TO BECOME CERTIFIED IN FOCUSING-ORIENTED THERAPY (FOT)
Please note that certification in Focusing-Oriented Therapy is supplemental to training as a psychotherapist. It does not replace rigorous academic training in the practice of psychotherapy. One can only receive an FOT certificate if one is already a psychotherapist, as legally defined in one's own country, state or other jurisdiction.
- Your first step in receiving a certificate in Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy is to identify an Focusing-Oriented Therapist (FOT) Coordinator. Find one via "Find a Focusing Professional." Note that not every Coordinator is an FOT Coordinator, and that one can only receive an FOT certificate from an FOT Coordinator. If you aren't sure, contact our office before you begin your training to make sure that you will be working with someone who is authorized to offer a certificate in Focusing-Oriented Therapy.
- Each FOT Coordinator creates their own training program. Normally, training is over a two year period or more and will include instructional time, supervision, required reading and videos, Focusing partnerships, experiential exercises and practice sessions.
- Prerequisites: It is always a pre-requisite that you have training in psychotherapy (or be in the process of receiving that training), as FOT certification is supplemental to rigorous academic training in the practice of psychotherapy. (Note that many FOT Coordinators will gladly allow people who are not psychotherapists to receive their training, but the certificate such people receive is as a Certified Focusing Professional or Trainer.) Some FOT Coordinators incorporate basic Focusing training into their FOT training, but others will expect you to have already achieved a high level of proficiency in Focusing before you begin your training with them. Check with your FOT Coordinator in advance to find out whether your level of proficiency in Focusing is adequate to begin their FOT program.
- Coordinators of The International Focusing Institute have broad latitude to design their programs of study. There is not a standard curriculum, so it is wise to speak to at least two different FOT Coordinators to understand what their expectations are, and which person's program of study is right for you.
- When you begin your training, become a member of The International Focusing Institute at the Trainer-in-Training (TNT) level. We are here to help our members. Any issues that arise should be addressed directly with your FOT Coordinator, but we are happy to assist in any way we can.
- When you have completed (or are nearing completion) of your program of study, we encourage you to participate in the Advanced and Certification Weeklong. Some Coordinators may require attendance at "the Weeklong." The Weeklong is for advanced Focusers and includes a certification ceremony.
- When your FOT Coordinator is satisfied that you have met their criteria for certification in Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy, they will give your name to our office for you to receive your certificate. Fees for the certificate depend on your region. Note that completion of your FOT Coordinator's program of study does not, in itself, automatically lead to certification. When your FOT Coordinator submits your name for certification through The International Focusing Institute, they are indicating that they have confidence in your competency and readiness to practice Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy, not simply your completion of study.
- Once you have received certification, maintain your membership with TIFI. Our certified members are listed in our referral database on our website and enjoy other benefits of membership. Most importantly, your membership helps to fund our efforts to make Focusing more known and accessible.