Focusing

New: introductory Online Class starts DEC 3 — learning to listen to the wisdom of your body: Focusing Level I

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What is Focusing?

Inner Relationship Focusing, or Focusing, is an evidenced based, mind-body awareness practice. It is founded on the principle that each of us has, within ourselves, the capacity to find the answers we seek and heal ourselves.  

When we Focus, we turn our awareness inward and bring a friendly, welcoming attitude toward our inner experience (e.g. fear, happiness, anger, etc.), whatever it may be. With gentle curiosity, we accept what we find and listen in ways that allow us to access our inner knowing.

HOW DOES FOCUSING WORK?

Throughout most of our lives, our attention is directed outwards and we apply our minds — our critical thinking skills — to every problem. This habit can block our ability to access our deeper wisdom, the knowing that lies within. We might really want to change a habit or a feeling, but despite our best efforts, we can’t.

Focusing offers a revolutionary and well-researched alternative: we can pause, turn inward and then hold what comes (our thoughts and emotions) with compassion. This process allows new insights to emerge, encourages healing to happen and enables us to tap into the whole of our bodies (as opposed to being captured by our heads). Focusing is a simple, everyday tool that can help you break free from old emotional habits and tap into the wisdom of your own, deep knowing.  

WHERE DID IT ORIGINATE?

We were born knowing how to Focus, but most of us forgot. The good news is that it’s already there, inside of us. We just need to re-learn and practice this innate, natural skill.

In the 1960s, psychologists Gene Gendlin and Carl Rogers investigated the efficacy of psychotherapy at the University of Chicago. They recorded and analyzed hundreds of therapy sessions to determine why psychotherapy didn’t succeed more often and, when it did, what factors made it successful. Was it the therapeutic technique, the therapist, the patient or some combination? 

Their research showed that the key predictor of successful therapy was how the client spoke during the session. When the client took time to find the right words, often pausing to grope for a word or correct themselves, the client was more likely to have “successful therapy.” The trusting relationship between the client and therapist was also important and, interestingly, the type of therapy made no difference in outcomes.

Based on these results, they were able to successfully predict which patients would and would not have successful outcomes. Once he recognized the value of this process, Gene asked himself: why can’t we teach it? He went on to develop a method for teaching people how to Focus.

When can Focusing help?

  • When you’ve been hijacked by emotions

  • When you’ve felt blocked or stuck in some area of your life

  • When going through a time of transition

  • Anytime you’d like to access the wisdom of your whole body

Are you curious?. Contact me for to learn more

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO FOCUS? MARGI - WHY IS THERE A LINE ABOVE THIS SECTION - DON’T UNDERSTAND THE LOGIC OF THE LAYOUT. MAYBE MOVE THIS SECTION UP SO THAT IT FINISHES WITH THE “FREE CONSULTATION?”

While each of us was born with an innate ability to Focus, most of us have forgotten how to do it. The good news is that it comes back easily. We can rebuild this skill through classes, practice and/or one-on-one sessions.

HOW CAN FOCUSING HELP ME?

You know yourself better than any professional ever could. Hence, you hold the answers that you seek. While it might seem easier to look outwards for help, experiencing the gifts you hold inside yourself can be transformative and empowering. Focusing can help you tap into this awareness, build a trusting relationship with your inner self and lay the foundation for future growth.

Check out these testimonials to learn how students and clients experienced Focusing.