WHAT IS FOCUSING?

There are over 80 research studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Focusing. You can find a summary here.

Additionally, the creators of some well known therapies such as Somatic Experiencing and Emotion Focused Therapy acknowledge that their methodologies rely on Focusing as a foundation to their own therapies. The later, Emotion Focused Therapy, is backed by multiple randomized trials and has the highest success rate among all couples therapies. 

Focusing is not a form of meditation. It is an engaged process of self-exploration and self-healing.

It does share elements of quietness, acceptance, and present moment awareness, especially body awareness, but it is more than these. Focusing guides us to cultivate a new kind of relationship with our thoughts and emotions. In doing so, stuck patterns shift. We gain surprising and meaningful information about ourselve. There’s a strong sense of inner resolution and moving forward.

The easiest and quickest way to know if Focusing is something that might help you is to do a session. You can read articles and books, but Focusing is an experiential process. Similar to riding a bike, you cannot know what’s like until you actually try it.

I offer free sessions just for this reason. If you’re interested, read more and sign up here.

Alternatively, there are hundreds of Focusing teachers and guides. Many of them offer trial Focusing sessions. You can find these professionals here.

There are several ways to learn to Focusing. The two that I most strongly recommend are these:

1. Do a trial (free) Focusing session. This gives you a feel for exactly what Focusing is like. You can sign up for such a session with me here. Or you can look for another Focusing professional here.
2. Sign-up for a live, online (or in person) Focusing course. Such a class gives you the skills and experience to be a Focuser. You can read about my Focusing classes here. 

Alternatively, I have other offerings where you can learn and practice Focusing:

• Weekly Practice & Support Group
• One-to-one Sessions
• Practice & Support Network
• Beyond Addiction Program

You can read about all my offerings here.

In a Focusing session I simply guide you through the Focusing process.

Typically your eyes will be closed and you will be paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and body sensations as I offer gentle guidance and instruction. The most important thing is for you to get a sense of what Focusing feels like.

Afterward the session you’re welcome to ask follow-up questions and/or spend time integrating your experience and what you learned.

While many people consider Focusing therapeutic, and many therapists incorporate Focusing into their sessions, Focusing is not therapy (or counseling). It differs in several ways:

• You will not be asked to share details about your problems or history (although you may share if you like).
• You will not be psychologically analyzed or diagnosed.
• You will not be told what to do in your life or given advice.
• You decide for yourself how far to go with Focusing.
• The emphasis of Focusing is healing your relationship with yourself.