Guiding New People

Focusing Level 5: Guiding New People

This advanced three-day workshop, taught by Ann Weiser Cornell, is for people who want supervised practice in guiding a person through their first Focusing session. The pre-requisite is Level 4 with an Inner Relationship teacher. Participants are usually in a certification program or working as healing professionals (or both).

“I firmly believe that the best way to begin teaching Focusing to anyone is to offer a first Focusing session, and to guide them through the process. I don’t recommend telling them in advance what the ‘steps’ are (if you use steps!) or saying too much about what Focusing is. If they are interested, and want to know what it is, let’s just take them through the process.” —Ann Weiser Cornell

First sessions are special... we need to find ways to meet the person where they are, and then take them through a Focusing process in a way that will work for them. We need Presence, confidence, a sense of how Focusing sessions usually go, and the flexibility to change our usual language to meet the needs of this person.

What happens in the workshop

Level 5 is an intensive three-day in-person workshop limited to 6 participants. We invite guests who are new to Focusing, and each one is guided through an actual first Focusing session by a participant. Unless the guest doesn’t want to be taped, each session is recorded on video for the class and the participant to watch later.

On the first day, Friday, we will learn about and practice how to introduce someone to a first Focusing session. With participants each getting a chance to role play the new person, we will begin getting used to the video camera, and learn a method and style of giving supportive and helpful feedback. Focusing tips especially for first sessions are taught and discussed. An extensive manual is sent out in advance of the workshop.

On Saturday and Sunday, the guests begin to arrive, one at a time. One participant works with each guest in front of the group. Ann will sit near and can offer help if needed. The guest sessions are 35-40 minutes. After the guest leaves, the group offers supportive feedback, and portions of the video may be watched.

Participants in past groups report learning a lot from all the sessions, not just their own, including learning from giving feedback to others, as well as hearing Ann’s feedback.

Note: Level 5 is especially for first sessions that introduce Focusing. Therapists and other healing professionals integrating Focusing in your work will find much of it relevant, but it is not designed specifically for therapists. See our other course offerings.

Prerequisite:
You must have taken Level 4 with an Inner Relationship teacher in order to participate.

You can register below using our secure on-line store, or call 510-666-9948.