What is a Certified FOAT® Practitioner or Facilitator?

Becoming certified as a FOAT® Practitioner or Facilitator acknowledges your advanced training and experience to work with others. Certified FOAT® Practitioners and Facilitators receive the same foundational and intermediate levels of training (Levels 1 - 3). In Level 4, trainees receive supervision that is specific to their application of FOAT– thus, supporting the pathway toward Practitioner or Facilitator.

What is the difference between a FOAT® Practitioner and FOAT® Facilitator?

The primary difference between the two designations is the educational requirement. Practitioners must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the arts therapies or counseling fields. The Facilitator designation is for anyone interested in applying FOAT in other fields or for personal enrichment. See below for clarification:

• Certified FOAT® Practitioner: Must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the arts therapy field and/or credentialed by one of the arts therapies professions (ATR-BC, REAT, R-DMT, MT-BC, etc.); or clinical/counseling psychology, social work, marriage, and family therapy, or a related field in mental health.

• Certified FOAT® Facilitator: For those interested in using Focusing and the expressive arts for personal and/or professional application, such as in education, coaching, body-work, mindfulness and meditation training, spiritual direction, business, leadership, etc. 

What are the requirements to become a Certified FOAT® Practitioner or Facilitator?

Both designations require:

1. Completing all competencies and requirements for FOAT Levels 1 through 4.

2. At least 50 hours of documented expressive arts learning/training. These hours can be gained through in-person/online courses or workshops, and may be prior to or during the FOAT® Training Program.

3. Prior to approval, you will have a Certification Review:

   • Submit documents: degrees, transcripts, certifications

   • Submit documentation (list or transcripts) showing 50 hours expressive arts learning/training

   • Schedule meeting with the Training Director (to take place after the conclusion of Level 4)

   • Pay review fee. See additional fees page for associated costs.

If I don’t have an expressive arts background, do I need to take courses in expressive arts in order to become Certified as a FOAT® Practitioner or Facilitator?

Yes. There is a requirement of documenting at least 50 hours of Expressive Arts learning from in-person/online courses or workshops, completed prior to or during FOAT® Training.  

It is recommended that you take the following courses: 

• Foundational course in expressive arts (theory and practice)

• Variety of expressive arts that highlight art, dance-movement, music, drama, poetry, writing, intermodal, etc.

• Ethics in expressive arts

If I become a FOAT® Facilitator and later meet the FOAT® Practitioner educational requirements, can I change my designation to FOAT® Practitioner?

Yes, a title change from FOAT® Facilitator to FOAT® Practitioner is possible. You must send in an application with documentation of your license(s) for review. Please contact the Training Director at office@focusingarts.com for more details.

What will I receive as part of being Certified as a FOAT® Practitioner or Facilitator?

• Connection with the Focusing and Expressive Arts (FOAT) Institute

• Listing in the Focusing and Expressive Arts (FOAT) Institute directory of Certified FOAT® Practitioners and Facilitators

• Receipt of all mailings and newsletters

• To be part of a community to bring FOAT® to others and the world to enhance compassion, creativity, and inner wisdom

• Eligible to enter Level 5 to become a Certified Focusing Trainer (Professional or Therapist): Specialization in FOAT®, granted by The International Focusing Institute (TIFI).

Do I need to get recertified as a FOAT® Practitioner or Facilitator?

Yes - Every 3 years.  In order to become recertified, you need to stay actively involved in FOAT® practice.  FOAT® Practice groups will grow both in local communities, at the Focusing and Expressive Arts (FOAT) Institute, and internationally. The recertification is $150 every 3 years (price subject to change).