Courses and Groupwork for ‘the Centre for Creating Meaning’

The Centre for Creating Meaning combines the benefits of an experiential, client-centred therapy (derived from the ‘focusing’ process of Eugene Gendlin) with the expressive therapies and meditation. Once learned people can do focusing on their own and/or with others. There are a variety of courses being offered, some of which can be applied towards certification as a focusing trainer. Private psychotherapy sessions are also offered. For the meaning of focusing refer to web:www://bodymindfocusing.com. Director: Barbara Merkur, M.A., certifying focusing trainer

ART CLASSES/GROUPS for winter sessions, 2002

1) *PAINT YOUR HEART OUT:

An opportunity to witness and address your inner world through art-making, and to process the results in a sensitive environment. Focusing-oriented art therapy will bring new perspectives, awareness, and the vitality gained from releasing one’s blocks.

2) STUDIO ART:

Take time to enjoy the materials and receive instruction and encouragement from Lea Lion, B.F.A.  She will inspire your creative process and help you find your own style.

FOCUSING CLASSES/GROUPS:

N.B. It is not essential to participate in the introduction course referred to as ‘Listening from the Bodymind’ first in order to do any of the other focusing courses, except the experienced focusing group. The focusing courses are designed in such a way that you can begin anywhere.

3)*LISTENING FROM THE BODYMIND:

Learn to follow the steps of focusing in order to be able to access your thoughts and true emotions so that self-enhancing change becomes possible.

4)*TAMING OUR CRITICS:

Learn to transform the energy of the critics inside your head and those coming from external sources, for self-advancement and self-esteem. You will learn just how and why you are so vulnerable to your particular critics and how to change the relationship to get them on your side.

5)*EMOTIONAL ALCHEMY:

We will use as a point of reference, the book, Emotional Alchemy, by Tara Bennett-Goleman, to appreciate the importance of learning how to be with your emotions mindfully. Through focusing we will trace and provide healing to the source of some important emotions. 

OTHER GROUPS AND EVENTS:

6)EXPERIENCED FOCUSING GROUP:

People who know how to ‘focus’ are eligible to participate. This group will incorporate focusing, movement and expressive arts. Emphasis will be on personal work and group discussion.

7)MATERIALIZING THE UNKNOWN PLAYFULLY:

In this very exciting workshop you’ll be guided in the creation of an art object that you will come to treasure. You will come away with a renewed sense of awe and appreciation for the unique and complex being that you are. Facilitated by Grace Gross.  

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please note that future courses will be offered on such themes as: parenting, focusing using art, training to be a supervisor of art therapy, dreams,  spirituality,  bodywork, being in relationships and many more.

Those courses with an * are included in the package towards certification as a focusing trainer. Any six core courses are part of the requirement for certification (call or see web for this data). Otherwise, courses can be taken purely for personal interest.

Focusing helps all who learn it or are guided through it to improve their personal and professional lives on many levels (physical, mental, interpersonal, and spiritual).  It does so by generating an ability to finely attune to oneself and to others and to keep one allied with one’s purpose and higher functioning. Health professionals, business people, parents and couples all benefit from the philosophy inherent in Gendlin’s focusing.

Re instructor/clinician, Barbara Merkur, M.A

Barbara is the director of the Centre for Creating Meaning here in Toronto and is on the faculty of the Focusing Institute of New York as a certifying focusing trainer and coordinator. As well she has been a  teacher, supervisor, and clinician of art therapy for over 10 years.  Her specialties include meditation, focusing, art therapy, the expressive therapies, EMDR, relational therapy, eating disorders, breast cancer, depression, anxiety, children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Her practice incorporates yoga, art, poetry, music, movement, meditation, and focusing. 

Affiliated Assistants for the Centre for Creating Meaning:

Lea Lion: B.F.A., art teacher, art therapist, focusing trainer

Grace Gross: B.A., art teacher, art therapist, focusing trainer

SCHEDULE AND FEES FOR THE CENTRE FOR CREATING MEANING, WINTER 2002

FEES:

Fees for groups are to be paid prior to sessions and include full payment of $350 for the 10 sessions (N.B. some courses have special fees as specified below).  Cheques can be mailed to Barbara Merkur, 127 Denlow Blvd., Toronto, Ont., M3B 3J7 with indication of the course(s) you wish to participate in, as discussed with Barbara on phone or email.  (Postdated cheques are not accepted.)  If you must cancel prior to class beginning, all but $40 will be remitted. 

CONTACT:

Either contact Barbara at her email, bmerkur66@hotmail.com or her phone, (416) 932-8557. Note that classes and groups are accommodated to the interests of the respective participants. Private focusing sessions, individual or group, and training are also offered.

SCHEDULE:

Classes must have a minimum of 3 people to begin.

1) PAINT YOUR HEART OUT: Friday afternoons, 2-4 p.m. 

2) STUDIO ART:  Wednesday mornings, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. ($250 for ten weeks)

3) LISTENING FROM THE BODYMIND:  Mondays, 4:30-6 p.m. (this might be possible instead, from 7-8:30 p.m., if interest is indicated)

4) TAMING OUR CRITICS:  Friday mornings, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

5) EMOTIONAL ALCHEMY: Thursday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

6) EXPERIENCED FOCUSING GROUP: Saturday afternoons, 1-3 p.m. (two per month, dates to be announced) fee is $30 per individual class, or $25 per class if paid in advance for full package of four classes.)

7) WORKSHOP:  ‘MATERIALIZING THE UNKNOWN, PLAYFULLY’: Sunday, Feb. 24, 1:30–4:30 p.m. (maximum six people). Fee:  $45 plus $5 materials fee.

(note that in the spring, the new course Focusing and Relationships will be offered and Soothing the Soul)

Call Barbara Merkur at (416) 932-8557 and refer to web sites:

www;//bodymindfocusing.com and arttherapyinsight.com.

e-mail: bmerkur66@hotmail.com