Psychosocial Support, Community Wellness and Focusing (self-paced) On-line Course

Psychosocial Support and Community Wellness (PSSCW):

We, at Focusing Initiatives International, believe that each of us is intimately connected to our community and that our own wellness is reflected in and responds to the wellness of the community as a whole. That is what psychosocial support (PSS) is all about–the healing of the individual and their community–by enhancing wellness skill sets for both. 

Our program’s heart-centered approach blends self-care (for you and your community) with a variety of techniques for engaging communities in self-discovery that lead to individual and collective healing and resilience. You can register by clicking here.

This course is designed to enhance your community work, to bring healing, positive change and peace. Based on over 30 years field experience in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Japan, Liberia, the Middle East and Mexico, our modules will lead you through activities that: 

• improve community connections
• identify local paths to resilience to address local problems
• explore spiritual connections that can strengthen inner lives
• bring self-care into your own life

We welcome everyone who wants to experience the field of Psychosocial Support. You may attend the classes and actively participate as you wish.

Your are invited to see what our course is like by enrolling in our free Introduction to Psychosocial Support and Community Wellness. Click here. 

Course Format and Expectations for Certification 

This course has a series of modules which are designed work through at your own pace. You may work as fast or as slow as you like. Once you are signed up and have access to the course, you can work at whatever speed is most comfortable for you. 

Taking time to do each activity allows you to gain knowledge, participate in and practice the various community wellness techniques. Reading is important, but ‘doing’ is what matters in this course. And, each week you can participate in a zoom meeting where  you can share what you learn or problem solve with a group of like-minded people. You will find the conversations and connections engaging as you interact with others who work in the field of PSS around the globe. 

Policies/Procedures

Focusing Initiatives International (FII) promotes social change by supporting people and communities to develop wellness, inner healing, and creative solutions to local problems. We base our work on a deep vision of how human beings thrive when they are physically and emotionally safe, and free to secure their needs and shape their communities in ways that hold meaning and significance for them. It is grounded in the philosophy and experience of Focusing.

Disclaimer

We do not provide medical or any other health care or fitness advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The site and its services are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.

Diversity Statement

We at Focusing Initiatives truly value diversity. We learn from each other, and respect the uniqueness of each person, community, and culture. We honor what everyone brings to the world. Everywhere we go, we are in partnership with local people. We are not the experts – the members of the local community are. It is through openness and embracing our differences that we learn so much.

FII is committed to valuing the fundamental uniqueness of each individual we encounter, whether that person is an employee, a teacher, a course participant, or a client. Respect for the individual’s needs, goals, values, and point of view is at the heart of our mission.

All individuals, regardless of race, color, age, nationality, gender identity (including transgender and non-binary status), religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or status will be treated with respect and dignity.

Course Fees/Cost

The Course fee, per person, is payable before the start of the course or through pre-arranged payments and is $495 per person. You can register for this course here. 

Please consider making an additional donation to help cover the cost for those who cannot pay. 

Scholarships are available

Many participants in our programs live in regions of the world where they cannot access programs like ours because they don’t have the ability to pay. 

If you work in communities in the Global South, we invite you to contact us to discuss a scholarship. In lieu of payment, you will be asked to work with a local NGO or CBO to practice the activities and share what you have learned. This can be the agency where you work or one in your community. Together we can work to support positive local change. 

We work with many people in countries that have such low salaries that they cannot pay. 

Certification available

We do offer certification for our courses. Should you wish to obtain a certificate you must write to the instructor within the first week of the course. To receive a certificate you will: .

• attend a minimum of two weekly meetings per month as you work through the course. 
• comment and reflect on the recommended readings
• complete a minimum of 80% of the course activities and contribute to the discussions on Ruzuku.

You can register for the full PSSCW course by clicking here.

Or you can sign up for the free Introduction to Psychosocial Support and Community Wellness. Just Click here.