BOOK REVIEW by Tom Larkin

My Focusing Journal  - Nina Trebec

Sometimes after a Focusing exchange, when I want to make a note about what I have learned/ experienced, I have to scramble around looking for something to write on. More often than not, I have used the backs of envelopes or my phone to record whatever it was that I wanted to remember or that seemed significant. I didn’t know it then, but this little booklet was what was missing at those times. Nina Trebec has done the Focusing world a great service by providing a comprehensive framework for a systematic reflection on formal (or informal, ‘on-the-go’) Focusing experiences.

The booklet contains 50 guided reflections with eight prompts/questions/suggestions spread over two pages. In these pages one can describe one’s felt sense, different ‘somethings’ or parts that emerged, the dynamic between Focuser and companion, insights gained, next steps and more. There is also a (relatively small) space to express one’s Focusing experience through doodles/drawing/art. Nina suggests that writing about our Focusing sessions can help Focusers with reflection and integration after a session, getting to know oneself better and honouring and loving all one’s parts, by writing about them.

I imagine that this journal would be particularly helpful for people in the early stages of their Focusing journey (say the first ten years or so!). From my experience of trying it out for this review I can say it is also useful for more experienced practitioners. There are a lot of other guided reflective journals out there for planning, meditation etc. – I think it’s great to have one dedicated specifically to Focusing.

Currently the journal seems to be only available from amazon.co.uk.