I learned inner relationship focusing from Ann, but first through Nina Joy Lawrence in 2001 as we struggled to bring a healing practice to Afghans traumatized by more than three decades of war. At that time I was living in Pakistan and Afghanistan so it took me several years to complete all the levels from Ann. I could only take them when I returned to the US on my yearly one-month visits. In between those trainings I learned to teach others. Inner relationship Focusing allowed for an organic learning and teaching that went hand in hand. I taught what I learned as I was learning it to people who really needed something to help them cope with lives filled with war, displacement and loss. It was a time of shared discoveries, as we learned together what worked best for each of us.

As a medical anthropologist I enjoy finding ways to blend Inner Relationship Focusing into the local culture wherever I find myself. From my time in Afghanistan I value the partnership and sharing with those who are my students. Because my students are encouraged to do as I did–teach as they learn–they become adept at focusing and at paying attention to inner guests (body felt senses of whatever comes). In this way, Focusing spreads out organically and in culturally relevant ways.

I am now based in Corvallis Oregon but I continue to travel to Pakistan and other countries to give workshops.