THE INNER WAVE: An Introduction to Ecperiential Focusing
with Tom Larkin and Margaret Quinn
When: Sat 28th and Sun 29th Jan 2023
Where: Whitechurch Library, Taylor’s Lane, Ballyboden, Dublin 16. D16 PN53
Course Description:
This workshop offers an introduction to the Experiential Focusing Process as:
- An empathic and compassionate way of being present to oneself, one’s feelings and needs
- An effective means of facilitating and deepening one’s relationship with oneself and with others
- A helpful method of finding new ways forward
Focusing is an evidence-based practice which can be done individually, in pairs or in groups. It is a gentle method and process of self-reflection and self-therapy. Through this method one can access the “felt sense”, a term coined by Gendlin, to describe a special kind of internal bodily awareness of a situation or person or event.
Some of the benefits, identified by people who have experienced Focusing, include: identifying the next steps forward in their lives, being able to reduce stress and relax more, discovering more about themselves, listening better to themselves and others, managing conflict more effectively, making decisions that feel more ‘right’, enhancing creativity, healing old wounds, gaining fresh insights into issues, problems, situations etc.
The experiential Focusing process itself is not a form of psychotherapy, neither is it a method of concentration, nor a system of meditation though Focusing can greatly complement and enhance each of these. Over the last 45 years Focusing has 'crossed’ with other fields and approaches, most notably various psychotherapeutic approaches, meditation and mindfulness practices, working with children, creativity, coaching, social action, business, spirituality etc.
In this introductory workshop Tom and Margaret will provide participants with opportunities to
- learn about Gendlin's original theory and further developments in Focusing, especially the work of Ann Weiser Cornell
- understand the Focusing process
- experience the movements and practice of Focusing.
They will employ a combination of guided exercises, structured experiences, group sharing and discussion.
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While working with Carl Rogers in the 1960's, Eugene Gendlin undertook research into what made psychotherapy work well for some people and not for others. He identified a process of “internal referencing” as a key driver of success. Gendlin developed a system for teaching this skill to clients, as a series of six “movements” or steps to improve their chances of positive therapeutic outcomes. He outlined this process in his book, "Focusing – How to gain direct access to your body’s knowledge" (1978/2003). Later Gendlin developed a system of therapy based on Focusing (see Focusing Oriented Therapy; A Manual of the Experiential Method, 1996). |
About Tom Larkin and Margaret Quinn:
Tom Larkin is a Focusing trainer accredited by The International Focusing Institute, New York and an integrative psychotherapist working in Dublin. He has been teaching Focusing for 15 years and is currently part of the training team for the annual Focusing weeklong advanced and certification event.
Margaret Quinn is a Focusing Trainer, accredited by The International Focusing Institute, New York. She has been practicing mindfulness for many years. Margaret enjoys working with the energies and possibilities that emerge when people work together on things that matter to them. She is currently Chairperson of the Irish Focusing Network.
Registration and Price:
Date:: Sat 28th and Sun 29th Jan 2023
Time: Sat: 10am – 5pm Sun: 10am – 4pm
Venue: Whitechurch Library, Taylor’s Lane, Ballyboden, Dublin 16. D16 PN53
Cost: €120 Tea and Coffee provided – please bring packed lunch.
Enquiries and booking: Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Fri 21st Jan (Max 16 people)
