Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therapy & Complex Trauma Certificate

This program will benefit Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal counsellors and therapists who are interested in developing clinical treatment techniques and strategies essential to healing of traumatic life situations presented by many clients. Focusing-Oriented Therapy is particularly helpful to practitioners who work with residential school survivors, addictions, and survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The program especially benefits counsellors and therapists who work in Aboriginal agencies and/or communities or in various other cross-cultural situations/settings.

Note: While this program is taught from an Aboriginal, land-based knowledge perspective, peoples from all cultures and ethnicities are encouraged to apply.

This program emphasizes both knowledge and application through classroom instruction, clinical practice (logged and supervised therapy sessions) and clinical supervision/observation. The program is highly interactive and experiential and is taught from an Aboriginal perspective.

Courses are open to certificate students only. However, all or part of the certificate can be offered on a contract basis and customized for your organization, agency or group. For further information please contact the Laura Glover, Program Coordinator at 604.528.5628 or counselling@jibc.ca. 

In addition to the certificate received from the JIBC, program graduates are eligible for international certification as a Focusing-Oriented therapist, from the Focusing Institute of New York. 

Required Courses (12 credits)

^{Note:  1 day is equivalent to 7 credit hours. A credit is comprised for 14 hours.}

Cost to complete the program is $4,301.50 plus non-refundable application fee (includes training materials). 

Individual course fee: $614.50 (includes training materials).
Note:  Course fees are due at time of registration.

Non-refundable application fee: $75 (effective 04/01/11)

Course materials are supplied when you attend class; if purchase of additional books or other materials is required you will be advised of the details when you register.

This certificate is open to anyone.  There are no formal requirements for admission, however students are selected based on their letter of intent, previous education, training, and/or experience and the strength of their reference. Please note that paraprofessionals who have been working in the field without formal training will also be considered.

• We recommend you apply as soon as possible, to allow for adequate time to process your application.
• Download an application form.
• Include a letter of intent, your resume and a work letter of reference with your application form.
• There is a $75 non-refundable application fee.
• Students are selected based on their letter of intent, previous education, training, and/or experience and the strength of their reference. Please note that paraprofessionals who have been working in the field without formal training will also be considered.
• Once your application has been approved, register directly with the Student Services Centre at 604.528.5590.
• We suggest registering at least one month before classes begin as seating is limited.

To check current course availability, select the course name above. If you wish to register, follow the instructions on the course listing.