Focusing – pause and discover the wisdom of the body

Focusing emerged in the 1960s when the psychotherapist and philosopher Eugene T. Gendlin discovered that therapeutic progress is only possible when clients pause during a conversation – in order to compare what is being said with their inner experience.

From this insight, he developed the focusing method: a mindful, inner dialog between body and mind that can lead to surprising insights, noticeable relief and new perspectives.

The body – a storehouse of our life experiences

Today we know: Our most significant experiences are not only stored in our memory, but also in our body. The body has a deep, often holistic knowledge – beyond the rational mind.

In focusing, we come into contact with this knowledge via the so-called “felt sense”: an inner, often vague body feeling that embodies a certain situation or topic. It is similar to what we know as a gut feeling or intuition – but is more differentiated and can be perceived more clearly with a little patience and attention.

The mind – curious and open in dialog

With an open, inquiring mind, we enter into an inner dialog with these bodily sensations. We describe, name or illustrate what we feel – and carefully feel whether the description is internally consistent. This creates a lively exchange between body and mind, which can lead to deeper insights.

In this process it is also possible to ask the body specific questions and receive answers from its inner knowledge.

The “shift” – noticeable change

This often results in surprising “aha” experiences: new perspectives that are not only felt mentally, but also physically – in the form of a “felt shift”, a noticeable inner change.
Whether it’s a life issue or a specific decision – focusing is suitable for a wide range of concerns and can provide clarity and new orientation.

Expansion through other mindfulness techniques

On request, I can supplement Focusing with other methods:

• Open awareness from Buddhist meditation
• Bodyscan, the systematic inner sensing of the body
• Imaginations from trauma therapy
• or hypnotic suggestions, if you would like to immerse yourself in a deeper state of trance.

You are welcome to come to the session with a specific concern – or you can go on a gently guided journey into your inner world with an open mind.