The common points of the Relational Family paradigm and Focusing as possibilities for crossing: Benefits of applying Focusing in Relational Family Psychotherapy

Abstract

The article discusses possible benefits of applying the practice of Gendlin’s philosophy of the implicit, known as Focusing, in Relational Family Psychotherapy (RFT). Focusing is a process of embodied consciousness, whereas RFT is a psychotherapy model. The RFT model emphasises affect regulation, which creates a space for drawing attention to the body, as understood by Focusing, wherein individuals tap into felt bodily sensing. In this process, the individuals then express and explicate their sensing. Having added the process of Focusing opens the possibility for individuals to get direct access to their implicit experience, which is especially essential for trauma recovery. Although RFT and Focusing generally belong to different therapeutic traditions, analytical and humanistic respectively, they are similar in many ways. They both emphasise the importance of mutuality in a (therapeutic) relationship. The research of this article further extends into the commonalities of both paradigms, especially the recognition of the body in the psychotherapy process, which is specifically distinctive of the method of Focusing.