Proficiency in Focusing Partnership Award Program

Course Description

Many people are born with a subtle sense of inner knowing.  Dr. Eugene Gendlin discovered that finding and following this ‘felt sense’ can be taught to those who want to learn it. Following a few simple steps, people can open to a deeper self-awareness. What was unseen, unheard, and unfelt can be safely perceived.  As more comes on board in the body, clarity and confidence in the next step arise. The way into imaginal wisdom and deep unconscious processes is found. Amazing resources, connections and companions appear with this inner sensing.

Dr. Leslie Ellis is a keen and kind guide into the way of focusing. She has decades of experience as a teacher and practitioner of the method. In this course her emphasis is on developing your skills as a focusing partner.  A focusing partner is someone who helps another settle into and explore their inner experience. Practicing these steps will help you become a truly amazing, intuitive listener.

Much of the course time will be spent practicing the various elements of focusing. Each class will include learning about an aspect of focusing, followed by experiential practice. There will be ample opportunities to learn both how to become an excellent focuser and a focusing guide. There will also be occasions to  observe other dyads. There will be moments for feedback and questions each step of the way. 

This program is open to all, with no prior focusing experience required. Those in the helping professions may find it a highly useful addition to their skill set, but the program is not specifically designed for clinicians.

At the end of this program, if you want you can apply for the Proficiency in Focusing Partnership award from The International Focusing Institute (TIFI). This will allow you to be part of an international network of focusing partners. There are a few more steps to take after completing the course to obtain the award:
– Join the International Focusing Institute for a minimal fee
– Request that Leslie recommend you for the PFP award. (Leslie will need to verify that you have done the required 15 practice sessions with 3 different partners. She will also want to see that you have developed the ability to identify and utilize the felt sense in your process as well as the ability to listen in the Focusing way.) The procedural steps to follow will also be discussed in class seven.

You are also welcome to attend this course if you won’t be applying for the award.

This program is ideal if

• You are interested in embodied ways of knowing
• You wish to apply focusing skills in your daily life or current practice
• You want to learn how to facilitate the focusing process in others
• You would like to apply for a Proficiency in Focusing Partnership Award from the International Focusing Institute
• You are a therapist, coach, or individual seeking to tune in with the body's wisdom

By the end of this course, you will be able to

• Access what your body knows
• Recognize and be adept with the Focusing method
• Describe how embodied knowing taps into imaginal wisdom and what was previously deeply unconscious
• Support others as an exquisite witness of their inner inquiry
• Be qualified to apply for the Proficiency in Focusing Partnership award through the International Focusing Institute