Training, Supervision, Consultation and Coaching
The Focusing and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute provides professional training in Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapies (FOAT and FOATS) with certification leading to two levels of distinction—Practitioner and Teacher-Trainer. Training consists of four levels and a certification track. Certification is granted by The Focusing Institute in NY (www.focusing.org).
After completing FOAT(S) level 3 (or its equivalent), you may apply to the Practitioner Certification track. After demonstrating proficiency at the Practitioner level, you may apply to become a Teacher-Trainer. The specific area of certification is dependent on your educational and professional background (as described below):
Practitioner Level
• Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapist (FOAT/FOATS)
-Masters or Doctoral degree in expressive arts, art therapy and any of the creative arts therapies (e.g. art therapy; dance therapy; music therapy; expressive arts; poetry therapy; drama therapy); or registration as an expressive arts therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.
-Focusing-Oriented Therapist: Specialization in Expressive Arts (FOT-EXA)
-Master’s degree or Doctoral degree in counseling, social work, psychology, etc. with professional license/credential to practice.
-Focusing Professional: Specialization in Expressive Arts (FP-EXA)
-Others without psychotherapy degrees
Trainer Level (see additional requirements )
• After demonstrating proficiency at the “Practitioner” level, you may apply to become a Certified Trainer within that category:
- Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy Trainer (FOAT-T; FOATS-T)
- Focusing-Oriented Therapy Trainer: Specialization in Expressive Arts (FOTT-EXA)
- Focusing Trainer: Specialization in Expressive Arts (FT-EXA)University of Hong Kong, Center on Behavioral Health Training 2010
FOAT/FOATS TRAINING WORKSHOPS: Levels 1-4
Foundation Training
Level I: Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy—The Basics
This course provides an introduction to Focusing-Oriented Art(s) Therapy (FOAT and FOATS):
Including its history; foundation principles; symbolization a felt sense in art/expressive art; the Focusing Attitude; felt sense; feltshift; life forward direction; Gendlin’s six-step Focusing method, and experiential listening. 
Level II: Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy—Intermediate Skills
This course introduces and deepens the foundational skills of FOAT(S) ® and the three main approaches of FOAT(S)®—Clearing a Space with Art, Focusing-Oriented Arts Psychotherapy, and Theme Directed FOAT(S).Clinical application and practice.
Advanced Training
Levels III: Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy—Advanced Skills
The content of Level III includes the development and competency in presence, Focusing skills, the Focusing Attitude, experiential listening, guiding (self-guiding and guiding others), art therapy/expressive arts therapy, and the basic methods and three approaches of FOAT(S)®. Clinical application, specialty applications (e.g. trauma, spirituality, health and wellness, children, adolescents, couples, and families), and practice.
Levels IV: Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy—Advanced Skills and Application
The content of Level IV includes clinical application to specialty areas as well as the application to trainee’s interests (e.g. coaching, business, etc.). Trainees continue refining competency in Focusing skills, presence and the Focusing Attitude, experiential listening, guiding (self-guiding and guiding others), art therapy/expressive arts therapy, and practice.
Individual FOAT or FOATS Training/Small Group: Individual and small group training is also available. Training is customized to individual’s experience and needs. A learning plan is developed with each trainee.
A Certificate of Completion is given after the successful completion of each level.
For detailed information and questions, please contact Laury at: laury@focusingarts.com.
In-Person or Distance Training, Supervision, Consultation and Coaching (available through Skype or similar web-based program).
SUPERVISION
Individual and/ or group supervision is available for those pursuing hours to become:
- Registered Art Therapist (ATR) with the American Art Therapy Credentials Board, as well as
- Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Association of Expressive Arts Therapists
Clinical supervision is provided for those desiring to increase their skills and training in:
- Focusing-Oriented Arts Therapy (FOAT/FOATS)
- FOT (Focusing Oriented Therapy)
- Focusing
COACHING
Focusing-oriented coaching services are available for those seeking to make changes in their life and want to achieve specific goals. Focusing is integrated to help you connect to your inner wisdom for aligning what is most important to you—and hearing the steps that will take you in the right direction to attain your vision. I offer coaching to address changes you to manifest in: work, lifestyle, wellness, health, and spirituality.
CONSULTATION
Laury Rappaport offers consultation to organizations, schools, agencies, and individuals in the following areas: expressive arts, art therapy, Focusing, mindfulness, group development, and self-care for professionals. Workshops and retreats are custom-designed to meet the unique needs of each organization, program, or individual. Contact us to discuss your needs and interests.
Workshop on Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy |
Workshop on FOAT |
