Information and Overview

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. 

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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. 

     

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. 

  

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. 

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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.

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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.

  

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.