(Level I) Introduction to BioSpiritual Focusing
Within the BioSpiritual Focusing Institute Network there are a variety of introductory (Level I ) programs that range from two hour overviews to multi-day BioSpiritual Focusing experiences. These programs generally include a brief overview of the origins of BioSpiritual Focusing, a review of the major steps of BioSpiritual Focusing and some guided experiences in Focusing practice. Emphasis is also placed on BioSpiritual Focusing as a spiritual practice.
These programs vary in length and scheduling dependent upon the Network Centers that offer the program. Check the “Learning Experiences” tab for more details.
(Level II ) Rediscovering the Lost Body Connection: Individual Focusing Practice
This is a program that covers the basics of BioSpiritual Focusing dynamics and provides the program participants with experiences in BioSpiritual Focusing. Classes include guided instruction and practice in individual Focusing using the Rediscovering the Lost Body-Connection within Christian Spirituality book as a text for the course. Program duration and number of sessions vary by the Network Center. There are also online offerings of this program that are available at various times throughout the year.
These programs vary in length and scheduling dependent upon the Network Centers that offer the program. Check the “Learning Experiences” tab for more details.
(Levels III, IV, V ) Companioning Education
Within the BSF Institute Network there are two types of advanced ( Level III and Level IV ) Companioning programs that are offered as well as a (Level V) BioSpiritual Educator (Train-the-Trainer) program:
(Level III) BioSpiritual Companioning
This program is to support the further development and education of BSF Companions. This series focuses on offering guidance and direction relative to a deepening understanding of BSF and the dynamics of Companioning another. The focus of this program is on the tools, techniques and interactions that are critical in Companioning practice. The program includes Companioning practice and assessment between sessions. In addition, there is also focus on the spirituality that underlies the practice and habit of BioSpiritual Focusing. Program duration and number of sessions vary by the Network Center. There is also a five module online offering of this program. Completion of a Level II program or its equivalent is a prerequisite for this program.
(Level IV) Advanced Companioning
This advanced program focuses on the dynamics of Companioning focusers who have encountered barriers or blocks in their focusing process. In addition, this program will provide some background information about the origins of inner critics and offer options for supporting focusers who encounter those critics and the “exiles” that generate them. A final module in this program will consist of an in-depth overview of the spirituality and theology that underlies the daily “habit of felt sensing” as a spiritual practice. There will also be the opportunity to focus with a partner on a weekly basis and receive coaching on one’s Companioning skills between the five monthly educational on-line modules. Completion of a Level III program or its equivalent is a prerequisite for this program.
( Level V ) BioSpiritual Facilitator/Educator
This program is designed for those who wish to teach (or assist in the teaching of) BioSpiritual Focusing. The program follows the outline of the Institute’s Facilitator Guide and includes in depth training in Focusing skills as well as the utilization of presentation tools and resources that are available from the Institute. Completion of the Level IV program or its equivalent is a prerequisite for this program. This program includes c0-instruction/mentoring experiences in Level III and IV programs.
BSF and Spiritual Direction/Pastoral Care
Within the BioSpiritual Institute Network, there are two programs specifically designed for spiritual directors and pastoral care ministers:
(1) Introduction to BioSpiritual Focusing in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care
This is a four hour introductory seminar focused on the utilization of BioSpiritual Focusing in spiritual direction and pastoral care ministries. It includes a brief overview of the underlying connection between BioSpiritual Focusing and spiritual transformation, personal healing and growth. This is followed by a review of the BioSpiritual Focusing steps and their potential applications in pastoral care. The program also includes guided reflections and real play examples of the BioSpiritual Focusing process.
(2) BioSpiritual Focusing in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care Intensive:
As a follow up to the Introduction to BioSpiritual Focusing in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care seminar, this program is designed to provide the participants with a basic understanding of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow and guided instruction in Companioning others on their spiritual journeys. This program consists of an initial weekend intensive followed by three single days spaced months apart. In the time between the single days, the participants practice “Clearing a Space” and Companioning a partner on a weekly basis as well as Focusing with the instructors. The weekend intensive covers the “Noticing” steps of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow with special emphasis on the dynamics of “Clearing a Space”. The first follow-on single day introduces the participants to the “ Being with the Felt-Sense” steps of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow and provides initial training and experiences in reflective responses and setting the context for Focusing. The second day provides insights into the “ Nurturing What Comes” steps of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow. There are more guided experiences in Companioning techniques and options in spiritual direction and pastoral care settings. The third day is dedicated to understanding the barriers that might be encountered in BioSpiritual Focusing and how to overcome them. Throughout all these sessions, emphasis is placed on BioSpirituality as a spiritual practice and habit.
