EXPRESSIVE ARTS FOCUSING

Therapeutic studio art based on expressive arts practices that is applied in Focusing settings

Trauma-informed Expressive Arts Focusing (EXAF) is one of the programs of Expressive-Creative Arts in Focusing (ECAF)

Expressive Arts Focusing uses intermodal, Felt Sense-Based studio art to solve problems and heal emotional wounds from the present and past

Read More

EXAF is a body-focused approach embedded in the European Focusing culture, along with art and design

EXAF is an integrative approach that blends Focusing with the Expressive Arts

EXAF is a trauma-informed, bottom-up approach that promotes self-regulation, resilience and existential health

EXAF draws from a variety of approaches, but is primarily person-centered and experiential. It places the client's experience at the heart of the co-creative therapeutic process

 

developed by Freda Blob

The Felt Sense is a work of art in the making. Its beauty is revealed through painting, writing, role-play, and exploring movement and sound

EXAF: Focusing and Expressive Arts for Best Practice

Expressive Arts Focusing (EXAF) uses Focusing and toolsets from the Expressive Arts Therapies to help individuals and groups get the most out of their engagement with Felt Sense-Based arts

INFOBOX EXAF Principles

Expressive Arts Focusing EXAF follows the ethics of the person-centered and experiential approach. This means that the needs of the client are at the center of everything the therapist or facilitator does

Foundational Focusing and FOAT® principles (Eugene Gendlin, Laury Rappaport) are the main principles, along with Empathic Curiosity for Differences (Christiane Geiser) and Aesthetic Empathy (Friedl Dicker-Brandeis)

We also draw from principles of the Expressive Arts Therapies as defined by Paolo Knill, Stephen K. Levine, Shaun McNiff and Cathy Malchiodi

If you have felt stuck in traditional talk therapy, Expressive Arts Focusing (EXAF) may be especially beneficial

Start Your Healing. Add Felt Arts to Your Life!