Focusing in Clinical Practice: The Essence of Change

Focusing is a practice that facilitates psychological and emotional change and healing in a respectful, gentle way. It is both body centered and mindful. It was first identified and developed by Dr. Cornell's teacher, Dr. Eugene Gendlin, at the University of Chicago in the 1950s. Focusing is a natural human ability that can be expanded and refined through instruction and training. There are many varieties of Focusing. Dr. Cornell is recognized internationally in the Focusing community for developing Inner Relationship Focusing. I discovered Focusing in 2005. I am interested in all approaches to Focusing, and I am a student of Dr. Cornell and Inner Relationship Focusing.FOCUSING IN CLINICAL PRACTICE demonstrates Dr. Cornell's signature talent for conveying information with lucidity and grace, in a manner readily absorbed by the reader. Without denying the essential mystery at the core of human experience, Dr. Cornell demystifies and exemplifies the central concepts of Focusing such as Felt Sense, Felt Shift and Implying Forward. Focusing itself is not a kind of therapy. It integrates with and can support and amplify the effects of both traditional and recent therapies. Here is Dr. Cornell's definition of Focusing (page 6): "Focusing, as defined in this book, is not a set of techniques or a therapeutic modality of its own. Rather, it is a way of understanding and facilitating what some human beings naturally do--and all have the capacity to do--when up against the need for change."The Introduction describes the historical and present contexts of Focusing. It is invaluable for distinguishing the individual characteristics of Focusing. The following chapters elucidate the Focusing process, foresee and address both clients' and therapists' questions, offer numerous examples of Focusing transcripts, and spotlight practical sidebars and summaries. Nine pages of references follow.I have read Dr. Cornell's two previous books, THE POWER OF FOCUSING and THE RADICAL ACCEPTANCE OF EVERYTHING (with co-author, Barbara McGavin).I highly recommend this masterful addition to her written contributions.

Ann Weiser Cornell's latest book Focusing in Clinical Practice, is one of the most clearly articulated books about Focusing I have read; and I say this as a 35 year member of the Focusing community. She builds on her years of experience and teaching skills to make the Focusing process come alive. Her chapters flow from one to the other as she moves into what I think is the heart of her book: the felt sense as the key to successful therapy.It is here that I most appreciate the clear, empathetic instructions on teaching how a felt sense forms, how to be with it and allow our inner knowing to tell its story in its own time. While there are many modalities of therapy the heart of each is being able to access the felt sense and gradually learn to create the inner environment which then allows change to happen.Ann writes, key to this forward movement is fostering a strong witnessing self. It is from this self that disindentification versus identification happens, so that the client can eventually move from saying, 'I am afraid,' to 'something in me is afraid'. From here it doesn't take long for an inner trust to develop which then enables one to begin to experience change that brings a new way of perceiving along with new possibilities. The ease with which Ann moves from one modality to another incorporating Focusing into each one is very instructive.An image I have as I write this review is of someone gently holding my hand as I'm lead in and through to the beginning of a journey of self awakening. For anyone interested in learning Focusing for the first time or becoming inspired once again by a practice that is already familiar, I can't think of another book on the subject that I'd recommend more highly.

I am delighted to be reading Ann Weiser Cornell's new book introducing the value of Focusing practice to therapists!Being in touch with the living edge of our own present-moment experience can be a fertile source of fresh meaning and whole-body insights,opening into authentic growth and transformation.A bit of self-disclosure here: I am not unbiased, as I have been a Focusing practitioner since 1998.Still, the research base for this contemporary, body-based awareness practice, originally developed by Eugene Gendlin in the 60's,has been growing slowly but steadily for the last 50 years, along with a world-wide network of practitioners,so there are many of us who find this work enormously helpful.Any therapist who wants to help clients connect more deeply with their own selves will find something of value here.In particular, clinicians who are already drawn to mindfulness practices will find great value in this Western approach that blends both mind and heart.Clinicians who are already practicing "inner relationship modalities" such as Voice Dialogue and Internal Family Systems therapy,will find that an awareness of the Focusing process supports and deepens their work with clients.Similarly for those already working with somatic approaches...Of course, we can most effectively share this with others, when we ourselves are engaging in this deeply renewing and life-enhancing practice.In addition to enhancing the work we are already doing with clients, Focusing (and Focusing-based peer supervision groups,and/or Focusing partnerships) can be a vital part of self-care as mental health practitioners.And so I am celebrating this extremely well-written, thorough, and clear book, designed to introduce clinicians to the world of Focusing...kudos to Ann Weiser Cornell, and a warm welcome to all!

This is a brilliant book, I am an SE therapist, and had already done an introductory course in focusing, but somehow hadn't really been able to use it with myself or with clients. This book addresses my problems precisely and specifically. It's packed with theory, practice and examples, it's like having a supervisor in my pocket.Ann Weiser Cornell, with Barbara McGavin, have developed Gendlin's principles (with his blessing), and have added more detailed protocols for inner relationships. This really works for me, making this book more useful even than Gendlin's own classic "Focusing-oreinted Psychotherapy" - itelf an inspiring read.I would recommend it not only for practicing therapists, but for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of this important therapy modality. It doesn't specifically address how to do it with yourself, but all the information you need is in there, and more besides. It is the most clear and complete focusing how-to I have read so far.

A bit disappointing, not very well structured chapters. Also not many references to experiential research or academic back up. Felt a bit like the author had rushed the book and simply filled it up with her own speculations.

Very readable, well written and interesting. Its to the point, informative, knowledgeable author and all in all, money well spent. :)

An excellent book that gives clear explanation and practical guidance on Focusing. A pleasure to read, insightful and offering a most valuable resource for counsellors.

Escrito en una manera muy fácil de entender y con ejercicios prácticos que ayudan a entender perfectamente el momento en donde se lleva a cabo el cambio en la sensación del cliente y se sigue adelante en el movimiento de la vida.