Scott Doane, BACP registered counsellor in Eastbourne, East Sussex
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Focusing Therapy – as developed by Eugene Gendlin

Focusing Therapy, developed by Eugene Gendlin, is an approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of accessing and working with the body’s felt sense, or the bodily-felt experience of emotions and inner states. Gendlin, a philosopher and psychotherapist, developed this therapeutic method based on his research with Carl Rogers in the 1950s and 1960s..

The core concept of Focusing Therapy is that our bodies carry a wealth of implicit knowledge and wisdom that can be accessed through attentive awareness. Gendlin believed that our felt sense holds valuable information and insights about our experiences, and by paying attention to it, we can gain deeper understanding and facilitate personal growth and healing.

The process of Focusing typically involves the following steps:

  • Clearing a space: This step involves creating a quiet and focused inner environment by setting aside any distracting thoughts or concerns.
  • Getting in touch with the felt sense: The individual begins to turn their attention inward and notice the subtle bodily sensations that accompany their emotions or inner experiences. It may involve focusing on an issue or concern that needs attention.
  • Finding a “handle”: The person looks for a word, phrase, or image that captures the essence of their felt sense. This act of verbalizing or symbolizing the experience helps to clarify and deepen the understanding of the felt sense.
  • Resonating and checking: The individual checks the validity of the chosen handle by reflecting on it and observing if it resonates with the felt sense. This process allows for adjustments and refinement of the handle.
  • Receiving: Once a fitting handle is found, the person allows themselves to fully experience and accept the felt sense without judgment or analysis. This step involves creating a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards the felt experience.
  • Resolving and unfolding: The person continues to engage with the felt sense, gently exploring its meaning and significance. This process often leads to new insights, shifts in perspective, and potential solutions to problems or emotional conflicts.

Focusing Therapy can be used in individual therapy, as well as in a variety of other contexts, including couples counseling, group therapy, and self-help. It has been applied to address various psychological and emotional difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.

Gendlin’s approach emphasizes the client’s own inner wisdom and personal experiencing, empowering individuals to tap into their own resources for healing and growth. It is a client-centered approach that values the unique subjective experience of each individual and aims to facilitate their self-discovery and self-directed change.

Scott Doane