Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Training Program

Information and Overview

Update for 2026:

This year Dr. Laury Rappaport will be on sabbatical from teaching intensive FOAT® trainings at the FOAT Institute. She will continue to oversee the FOAT Institute and its various offerings, and explore ways to bring in support for scholarships and research. Focusing/FOAT teaches us the value of the “pause”... to allow a space to open… and allow the body creative wisdom to unfold. While Dr. Laury Rappaport is on sabbatical from teaching the Levels 1-4 trainings, we will be revising and updating the FOAT® Training Program to reflect this expansion to “Approved FOAT® Trainings” (information coming soon) and aligned with IEATA’s updated REAT/REACE requirements.

Click the section title below to skip directly to that information:

➜ Training Description

➜ Training Sequence

➜ Course Descriptions

➜ Faculty

T. Description

Training Description

The Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute provides introductory, foundational, intermediate, and advanced levels of FOAT leading to two certifications:

Certification as a FOAT® Practitioner or FOAT® Facilitator
- Granted by the Focusing and Expressive Arts (FOAT) Institute
- See Certification Page for details and difference between the designations.
Certification as a Professional or Focusing-Oriented Therapist (FOT): Specialization in Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®)
- Granted by The International Focusing Institute (TIFI)
- For certification as a Focusing Trainer: Specialization in Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®), additional training module is required.

Trainings are tailored to 2 applications:

Clinical: Psychotherapeutic applications (art therapy, expressive arts, psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, etc.)
Non-clinical: Such as coaching, body-work professions, community, organizational, ministry/spiritual, self-care, health, personal growth, and wellbeing

The Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute meets the requirements of the International Expressive Arts Institute Association (IEATA) to be an approved training institute. For those interested in becoming a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) or Registered Expressive Arts Consultant and Educator (REACE), please view the requirements through the IEATA website.

Training Sequence

The FOAT® Training Program begins with introductory courses that provide an overview of the main theory and practices of FOAT– and help you to see if you are interested in further training. Our trainings are designed so that you can progress through them based on your interests. After successfully completing each level, you may decide whether or not you'd like to continue to the next. We trust that your felt sense will guide you to take the levels of training and/or certification that feel right.

Note: Progression through each level and certification is competency-based. A Certificate of Completion is granted after the successful completion of each level.

Introductory FOAT® Training:

Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®)

We offer a self-study version of this course: Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Self-Study (3 CE). For Live Program availability, please check our Upcoming Calendar.

The following may be substituted for the Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) course, with permission of the Training Director (click here to email):
- FOAT workshops and courses presented at educational institutions or conferences

Foundational FOAT® Training:

Level 1: Foundations and Approaches of Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®)

Level 2: FOAT Facilitation and Partnership Skills

After successfully completing the competencies and requirements for Level 2, trainees will be eligible for the “Proficiency in Focusing Partnership Award” (granted by The International Focusing Institute– requires additional TIFI membership and processing fees). Click here for full award information.

Intermediate FOAT® Training:

Level 3: Advanced FOAT Practice Skills and Applications

Advanced FOAT® Training:

Note: Prior to Dual Certification as a FOAT® Practitioner/FOAT® Facilitator + Focusing Professional/FOT: Specialization in Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®), trainees must document 25 hours of Expressive Arts learning. This can be attained through in-person/online courses or workshops, and may be prior to or during the FOAT® Training Program.

Level 4: Integration and Application of FOAT into Practice

Certification:

After successful completion of Level 4, practicum (25 hours), expressive arts training (25 hours), and competence review, trainees are eligible for the following 2 certifications:

For full Certification information and requirements, click here.

1. Certified FOAT® Practitioner or FOAT® Facilitator (granted by the Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute)

2. Certified Focusing Professional or Focusing-Oriented Therapist (FOT): Specialization in Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) (granted by The International Focusing Institute; click here for additional information)

Note: For those interested in becoming a Certified Focusing Trainer: Specialization in Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) (granted by TIFI), an additional training module on how to train others in Focusing and FOAT® is required.

Course Descriptions

A Certificate of Completion is granted after the successful completion of each training level.

I. Introductory FOAT® Training

Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®)

This course provides an introduction to Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) including its history and development, foundational principles, and main theoretical and practice approaches. Based on Eugene Gendlin’s evidence-based Focusing, this training workshop includes learning the main concepts of Focusing Attitude, felt sense, symbol/handle, and felt shift.

The course demonstrates user-friendly expressive arts methods for expressing a felt sense and defines the following main approaches– FOAT Check-in, Theme-Directed FOAT, Clearing a Space with Arts, and Working on an Issue. Didactic presentations, experiential practice exercises and examples provide a rich, varied format for learning.

The following may be substituted for the Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) course, with permission of the Training Director (click here to email).

FOAT workshops and courses presented at educational institutions or conferences

II. Foundational FOAT® Training

Level 1: Foundations and Approaches of Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®)

Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to FOAT® or permission of Training Director

Level 1 provides an overview of the history, foundational principles, main FOAT approaches, and essential concepts and practices of Gendlin’s Focusing. Training includes didactic material, video, readings, demonstrations, experiential practice, and group supervision to learn the foundations of FOAT including: Focusing Attitude, Self-Focusing, Theme-Directed FOAT, Clearing a Space with Arts, FOAT Check-in, Working on an Issue, along with arts and verbal reflections. Level 1 emphasizes learning the foundational practices for oneself, along with beginning partnership skills of presence, witnessing and listening reflections.

Level 2: FOAT Facilitation and Partnership Skills

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 (or equivalent at educational institution) or permission of Training Director

Level 2 provides the foundational skills for facilitating others in FOAT experiences. A core practice within the Focusing and FOAT communities is the Partnership. Trainees will rotate partners to practice the fundamental FOAT exercises learned in Level 1. Challenges and blocks to FOAT/Focusing will be addressed, including working with the inner critic. Emphasis in Level 2 is on building your skillfulness to work with others, including deepening into presence, felt sense, compassion, and embodied, creative wisdom. The training includes didactic material, video, readings, demonstrations, experiential practice, and individual and group supervision.

III. Intermediate FOAT® Training

Level 3: Advanced FOAT Practice Skills and Applications

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 2 (or equivalent) and Competence Evaluation

Level 3 emphasizes: deepening facilitation skills with individuals and groups; applying FOAT to different populations (children, adolescents, and adults with different issues); integrating FOAT as a trauma-informed approach; and strengthening intermodal expressive arts practice. New learning structures are introduced including FOAT Trios (Focuser, Facilitator, Witness) and Peer Support Groups, along with the continuation of FOAT Partnerships and Coaching. Trainees learn to create and present a Group FOAT protocol, and design a Learning Plan to explore their interests and goals. Didactic material, videos, readings, demonstrations, experiential practice, and supervision are integrated in the training.

IV. Advanced FOAT® Training

Level 4: Integration and Application of FOAT into Practice

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 3 and Competence Evaluation

Level 4 provides advanced training and supervision in FOAT. Trainees create a practicum for practicing FOAT with others. Individual and group supervision are provided. FOAT Partnerships and/or Trios, and Peer Support Groups are integrated to further refine skills, increase competence, and support self-awareness and self-care through FOAT. Readings, videos, and other resources are integrated into the training, along with an individualized Learning Plan to support each trainee’s unique interests. Note: Trainees may begin their practicum after Faculty approval.

V. Certification

After successful completion of Level 4, practicum (25 hours), expressive arts training (25 hours), and competence review, trainees are eligible for the following 2 certifications:

For full Certification information and requirements, click here.

1. Certified FOAT® Practitioner or FOAT® Facilitator (granted by the Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute).

Prior to Certification as a FOAT® Practitioner or FOAT® Facilitator, you need to document 25 hours of Expressive Arts learning. This can be attained through in-person/online courses or workshops, completed prior to or during the FOAT® Training Program.

FOAT® Training Program: Faculty

The following Faculty members are Certified FOAT® Practitioners (FOAT Institute) and Certified Focusing Trainers: Specialization in FOAT® (TIFI).

Please note, the faculty for each program may be different. To find the faculty for a specific course, please visit that course's registration page.

Lead Faculty and Trainer

Laury Rappaport, Ph.D., LMFT, ATR-BC, REAT, pioneered the development of Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy (FOAT®) and Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®). She is the Founder/Director of the FOAT Institute, and a Certifying Coordinator, Focusing-Oriented Therapist, and Trainer with The International Focusing Institute. In addition, Laury is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA), Board Certified Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association, and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. She is the author of Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy: Accessing the Body’s Wisdom and Creative Intelligence, editor/author of Mindfulness and the Arts Therapies: Theory and Practice, and has published numerous other works. Through the Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute, Laury has brought training programs nationally and internationally throughout the world, including at the University of Hong Kong, University of Guatemala, and in Japan.

Doreen Meister, MA, LMFT, is a Certified Focusing Trainer: Specialization in FOAT® (TIFI), Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Practitioner (FOAT Institute), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - specializing in creative arts expression, existential contemplative psychotherapy, mindfulness, and developmental trauma. For over 15 years, she has been helping adults connect with their own natural, authentic resources to develop resilience, regulation, self-compassion and authenticity. She has a private practice in Oakland, California working virtually with individuals and groups. Her specialty areas of training include: FOAT®, guided imagery, somatic touch for resilience and regulation, self-inquiry and existential humanistic contemplative psychotherapy. In addition, Doreen has over 20 years mediation experience in non-dual traditions and expresses her creativity through jewelry design.

Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, Ph.D., RPsy, CSCLP, is a Clinical Psychologist, Professor, Expressive Arts-Based Practitioner, Clinical Supervisor, Consultant, Trainer, and Workshop Facilitator in the Philippines. Grace is a Certified Focusing Trainer: Specialization in FOAT® (TIFI) and Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Practitioner (FOAT Institute). Grace has been practicing in the field for over 20 years. She is also the Executive Director of the Integrative Lifestyle And Well-being (ILAW) Center and has served as the Chair of the Department of Psychology at Miriam College. Her work and research include arts-based psychosocial interventions for different communities, mindfulness and FOAT interventions, family and human development, mental health and wellbeing, psychological assessment, child abuse, disaster psychology and resilience, internal displacement, street families, and cyberpsychology. Grace is appreciated for cultivating attunement, inner composure, and resilience among her clients.

Lynn Pollock, MA, LMHC, REAT, is an Expressive Arts Therapist in private practice in Massachusetts. Her clinical work includes over 14 years of experience working in community-based services with children and their families, and in her private practice she specializes in working with adults who struggle with mood, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment issues. Lynn received her Master’s degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. She is a Certified Focusing Trainer: Specialization in FOAT® (TIFI) and Certified FOAT® Practitioner (FOAT Institute). She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and is fascinated by the intersection between EMDR and focusing. She has also recently co-produced a series of training videos, Creative Inspirations from the Field: Staying Engaged with the Arts.

Marise Lariviere, LMFT, ATR, TCF, received her Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University in California. She is a Certified Focusing Trainer: Specialization in FOAT® (TIFI), a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Practitioner (FOAT Institute), and a Registered Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association. Marise’s passion for the visual arts inspired her to acquire artistic skills in a variety of media and to experience the profound value of art for self-expression. She now uses the expressive arts to help others access their own inner knowing for positive growth and healing through a wide range of mindful creative experiences. Marise is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Quebec, Canada.