Trainings are continually being added, check back here for our latest updates!

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Level 1 FOAT® Courses

The following courses + Introduction to Expressive Arts meet partial requirements toward a Level 1 FOAT® Certificate of Completion. Additional reading and practice required.

 

TBA

Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts

This course provides an introduction to Focusing-oriented expressive arts (FOAT®) including: the history and development of FOAT®; a brief overview and evidence-based research of Eugene Gendlin’s Focusing; overview of expressive arts; introduction to core Focusing and FOAT® concepts: Foundational FOAT® principles; Focusing attitude; felt sense; symbol; felt shift; and the basic FOAT® step—accessing a felt sense and expressing it through the expressive arts.

 

TBA

FOAT® Fundamentals and Approaches

Introduction to core FOAT® practices and skills; overview of the main FOAT® approaches: Basic FOAT® Step; Theme-Directed FOAT®; Clearing a Space with the Arts; Working on an Issue; Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy Process.  Didactic with experiential practice of Focusing and FOAT® Basic Step . 

 

TBA

Theme-Directed FOAT® and Mindfulness

Applications of Theme-Directed FOAT®. This training will address the use of themes with groups, individuals, couples, and families, as well as for education, organizations, spiritual groups, etc. Mindfulness practice with FOAT® as a Theme-Directed approach will be included. Didactic and experiential.

 

April 10, 2016: Online video conference

Clearing a Space with Expressive Arts

The training introduces an exercise, "Clearing a Space with Expressive Arts". It provides many benefits including: stress reduction; accessing an inherent place within the self for wellbeing and emotion regulation. It can be used as a daily wellness practice.

 

 

Level 2 FOAT® Courses: Registration Open Soon!

The following courses meet partial requirements toward a Level 2 FOAT® Certificate of Completion. Additional reading and practice required. 

 

May 15, 2016: Online video conference

FOAT® and Compassionate Listening

This training teaches the fundamental skill of pairing compassionate listening with Focusing and the expressive arts processes. Compassionate listening helps to cultivate safety, deeper understanding, and is essential for the moment-to-moment processing of working with Focusing and the expressive arts.

 

June 12, 2016: Online video conference

FOAT® Solo and FOAT® Partnership Practice

This training has 2 parts:

1. FOAT® Solo: This training teaches the importance of being able to use Focusing and the expressive arts for oneself before applying it with others (Solo FOAT®). Audio and journal reflection are included to assist in FOAT® Solo Practice.

2. FOAT® Partnership Practice: This training teaches the fundamental skills and guidelines for FOAT® Partnership Practice. 

 

 

Levels 3 + 4  FOAT® Courses are In-Person

June 24 - 28, 2016 in Santa Rosa, CA  (1 hour north of San Francisco in beautiful wine country!)

 

Level 3: FOAT® Advanced Practice Skills in FOAT®

The content of Level 3 includes the development and competency in presence, Focusing skills, Focusing Attitude, experiential listening, self-guiding, guiding others, the basic methods and three approaches of FOAT®.  Blocks to Focusing and the expressive arts are explored, including awareness and working with the “inner critic.” Participants work in partnerships and trios with FOAT® supervision and feedback for gaining competence.

 

Level 4: Applications of Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts

The content of Level 4 includes applications to the trainee’s interests. Specialty needs are considered, such as working with trauma, addictions, severe mental health, chronic pain, health and healing, spiritual dimensions, etc. Training occurs with supervision and feedback as trainees begin applying FOAT® to their areas of interest.

 

 

Level 5 FOAT® Courses and Certification Courses

Begins September 2016

Advanced training includes hybrid model of teleconference and 2nd in-person 4.5 day intensive training.

 

• Advanced Training and Supervision: Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts for Psychotherapists

This course provides additional content information and supervision for applying FOAT® in psychotherapy.

 

• Advanced Training Supervision: Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts for Community and Educational Facilitators

This course provides additional content information and supervision for applying FOAT® in educational and community settings (for educators, artists, coaches, spiritual directors, etc.)

 

• Practicum in Focusing-Oriented Expressive Art

 

Note: Additional requirements to become Certified by the Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute to as FOAT® Practitioner or Facilitator; or Certified with The Focusing Institute as a Trainer, Professional or Focusing-Oriented Therapist.