Product Description

The classic guide to a powerful
technique for personal transformation

Based on groundbreaking research conducted at the University of Chicago, the focusing technique has gained widespread popularity and scholarly acclaim. It consists of six easy-to-master steps that identify and change the way thoughts and emotions are held within the body. Focusing can be done virtually anywhere, at any time, and an entire “session” can take no longer than ten minutes, but its effects can be felt immediately–in the relief of bodily tension and psychological stress, as well as in dramatic shifts in understanding and insight.

In this highly accessible guide, Dr. Eugene Gendlin, the award-winning psychologist who developed the focusing technique, explains the basic principles behind focusing and offers simple step-by-step instructions on how to utilize this powerful tool for tapping into greater self-awareness and inner wisdom. As you learn to develop your natural ability to “focus,” you’ll find yourself more in sync with both mind and body, filled with greater self-assurance, and better equipped to make the positive changes necessary to improve and enhance every aspect of your life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17529 in Books
• Published on: 1982-09-01
• Released on: 1982-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
"An original, innovative, exciting book."—Carl Rogers, Ph.D.

"A superb manual for self-managed therapy. . .a tool beyond price."—Brain-Mind Bulletin

Review
"An original, innovative, exciting book."--Carl Rogers, Ph.D.

"A superb manual for self-managed therapy. . .a tool beyond price."--Brain-Mind Bulletin

From the Publisher
"An original, innovative, exciting book."--Carl Rogers, Ph.D.

What is focusing? Based on research at the University of Chicago, focusing is a new technique of self therapy that teaches you to identify and change the way your personal problems concretely exist in your body. Focusing consists of steps of felt change. Unlike methods that stress "getting in touch with your feelings," there is a built-in test: each focusing step, when done correctly, is marked by a physical relief, a profound release of tension. Focusing guides you to the deepest level of awareness within your body. It is on this level, unfamiliar to most people, that unresolved problems actually exist, and only on this level can they change.

"A superb manual for self-managed therapy. . .a tool beyond price."--Brain-Mind Bulletin

Customer Reviews

Great method!
How interesting that this book is still relevant though it was written so long ago! The Focusing method is really great for everyone--whether you are trying to clear some mental space and focus on your issues, or if you are a therapist and want to try it as a healing modality.

Should be 3.5
This approach seems very Gestaltian. I found this book by reading "Toward a Psychology of Awakening." I found the method is effective until the last step or two. Focusers seem to believe that these felt shifts are easy and can happen any time you focus correctly. I do not believe this pattern fits all people. These 'felt shifts' seem to happen later, with more awareness of the bodily manifestations of my mind. And I cannot force anything to happen when I want it to, but it does happen in its own way, spontaneously. It's like what Fritz Perls emphasized, with enough awareness, the organism automatically heals itself.

Good idea
I have applied the idea of felt sense a few times and found it very interesting and helpful. I learned to be more in tune with my feelings, even though it's really through bodily sensations.