We Focusing therapists continually explore the ideas and skills of facilitating change. We treasure the tiny steps of growth that come as we trust the process of emergence. Many of us have also come to understand the intricacies of the therapeutic relationship in greater depth. It is now time, I believe, to turn our attention to the “Carrying Forward” processes of groups, cultures and societies.
In this workshop we will consider an expanded set of Focusing attitudes and skills that are particularly needed for working with groups and the larger world. We will apply Gendlin’s concept of “Interaction First” in new ways as we talk about and experiment with “being the interaction” that develops the US in spontaneous group conversation.
Lynn Preston, MA, MS, LP, a Focusing-oriented relational psychotherapist, teacher and supervisor based in New York City. She has written and presented internationally on the integration of Focusing and relational psychoanalysis. Her work emphasizes the relationship between philosophy, theory and practice. Currently she is deeply involved in exploring the possibilities of using Focusing to foster community development. She is one of the founders of the international Focusing support group, Help for Helpers and the F.O.R.C.E. (Focusing-Oriented Relational Community Empowerment) training program..
