FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Students must have completed their Bachelor's Degree and are pursuing (or have already completed) a graduate degree in the mental health or arts field. In order to complete Alternative Training in Drama Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy, the student must complete a Masters or Doctoral level degree in theatre/drama, psychology, counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, special education, education, expressive or creative arts therapies, art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy, psychodrama, poetry therapy, play therapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, or therapeutic recreation. These are not requirements set by the Center for Creative Arts Therapy, but directly from the NADTA and IEATA. If you would like to inquire whether your degree meets these requirements, reach out to Leslie at LKane@c4creativeartstherapy.com.

The length of time varies with the individual needs of the students. The academic requirements take 2-3 years to complete, depending on the program. However, many students need 3-4 years to fulfill their internship and thesis requirements. Often this includes summer, fall and/or spring sessions.

After completing ALL requirements, including 24 credits, an internship experience, supervision and post-degree hours, students are then eligible to apply for the following registrations depending on their program track... Drama Therapy Program Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) with the North American Drama Therapy Association Alternative Training track. Expressive Arts Therapy Program Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.

Our trainings take place approximately one weekend a month on a Saturday & Sunday from 9AM - 5:30PM Central Standard Time. In addition to weekend classes, 5-Day Intensives are held every June. Each weekend course is worth 1 credit, while a 5-Day Intensive is worth 3 credits. You "rack up" your needed 24 credits by taking courses that meet your credit requirements. Courses are marked as either "In-Person Only", "Virtual Only", or "Hybrid", making it possible for those who do not wish to travel for every class to be mostly remote students. (Some required classes are only offered in-person, some travel may be needed to complete all requirements.)

Yes. Depending on the program, students must accrue 800-1,000 hours of internship with at least 2 different populations in order to graduate. Internship supervision is provided for an additional fee through the Center for Creative Arts Therapy.

1 Credit is $450 and each track requires 24 Credits total. Many students come into the program with 3-9 credits already complete. How many credits you personally need will be decided upon application and review of your transcripts. The only other cost to consider in addition to course credits is the cost of supervision, which will depend on your supervisor.

The first step is to take a trial class. This will allow you to experience the material, see how our classes are run and for us to meet you. You may choose any live (in-person or virtual) class to register for. After you take your trial class, if you decide that our program is something you'd like to pursue. Send an email to Leslie Kane at LKane@c4creativeartstherapy.com to learn what application materials are required. To register for your trial class, simply visit our Course Registration page and click on the class you want to take. You then add your payment information and you are registered and ready to begin!

Yes! If you are already a professional in the counseling field or a theatre artist, and are simply interested in expanding your knowledge with a class or two and gaining Continuing Education Credits, you can absolutely sign-up for classes as you please without completing the whole program.

There are limited needs-based scholarships available for currently enrolled students. If a scholarship opportunity becomes available, it will be publicized to current students.

The strongest applicants will have equally strong backgrounds in the arts, theatre and psychology. However, many candidates who demonstrate greater strength in one area over the other are also accepted. During the application process, we always look at the entire person: academic background, work/performance experience, personal statement and interview. In that the Drama Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy Programs requires advanced courses in psychology, we ask that all accepted students make sure to complete undergraduate or graduate psychology courses in Abnormal and/or Developmental Psychology before they begin their program study. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to read some of the major works of literature that comprise the drama therapy and expressive arts therapy body of knowledge, including studies of drama therapy, psychology, expressive arts therapy and theatre theory. Try visiting the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) and look at the suggested reading list.

No. The Center for Creative Arts Therapy is an Alternative Training Program meant to be completed in addition to a graduate degree from an accredited university. We are approved and meet all educational requirements for alternative training through the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) and the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA).​ * At this time we do NOT offer courses to acquire an REACE through IEATA.

Because we cannot guide international students on licensure and practice laws in their area, we do NOT accept students outside of North America into our full RDT or REAT Trainings programs. However, international students are welcome to take individual classes with us as long as the time difference isn't too much for you. Our classes take place from 9AM - 5:30PM Central Standard Time. If you are interested in learning more about finding a training center that can help with registration near you, we suggest checking out the World Alliance of Dramatherapy or the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.

The Chicago metropolitan area provides a great many opportunities for employment. Graduates have access to an array of contacts throughout the theatrical, education theatre, and mental health care industries. Currently, Drama Therapists are being hired in hospitals, social service agencies, schools, clinics, and theatres; many have their own private practices. Expressive Arts Therapists have been utilizing their skills as coaches, mentors and performing artists. For those traveling to areas where Drama Therapy or Expressive Arts Therapy is a relatively unknown discipline, we expect you to have a pioneering spirit and to advocate for the inclusion of Drama Therapy within many kinds of facilities.

For those of you that are traveling a great distance to be with us, you can find hotel information to accommodate your stay here.

Starbucks 1149 Ogden Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 836-2999 Coffee & light eats. The Baked Apple Cafe 1224 Ogden Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 515-9000 Delicious breakfast and lunch. Hearty portion sizes. Chipotle 1203 W. Ogden Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 963-1688 Mexican fare, burritos, salads, guacamole. Vegan and Vegetarian options. Mod Pizza 1022 W. Ogden Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 286-6775 Superfast pizza experience - artisan-style pizzas and salads individually sized, made on demand, and ready in just minutes. Vegan options. Additional food options exist in the Downtown Downers Grove area, which is near the Center for Creative Arts Therapy.

We do offer a few online work-at-your-own-pace courses. You can view our Online Training offerings here. Few of them count towards RDT and REAT requirements, however, we offer live virtual courses via Zoom that can be attended by remote students for credit. For online courses, you will have up to 30 days for 6 credit hour course, 45 days for a 9 hour course, and 90 days for a 15 hour course from the date of registration to complete it. Courses typically take the full amount of alotted time due to the nature of the courses, length of training videos, assignments, quizes and final project.

Materials that are included in these online courses may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of mental health professionals. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession's standards.

Mac Users OS X 10.9 Mavericks or higher (click here for system requirements) Latest version of Google Chrome Windows Users Windows 7 or higher (click here for system requirements) Latest version of Google Chrome Hardware Requirements for All Users 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended) 500 MB free hard drive space Speakers or headphones Webcam Internet connection with at least 4 Mbps download speed

LIVE COURSES: 4 weeks notice: 100% refund 2 weeks notice: 50% credit towards future Center for Creative Arts Therapy trainings THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS OR CREDIT WITH LESS THAN TWO WEEKS NOTICE ONLINE COURSES: Due to the nature of our online learning system, and proprietary information shared with students upon entering our Learning Portal, we do not issue refunds for our online learning programs/courses.

If you have specific questions that are not answered in this FAQ section, please email Leslie Kane at LKane@c4creativeartstherapy.com and she would be happy to chat further with you.