Number 8, 1949 (detail)
Painting by Jackson Pollock
Photograph courtesy of Mark Harden

Founded in the mid-1970's, the National Institute of Expressive Therapy was the first and remains by far the most presitigous one of its kind anywhere in the world. Its mission is to empower students whose lives are entwined with the arts, encouraging them to become full-fledged healers of souls. To accomplish this goal, it provides superb professional education in expressive therapy and expressive arts therapy. The present format is ideal for this purpose:

• 1 and 2 year online programs, leading to Certification
  
• Online electives, short courses and non-credit courses
  
• Individual mentoring and supervision
  
• Specific experiential learning exercises keyed to each course
  
• Optional 2, 3 and 7 day residencies
  
• Recommended background reading
  
• Course-specific books, articles and tapes

The Institute is fully licensed. It is approved by The National Expressive Therapy Association. "There are those jobs (psychology and nursing are two examples) in which professional accreditation is more important than regional accreditation." Bear's Guide to Earning Non-Traditional College Degrees

Participation does not require an advanced academic degree. Graduates of the 1 and 2 year programs receive a transcript, and a letter of completion stating that they have successfully completed a program of graduate study plus intensive training. This can then be used to apply for Certification.

Partial scholarships are available to students making extraordinary contributions to human welfare with little or no financial compensation, and those in third-world countries whose economic standard does not allow them to pay full U.S. fees. (Apply after admission.)

Continuing Education Units (CEU's) may be obtained by participating in professional education provided by the Institute. Professional education is approved for continuing education on an hour per hour basis.