Focusing - Learning and Using Focusing

Learning and Using Focusing

One can learn the focusing technique from the Focusing book, or from a focusing trainer or practitioner. Focusing is easiest to sense and do in the presence of a "listener" — either a focusing trainer, a therapist, or a layman trained in Focusing. Gendlin's book details the six steps of Focusing, which can also be taught as a four-step process, while emphasizing that there is an essence to Focusing which is a flow that is beyond steps.

Focusing is now practiced all over the world by thousands of people — both in professional settings with focusing trainers, and informally between laymen. As a stand-alone process, a focusing session can last from approximately 30 minutes to an hour, on average — with the "focuser" being listened to, and his verbalized thoughts and feelings being reflected back to him by, the "listener." Generally speaking, but not always, the focuser has his eyes closed, in order to more accurately focus inwardly on his "felt sense" and the shifts that take place from it. Focusing can also be done alone.