Focusing Testimonials

Focusing makes a direct mind-body connection. Dr Gendlin's basic premise is that we are not split. We are whole,integrated organisms, and my experience of Focusing confirms this. If I have a problem, an issue, a conflict or a decision to make, I go to the body for an answer. I pay attention to the inner 'felt sense' in my body. When I sit with the subtle feelings and sensations in the body with interested curiosity, they become stronger and clearer, and begin to speak to me. I hear how it is feeling from its point of view. I become acutely aware of how this problem or issue is being carried in my body. This special kind of attention changes what is held in my body. This in no way negates what is happening in my mind or my feelings. Rather, it includes it.
Fiona Parr

'It's been really helpful to do this course - great! Having done Focusing originally many years ago, the key difference for me has been in learning about presence language. I also feel I have really shifted in how I relate to some of my experience. I feel I have some tools that I can use when life feels tough or difficult, and ways of relating to my inner experience that have become more and more familiar and natural. I think that's been the most beneficial. Something I can do alone as well as in a Focusing exchange is really helpful.Thanks Fiona - you've been a great teacher creating a safe space and guiding us through a whole range of Focusing skills with endless patience, good humour and kindness.'
Wendy Hearn
August 2005. Wendy is a massage therapist and can be reached on 01803 865091

'I didn't know anything about Focusing when I first thought about signing up for the course. A friend who is an experienced Focuser recommended learning with Fiona as a good way for me to look at the fears I had, to do with my health. My friend accompanied me in the Focusing process on a few occasions and I found the sessions extremely powerful.

Each part of the five Focusing weekends fed a growing interest. I discovered more and more about Focusing, and the ways I can be in touch with parts of myself that I am only just discovering exist. When Focusing is going well the process seems simple, uncomplicated and clear even though what is happening is amazingly complex. I am addressing my fears about getting caught up in people's problems, through the work I am doing on presence and empathic listening. I feel I am gradually understanding more about boundaries and how to keep them, and in so doing, protect myself and keep a safe space for this kind of work.

An unexpected benefit of learning Focusing has been that on three occasions now I have accompanied my daughter. The first time happened spontaneously when she rang me from Leeds, when it was obvious that she needed support but I felt it was beyond me to offer anything constructive - and we were getting in a real tangle. Then I remembered Focusing. I asked her if she wanted to try it and she said yes. To my surprise, she was able to Focus very easily and found the whole experience really useful. She said she could feel really supported without feeling that she would be worrying me, since there was no need to mention details. It was a real revelation to both of us that I could give this kind of support. We both find the whole process fascinating and very moving.
Jill Beagley

I am part of an ongoing group that meets regularly. I have really enjoyed all the reading from the Focusing Student's and Companion's Manuals by Barbara McGavin and Ann Weiser Cornell, which I think are excellent, and I have found it invaluable to have researched for and written up this Part 5 Record of Learning as part of Fiona' course. Doing academic work is not my strength, so enjoying it has been another very unexpected benefit.'

'One of my main learnings is to be in presence when being a Focuser or Companion. Now presence is enough so that I don't have to do a great deal of interventions. It's not about doing so much as being. That change seems to come on its own when we can give attention to something in this very caring non-intrusive way.

I find it very nourishing to move inside myself, to come out of my doubting, worrying mind and connect through my body to my feelings and inner world.

As a therapist it has changed my way of working irreversibly, allowing more space around the work, more unfolding, a more feminine way of working. It brings issues in the body into the moment - the here and now - and it simplifies, bringing a sense of grounding. It is a process that reveals how easy change is - how little the body needs to release and find resolution. No big actions, just simply giving our attention can be enough for a new perspective, a new light or just a return to an easier way of being.'
Sarasi Rogers March 2006.
Sarasi is a psychotherapist and Family Constellation facilitator. She can be contacted on 01647 24075.

'The main benefits for me have been more confidence in using Focusing with my psychotherapy clients, and communicating my inner experience outwards. (I know that I have communicated it because it has been reflected back to me and received.) As I have deepened my experience of Focusing I have seen how powerful it can be. It has also given me something akin to therapy at times. I have particularly enjoyed working with movement.

I really like the sense of empowerment and democracy, where no one pays another, in my Focusing peer group. I started off wanting a 'tool' to help clients access their felt experience and have ended up with something also valuable to me!'
Liz Hill
Liz is a Core Process Psychotherapist with a private practice in Totnes. She can be reached on 01803 867759.

The main benefits of taking the course have been helping me to help my psychotherapy clients to be rooted in themselves. This comes about through encouraging clients to take time to be in the present moment. They are usually aware of the machinations of their minds but the environment I help create allows clients' bodies to be more and more present. Once mind body connection are made and are accessible the person's innate wisdom in knowing what they need for healing can be revealed and given the respect this deserves

The course has also affirmed my faith in this kind of work for my own benefit. I met fortnightly with a group of focusers where we exchange sessions, taking turns at being focuser and companions. I find this a very valuable form of support. I would like to thank Fiona for her dedication to her Focusing work which I am sure is of benefit to all her students

Carol Poole
Carol is a Biodynamic psychotherapist in Exeter & Chulmleigh. She can be contacted on 01769 520527

'This course has shown me that there is a philosophy and technique, which I can learn to help me to cope with my inner and outer worlds more effectively. It has brought me into the company of others who use Focusing and led me to a Focusing peer group. I have met some new friends. Completing the Learning logs has afforded opportunities for me to delve into the course material and unwrap it more, so that I understand its intention and application more clearly.

Some unexpected benefits are the new friendships and the support of those people. Also, I am finding it useful in my role as mentor to some staff in the wider national team in my work. My hope is to build Focusing into everyday life as an integral part of me.'

Brenda Spettigue
Brenda works with people with long term health problems.

'I began the Focusing class, after becoming interested in Focusing during my counselling training. We had spent a day learning about it and I wanted to know more, with the intention of incorporating it into my own work with clients. After the first class with Fiona, I realised that I actually wanted to learn more for ME! This is part of a familiar pattern in which I do too much for others and don't really consider myself.

Focusing enables me to slow down and spend some quality time with myself, even ten minutes Focusing is like a breath of fresh air in a busy day. I am very interested in the whole body approach, linking bodily sensations, feelings, images and thoughts, and Focusing really brings all these aspects together. I like the idea of Presence, being alongside difficult feelings rather than getting overwhelmed by them. As we have spent longer on Focusing sessions, I am noticing new depths of meaning as I sink deeper through layers of myself.

The gentle pace of the course has been just right for me, providing a good balance of theory, practice and reflection, and I have always felt safe and able to disclose personal insights, but not pressed into any disclosures or interpretations when I am not ready. I have always felt reassured that, as the Focuser, I know best, and am able to go wherever I choose, with caring support and reminders from my Companion. The language of Focusing is gradually becoming more natural and easier to use, and I know that I will continue to use Focusing in my life, for support and comfort for myself.'

Vicky