Focusing

Focusing is a method of self-awareness that helps to understand the body as a source of knowledge and meaning. It was developed by Eugene Gendlin, who researched why some therapeutic processes are profound and others are not. Change happens when a person learns to pay attention to the quiet, physically palpable knowledge within him – what Gendlin called the "Felt Sense". Focusing means to perceive mindfully and without judgment what shows up in the body. Feelings, sensations and thoughts are not analyzed, but sensed and translated into language. This attitude of presence, interest and openness allows something to move – naturally, without pressure.

How Focusing Works

Focusing connects body and consciousness. When sensations, images or words are allowed to emerge from the body, internal tensions and decisions often clear up. The body responds to understanding with relaxation, warmth or a sense of "yes, that’s what it is."
Thus, clarity can grow where before there was only unrest or confusion.

When Focusing Can Be Helpful

• in the case of inner unrest, decision or orientation
• Stress, overwork or exhaustion
• accompanying feelings that are difficult to put into words
• to promote mindfulness, self-contact and inner balance