Report No.
1
OPEN SPACE WORKSHOP
12. International Focusing Conference
Hohenwart, May 10. 14. 2000
TOPIC
Learning from the past
and moving forward
in training Focusing teachers
Initiator:
Bebe Simon (USA)
Partners:
Catherine Pichard (France),
Marine de Fremin ville (Canada),
Ton Coffeng (Netherland).
REPORT
It was possible to come to some agreement across different cultures and countries. We were then considering some criteria for defining a good focusing teacher:
1. Requirements being considered for qualifying Focusing teachers:
- one should be able to focus.
- sufficient practice of focusing (some years?)
- practice as an observer/ teaching assistant
- supervision (live/tapes) before & after qualification
2. Some knowledge & training in group-processes
How it influences individual focusing; how to make use of it.
To know the power of a group(+/-); harm it can do. How to create a safe climate in a group.
3. Personal qualities & skills.
To be open and flexible to individual needs and processes
4. Awareness of problems with beginners.
Individual problems with focusing(skill);emotional blocks;all kinds of inability(listening, getting a felt sense,etc. Pacing & timing.
5. Not to disturb spontaneous focusing
6. Creating a gathering space for experienced focusers (teachers) to come together for more practice. Continuing education...
7. Supervision re: the care for the group/ individuals & freedom for supervisee´s personal style and creativity.
8. Scheduled breaks (comfort stops)
to allow students to leave/stay; for feedback etc.
to digest; to pace.
9. supportive/facilitating athmosphere
To preserve many small details of past focusing workshops, conferences, weeklongs, changes etc. and make them explicit.
10. Requirements, qualifications certifications needs a nurturing athmosphere. Teachers should be connected in a network.
Suggestions / Recommendations:
Much more time and discussions...
Agreed Action:
None yet!
________________________________________________________________________