WHY NOW?

In these particularly tumultuous and challenging times, there is a growing need for both international and local connection. The widespread sense of isolation, polarization and fragmentation is unprecedented, making it more important than ever to gather in groups and empower community life.

It is a time that calls for the kind of embodied introspection and authentic relating that Gendlin points to in his unpublished paper “Fitting In, Pouring Out, and Relating.”

“Here is a new message: Those [fitting in and pouring out] are not the only alternatives! We do not need to pour ourselves out raw and blind, or go back to fitting in. There is a third alternative, a different way forward, a further stage.”

In this training we will carry forward this message of hope by spelling out the principles and skills of this “further step,” living into its promise.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM?

The first year will be an overview of studying and experiencing group process—how the development of the group strengthens and grows the individual and how attention to the individual develops the group. In the second-year participants will specialize in the kinds of groups they will be leading.


Participants will:

  • Explore Gendlin and Carl Rogers' writings and videos as they apply to group endeavors.
  • Study and experiment with how the principles and skills of Focusing can be applied to group conversation and embodied group relating.
  • Delve into how a Focusing approach can be integrated with other group models.
  • Develop our own unique style of facilitation.
  • Gain practical experience in facilitating groups with the guidance and inspiration of 2 different supervisors.
  • Develop leadership skills including:
    • Creating an atmosphere of openness, curiosity, thoughtfulness and connection.
    • Encouraging the quieter members to say more and the talkative members to be more succinct.
    • Nurturing the flow of conversation by welcoming, supporting, recognizing and appreciating the contributions of all the members.
    • Listening to the “more” of what is being said (verbally and non-verbally).
    • Tuning in to group process.
    • Recognizing and holding conflict.
    • Zooming in to micro-moments of interaction and zooming out to larger socio-political systems.
    • Helping the group speak about the “elephant in the room” by tuning in to the felt sense and speaking from experience.
    • Developing a felt sense of the “sweet spot” between chaos and rigidity where participants feel safe but not too

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE TRAINING?

The two-year training started September 2025.

A new class will start September 2026

Because we are accommodating a variety of time zones, we have two sections.

Section A meets Thursdays 11:30am - 1:30PM EST

Section B meets Tuesdays 7:30AM - 9:30AM EST

Both sections will cover the same content

Classes will meet bi-weekly, every other Thursday, and Tuesday for six 2-hour sessions, with small peer practice groups meeting on alternate weeks. There will be 3 courses in the first year and 3 in the second.

Students arrange their own small practice groups.

WHO CAN APPLY?

This program is open to all those familiar with Focusing who want to translate its principles and skills into group interactions. We welcome applicants from around the world.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION*

  • Completion of 6 six-week courses
  • A practicum: initiating and facilitating your own group
  • 6 supervision sessions addressing your group work
  • 100 hours of group experience
  • Two weekend workshops per year
  • A 20-minute project presentation as part of the graduation ceremony.

*Those who want certification from The Focusing Institute will have additional requirements.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

YEAR ONE: Foundations of FORGE Work


Three courses exploring core Focusing principles on group work. Courses will include:

  • Embodied Relating - developing a felt sense of the other and a felt sense of the group
  • Responsive Listening and Speaking in Groups - talking across difference and conflict.
  • Leadership and Facilitation Skills


YEAR TWO: Applying FORGE to Diverse Group Formats

Three courses applying FORGE concepts to specialized kinds of groups and developing your own leadership style. Specialties will include:

  • Community Empowerment Groups (talking across difference and encouraging diversity)
  • Group Therapy
  • Support Groups
  • Couples and Family Therapy
  • Experiential Teaching
  • Mindfulness, Meditation and Faith Groups
  • Workshop and Presentation Design

PROGRAM OPERATION & ADMINISTRATION

Classes will be held on Zoom.

Participants will pay $240 fee per course, paid directly to the instructor. Scholarships are available. Instructors will contribute 10% of fees toward program administration.

These dates are for 2 sections of the modules - Section A Tuesdays -
7:30 a.m.-9:30 EST and Section B Thursdays 1130- 1:30 pm EST

INTRODUCTION AND ORIENTATION
Sept.-1,26 - 7:30 -9:30 and Sept. 3 Thurs 11:30a.m.-1:30 p.m.

MODULE FOUR
A - Boston group B - Joan
A - Russel. B - Russel
A - Charlotte B - Charlotte
Sept– 8 &10, 22 & 24
Oct – 6 & 8, 20 & 22
Nov - 3 & 5, 17 & 19

MODULE FIVE
Dec - 1 & 3, 15 & 17
Break - winter workshop
Jan- 12 & 14, 26 & 28
Feb – 9 & 11, 23 & 25

MODULE SIX
March – 9 & 11, 23 & 25
April – 6 & 8, 18 &20
May – 4 & 6, 25 & 27

Graduation Presentations
June – 8 & 10, 25 & 27