Coaching Certificate · 12 classes · Open to a wide range of professional backgrounds
Coaching Certificate in Expressive Arts
Creative, experiential training for coaches, facilitators, and helping professionals. Learn arts-based tools you can bring into your work immediately — and earn the REACE credential through IEATA.
12 classes
Duration
San Diego and online
In-person component
Hybrid
Format
Certificate
Credential
REACE eligible
IEATA registration
Arts-based training you can use right away
The Coaching Certificate in Expressive Arts is a hybrid program covering 12 classes of creative, experiential training. Drawing on the same foundational curriculum used across all EAI programs, this certificate is designed to fit professionals who want to integrate expressive arts methods into their existing coaching, facilitation, or educational practice — without committing to a multi-year degree program.
What you’ll earn
REACE — Registered Expressive Arts Coach/Educator
Granted by IEATA (International Expressive Arts Therapy Association), the REACE credential recognizes trained practitioners who use expressive arts in coaching, education, and facilitation contexts.
This is distinct from the REAT credential, which requires clinical training — the REACE is designed specifically for non-clinical practitioners.
Who this program is for
The Coaching Certificate is designed for professionals across a wide range of fields. If you work with people and want to bring the arts into that work — this program is built for you.
Coaches
Life coaches, business coaches, and personal development coaches who want to add expressive arts tools to their practice.
Educators
Teachers, school counselors, curriculum designers, and learning specialists integrating creative arts into educational settings.
Facilitators
Workshop leaders, community facilitators, and group process practitioners using creative methods for learning and change.
Helping professionals
Social workers, case managers, community health workers, and nonprofit practitioners working with individuals and groups.
Wellness practitioners
Yoga teachers, mindfulness instructors, somatic practitioners, and wellness coaches expanding their expressive toolkit.
Artists & creative practitioners
Artists, performers, and creative professionals wanting to use their skills in service of others’ growth and healing.
Clinical licensure is not required. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but alternative pathways are available.
What you’ll study
Our coursework integrates hands-on creative practice with theory and reflection across 12 classes.
- 12 classes of progressive education, training, and supervision
- Studio-based learning in the 5 art disciplines plus eco-poesis
- Blend of lecture, discussion, and art-making
- Academic readings, written reflections, and research projects
- Individual and group process work
Module K+ — Intermodal and Polyaesthetic Arts Foundations
The entrance-level training in intermodal expressive arts — Year 1 of EAI’s shared curriculum.
- Community Art, Intermodality & Polyaesthetics
- Intermodal Dance & Embodied Practice
- Intermodal Theater, Storytelling & Narrative
- Intermodal Music & Sound
- Intermodal Visual Arts (2D & 3D)
- Intermodal Poetry & Oral Tradition
- Biography as Resource
- Eco-Poesis & Site-Specific Practice
- Final exam
The Coaching Certificate covers Year 1 (Module K+) of EAI’s shared curriculum. Students wishing to continue to the Diploma or Master’s program can build on this foundation. See all programs
Ongoing supervision & support
Professional support is built into the program throughout — not just at the end. Students receive structured supervision focused on applying what they’re learning in real-world settings.
Monthly group supervision
Regular group supervision meetings throughout the program focused on practicum integration.
Professional development
Ongoing support for your growth as an expressive arts coach or facilitator in your specific professional context.
Real-world application
Supervision is oriented toward the work you’re actually doing — supporting applied coaching and facilitation in community, organizational, and professional settings.
Hands-on experience
Students complete supervised, real-world practice in community settings. Practicum hours can be integrated into your existing professional work — making it possible to fulfill requirements in the context you already work in. Expect a minimum of about five hours a week.
Additional training requirements
Method Specific Training
4 hours
Work one-on-one with an approved expressive arts practitioner. The Coaching Certificate requires 4 hours — half the requirement of the Diploma and Master’s programs.
Master Art Studio
60 hours
Deepen your identity as an artist alongside your coaching and facilitation training by studying a chosen art discipline.
Prerequisites & admissions
Required before applying
- Completion of the two-day online Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy course
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (human services, studio art, humanities, or related field)
- Alternative pathways available — contact admissions
- Clinical licensure is not required
Application materials
- Completed application form
- Letters of recommendation
- Admission interview (scheduled after application review)
The admissions process
Complete the intro course
Attend the two-day Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy.
Submit your application
Complete the application form and provide letters of recommendation.
Interview
Your application is reviewed and an admission interview is scheduled.
Enroll
Begin your first class in the 12-class program.
Is this program for you?
You want to bring creativity into your coaching or professional practice
You’re seeking structured training in expressive arts facilitation
You want applied skills, not just theory
You’re ready to use the arts as a tool for change in your existing work
Not sure if this is the right fit? Take the program quiz or book a free info session.
Program faculty
Judith Greer Essex
PhD, LMFT, REAT, ADTR
Founding Director
Trained as a dancer, Judith is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, and Academy of Dance Therapists Registered practitioner. A pioneer in the art-based therapy movement and author of Mastering the Practice of Expressive Arts Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide (2025).
Elizabeth McKim
Poet Laureate of EGS
Visiting Fellow & Co-Founder of the Field
A co-founder of the expressive arts movement and Poet Laureate of the European Graduate School, Elizabeth is senior lecturer in Lesley University’s Arts in Learning program. She has performed internationally, published seven books of poetry, and is a recognized expert in the oral tradition.
The Coaching Certificate gave me a structured foundation I didn’t know I was missing. Within a few classes I was using expressive arts tools in my facilitation work — and seeing real shifts in the groups I work with.
— EAI Graduate, Coaching Certificate Program
Ready to bring the arts into your work?
Book a free info session with our team — we’ll answer your questions about the Coaching Certificate, walk you through the program, and help you figure out if EAI is the right fit.
Prefer to explore first? Download the program guide
