecting your own light back to you.

-Kathleen

At Expressive Arts Florida Institute we practice and teach our own Creative Wisdom approach while deeply honoring each person’s unique way of engaging this work. We believe this diversity keeps the field vibrant, alive, and ever-growing. We welcome many voices—those of the founders and pioneers who established its roots, and those of emerging practitioners who are extending its branches in new directions. Grounded in the shared principles of intermodal practice, inclusivity, generativity, depth, and the belief in creativity as a birthright for all, we are supported by a strong and living foundation—one that both nourishes what is and continually makes space for what is yet to emerge.

Beginning this month and continuing throughout 2026, we are delighted to bring you a series of workshops and trainings that reflect the rich diversity and vitality of the expressive arts field. Spanning therapy, facilitation, and creative practice, these offerings embody the many ways this beautiful tree comes alive—through the hands, hearts, and unique gifts of each practitioner.

We begin this Friday with Creative Parts Work: Integrating Expressive Arts Therapy and Internal Family Systems, with Julie Collura, LCSW, REAT, and Tamara Knapp, REACE, LMHC.  The session is full, and we are offering it again in August and registration is open. And, on May 30,  Anin Utigaard, MFT, REAT, one of the field’s founders,  will present Removing Blocks, Creating New Paths—a five-hour training offering education hours  in both expressive arts therapy and facilitation, along with 5 CEUs. Anin trained in and taught the Person-Centered approach with Natalie Rogers,  and is one of the founders of IEATA. We are honored to welcome our dear colleague and friend Anin to our online community and invite you to explore this offering. 

And this is just the beginning—be sure to visit our upcoming calendar for the many inspiring trainings still to come.

 We invite you to pause and imagine: If expressive arts were a tree, what would that tree look like to you? What might it be saying? And perhaps more importantly—how do you see yourself within it? What unique colors, shapes, and gifts do you bring to its living form? How has it nourished your life, and how does it continue to shower its gifts upon you? Maybe you would like to paint it, move like its branches, and listen to its message. If you would like to be witnessed, you can share in our private FB group, here. 

Wherever you are on your path—just beginning, deepening your practice, or reaching toward new horizons—there is a place for you here. We would love to support your unfolding journey.

You may notice we have upgraded our website! We are excited about it, as we finish polishing it up.  This has been a true labor of love. If you are having trouble finding something, send us a message and we'll help point you in the right direction. 

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

Hands of Light

 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!