The International Focusing Institute (TIFI) currently has three Advisory Groups: Children’s Focusing (CF), Thinking at the Edge (TAE), and Focusing-Oriented Therapy (FOT).
The primary purpose of each Advisory Group is to help identify meaningful actions that TIFI can take to support and advance its area of focus. This may include updating website resources, organizing events and conferences, fostering connections within the community, and helping TIFI carry forward the themes and practices represented by each group. In addition to generating practical initiatives, these monthly conversations often lead to rich and inspiring exchanges that spark new ideas and fresh directions.
Children’s Focusing (CF) Advisory Group
The Children’s Focusing Advisory Group was formed in August 2017 and originally consisted of Laura Bavalics (Hungary), René Veugelers (Netherlands), and Joke van Hoeck (Belgium). After Joke stepped down, Harriët Teeuw joined the group in 2023.
The CF Advisory Group has played a key role in strengthening TIFI’s support for Children’s Focusing. Its contributions include updating and expanding CF information on the website, organizing CF Roundtables, CF Academy and helping to develop and host Children’s Focusing Conferences.
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Thinking at the Edge (TAE) Advisory Group
The Thinking at the Edge Advisory Group was established in August 2020 with its original members: Nada Lou, Hanspeter Muehlethaler, and Evelyn Fendler-Lee.
Through the group’s efforts, and in consultation with other TAE teachers, TIFI introduced the TAE Proficiency Award in late 2022. As members completed their service, Satoko Tokumaru joined the group, followed by Beatrice Blake in 2026.
Many successful TAE initiatives have emerged from the ideas and discussions generated within this group, including online events such as the TAE Fest, the TAE Academy, the TAE Symposium and upcoming TAE Roundtable.
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Focusing-Oriented Therapy (FOT) Advisory Group
The Focusing-Oriented Therapy Advisory Group (Greg Madison and Jeffrey Morrison) serves as a place for reflection and discernment about the evolving needs of the FOT community. Like the other Advisory Groups, its members explore what the most appropriate next steps might be for supporting and developing its field of practice.
The group has contributed to initiatives such as the launch of the first FOT Academy and the ongoing enhancement of FOT-related resources on the TIFI website. Through its discussions, the group continues to help shape future directions for Focusing-Oriented Therapy within TIFI.
For more details click here.