Your Path to Lasting Change

Your Path to Lasting Change

Live, Online Inner Relationship Focusing Training Program

Fall in love with all of you, even parts that feel anxious angry sad frustrated critical annoying overwhelming lonely stuck empty helpless guilty

Ready for Part Two of our program? Click here to sign up.

In Your Path to Lasting Change, you’ll learn a powerful skill called Inner Relationship Focusing.

Our feelings profoundly influence how we experience life, yet many of us weren’t really taught how to work with them. Odds are you can identify with one of these common ways feelings are (or aren’t) addressed:

  • your feelings were discouraged while you were growing up
  • you learned emotions were scary and overwhelming
  • or maybe feelings just weren’t talked about
With the Inner Relationship Focusing process, you’ll develop a gentle, allowing relationship with all of your feelings.

You’ll find that when you can turn toward your feelings with compassion, something new and surprising happens. This approach works on everything from overwhelm and conflicting feelings to feelings so subtle you barely notice them.

With Focusing, you’ll be able to truly understand how you feel and what you need. Focusing empowers YOU to make your own choices and get in touch with your own truth.

More Information About Inner Relationship Focusing

⭐️ Get a Free Taste with a Mini-Course ⭐️

Accepting All of You Webinar Series with Ann Weiser Cornell and Jinevra Howard

March 26th and April 2nd

Accepting All of You
A FREE 2-part webinar + email series with Ann Weiser Cornell & Jinevra Howard

What changes when you can embrace the part of you who gets stuck in over-thinking or does things that feel like sabotage? The answer: A whole lot…

Join us and you’ll experience a compassionate, effective process that helps you break the pattern of ignoring or reacting negatively to your feelings. This series will bring you more peace, inner kindness, and self-confidence, and you’ll learn the initial steps of a powerful self-awareness process called Inner Relationship Focusing.

If you can’t join live, sign up anyway to receive replays of the webinars.

Learn More and Get Your Spot Here

Is Path to Lasting Change Right For Me?

If you want to learn a skill to bring more happiness, calm, and ease to your life, or to the lives of others, our Inner Relationship Focusing Training Program is for you!

You’re Committed to Helping Yourself

Whether you’re new to self-care or you’ve taken other programs to help you improve your life, Your Path to Lasting Change will give you the skills to feel what it’s like to love yourself. The Inner Relationship Focusing process works wonders for people, and…it takes commitment.

Our primary goal is to give you abilities that will serve you for life. If you’re willing to invest the time in yourself to learn and practice the process, your quality of life will improve.

You’re Committed to Helping Others

If you’re a therapist or a coach, we offer additional content for Helping Professionals. Get a new set of powerful tools to work with your clients when they’re stuck or suffering from emotional overwhelm. Find out more here.

And if you find you love the Focusing process and want to teach it to others, after completing Your Path to Lasting Change, you can take our Certification program to help you turn Focusing into your profession.

Does Focusing Work?

Over 50 research studies have linked Focusing with positive outcomes in therapy
including greater emotional regulation, more satisfying relationships, and increased self acceptance,
but you don’t need to be in therapy to benefit from the process!

Hear what some of our past students experienced in our program…

JillDrummond - Small

“I used to experience painful depressions that I felt I had little control over. I haven’t experienced depression since learning Focusing. I had trouble handling disagreement and differences of opinion. I listen to others with greater caring now, and am enjoying all my relationships more.

Before Focusing, my husband and I often had painful, confusing conflict. My marriage is now the joy that I want it to be. It used to be hard for me to know what I was feeling, because there was so much I was on the verge of knowing about myself that I was afraid to know. Now, I can turn toward all that.

I have the ability to notice feelings of all kinds, and relate to them in a friendly way that helps them relax and reveal what is important in them. I used to be very hard on myself, believing I had to be perfect, and berating myself for my failures. I now have a much more compassionate relationship with myself, owning (and cherishing) my own humanness and imperfectness.

At one point in my life, I truly thought there was something essentially defective about me. Now I feel so……well, human. And joined in that humanity by everyone else.”

Jill Drummond, Manalapan, New Jersey

Kilian T

“Before the course, I felt anxious, stressed, depressed, and unworthy. I had a hard time having a positive relationship with aspects of myself. Now, I’m much better able to accept myself — what’s there inside. I got very comfortable with the Focusing process and built up a couple of amazing Focusing partnership relationships. I learned again and again that situations I find myself in are there to learn from. The barriers put up are inside me and can be transformed so I can find a real path forward. I’ve been able to solve things better, to let go of things more easily, to enjoy more.”

Kilian T.

Click Here for More Real Stories About How Our Program has Transformed Lives

“Since I started Focusing, my sense of continual hunger is gone! I’m down 10 lbs and still dropping. I’ve been able to restart my exercise routine. Even my media addictions are gone. And I’ve stopped buying stuff on Amazon and Ebay cold turkey.

“In a recent Focusing session, hunger came up and I was able to sit with it. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized that buying was part of the hunger. What a cool thing to discover! I’m so grateful for my Focusing companions for their contribution to these significant changes in my life!!” 

Bill Kelly

“For the first time, with Focusing, I feel like I’m safe enough inside to feel all of my emotions. It’s so empowering for me to be able to learn how to hold myself with compassion and patience. In most practices, you need a therapist in order to get to this depth. I think one of the true strengths of Focusing is that after just a couple of courses, you have access to the process for yourself.” 

Emma Gran

“There IS something worthwhile that can be done to ease people’s suffering. Something that transforms the very fabric where people are stuck in their lives. It’s Focusing and it gives me practical hope for a better world.”

Taj

“What’s special about Focusing is this radical belief that we already have within us the next right step. Focusing helped me trust my process more and achieve the hoped-for results that always seemed out of reach with other programs. Now, with Focusing, I am able to reach deeper levels within myself and I trust my inner process more than before.”

Darryl Commings

Natalie Bryant photo

“We often think that change has to be difficult or challenging, but Focusing has taught me it can be gentle and beautiful. The secret of Focusing is realizing you don’t have to change anything–you can just be with your emotions as they are. Before Path to Lasting Change, I didn’t have a way to teach my coaching clients how to move through uncomfortable emotions and that left me feeling impotent, pushy, and unprepared. Now, I have a method to show my clients the power of going inward in a safe, gentle way.

Natalie Bryant

“For over 30 years I’ve been searching for effective ways to help myself and others maximize their unique potential and alleviate the distinctive suffering that manifests from living with a tricky and highly complex human mind and nervous system or more simply stated, from being human. Inner Relationship Focusing is THE most powerful, effective, and elegant human technology for individual and community well-being I’ve ever encountered. In the relatively short period of time, I’ve been engaged in Focusing both personally and in my work with clients, the shifts and openings that have occurred are astounding. My life is opening up, the well-being of my clients is expanding, and all in the context of a global pandemic. Amazing!”

Cathryn Campbell

RoyGould

“After just two courses of Focusing training I’ve discovered things about myself I’m really excited about, and I’m starting to be able to do things to move forward that I’ve always wanted to do. I have been working as a coach and therapist since 1988. I took what I was learning from the very first week of the course into to my client sessions, with amazing results. I deal a lot with clients who have anxiety issues…and after 30 minutes of Focusing my clients were saying, ‘Wow, what’s that?’

Even more important is how it’s helped me. I grew up as a little boy feeling anxious, waking up in the mornings not sure what I could count on in the world. What I’ve noticed from the Focusing training is, now I can be with that aspect of myself that feels anxious. I can be with it like an old friend.

I have to say that the decision to take this course ranks up there with the best decisions in my life.”

-Roy Gould, psychotherapist and life coach, New Brunswick, Canada

Some Ways Focusing Can Help You

Many people struggle with an inner critic.

It can be mean: “You should be better at this,” or “How could you be so stupid!” It can also be subtle, making you think you have to get everything perfect. Sometimes it shows up as Imposter Syndrome, sowing seeds of self-doubt.

If you’re ready to feel better about yourself, let go of painful self-judgment, and find the confidence to move your life forward, Your Path to Lasting Change can help.

Do other people trigger you (even the ones you love)? 

If conversations with your boss cause your anxiety to spike or disagreements with your partner make your temper flare, you’re not alone. We’ve all experienced stress resulting from other’s feelings and expectations about us.

With Your Path to Lasting Change, you’ll develop the ability to pause in the midst of a tense interaction and tap into a wellspring of inner calm (that you might not even know you had!). You’ll have the skills you need to avoid saying or doing something you later regret.

Are challenging habits keeping you from the life you want?

Do you find yourself binge-watching shows on Netflix rather than finishing that book you’ve always wanted to write? Or maybe you end up rooting through the refrigerator for your 4th morning snack instead of getting outside and going for a walk.

In Your Path to Lasting Change, you’ll develop the ability to tune into what really needs your attention, instead of drowning out what might seem hard with habits that…well…aren’t so great for you.

Inner Relationship Focusing Will Change Your Life

You’ll learn how to shift inner-harshness to support and create an inner sense of safety that’s unshakable. And you’ll finally release those pesky self-limiting beliefs and step into the life you want.

You’ll become a better communicator and a calmer listener and that will help all of your relationships. With your partner/spouse, your kids, your parents, your co-workers, and even strangers…

When you’re feeling stuck, you’ll have the skills to relate to the part of you that wants to check out for a while. Instead of binging on shows, or snacks, or shopping when uncomfortable feelings show up, you’ll be able to make more supportive choices.

About the Program

Everything is Online – No Travel Required

This course is accessible by computer, tablet, or smart phone. If you can connect to the internet, you can connect to this course!

Your class meets on Zoom for two hours each week. During class, our well-trained teachers will teach you the Focusing process. You’ll get to practice your new skills with fellow students and have the opportunity to get your questions answered.

All course materials, including streaming videos, MP3s, a beautiful PDF workbook, and additional resources can be found on our online student portal. You’ll have lifetime access to the course to revisit lessons as often as you like.

Outside of class, you’ll have a weekly partnership practice, plus access to a forum to chat with students and teachers.

A 2-Part Program To Make Learning Easier

This is deep work, so we’ve divided it into two 9-week parts to make it easier to absorb. We provide a break between the courses to give you time to put your new skills into practice.

In Part One, you’ll get to know the Focusing process and start to incorporate it into your daily life. In Part Two, you’ll learn new concepts and further develop your confidence with Focusing.

You can sign up for both parts at once, or just get started with Part One and sign up for Part Two later. Wondering what’s different about taking both Parts together versus just taking Part One? Imagine taking a language course… If you only take beginning French, you could visit France and order a meal or ask for directions. But if you also took advanced French, you’d have a much richer experience, able to have real conversations and connect with people.

 

What you’ll learn in Part One

  • How to pause in stressful moments and find a calmer way forward
  • How to cultivate an inner environment of calm, open, curious awareness
  • How to create a relationship with what you feel so change emerges naturally
  • Guidance with trouble-spots
  • The surprising reason why trying to “fix” yourself doesn’t work to bring lasting change
  • What the research shows about the real key to change

 

What you’ll learn in Part Two

  • How to nurture positive feelings as a resource
  • More ways to help yourself and others when feeling overwhelmed
  • How to guide another person through the Focusing process, starting with your classmates
  • How to turn things around so your inner critics are on your side
  • What makes our bodies so wise
  • Mastery of the structure of the process
Would you like to see the full program curriculum? Click here

Your Path to Lasting Change, Part One


 

Sensing Freshly

  • Learn a new way to bring awareness into your body
  • Experience the benefits of taking a fresh approach to your feelings
  • Understand why describing, rather than labeling feelings can bring change
  • Truly understand what brings about Radical Acceptance

Becoming the Environment of Change

  • Get specific phrases to help find calm when your emotions are taking over
  • Learn one key element that makes lasting change possible
  • Experience how Focusing partnership can help you truly know what you’re feeling

Changing by Not Trying

  • Understand why your assumptions about your feelings might be misleading
  • Experience how to start with a life issue and get a real understanding of what’s behind it
  • Learn a method to let change come naturally, without trying to force it

The Power of Inner Empathy

  • Get to know what is at the root of your feelings
  • Develop an understanding of why having compassion for all of your feelings is important
  • Learn how to be present and a good listener for another person

The Power of Not Knowing

  • Develop clarity around complicated feelings
  • Refine your ability to really understand what someone is saying
  • Understand why simply being with an experience and not trying to change it actually allows for real change

“Slow is the New Fast”

  • Experience how simply pausing and taking time can allow for deeper transformation
  • Learn how to be a better communicator when someone needs patience
  • Experience how tapping into how your body feels can help bring positive change

I and It – The Inner Relationship

  • Learn how to become aware when a feeling or part of you has “taken over”
  • Learn how to get some emotional space from stressful feelings or parts
  • Understand why empathy is important in working with uncomfortable feelings
  • Understand how language plays an important role in working with uncomfortable feelings

The Art of Listening

  • Discover how to listen for what someone else is actually feeling
  • Learn how to listen in a way that actually benefits another person

Moving Forward

  • Understand how patience and attention can allow a feeling to change
  • Experience true radical acceptance of all of your feelings
  • Feel the benefits of one’s Focusing practice, including:

> Being less reactive in stressful situations

> Being less dependent of distraction from/suppression of feelings

> Improved relationships

> More ease in moving toward goals

> And more!

 

Your Path to Lasting Change, Part Two


 

Openings and Endings

  • Learn how the Focusing process can help you get in touch with what you need
  • Gain confidence in how to start your Focusing process for the most beneficial results
  • Understand how to complete your Focusing process to bring its benefits into the rest of your life

The Flow of the Whole Process

  • Gain confidence in taking yourself through a Focusing process
  • Understand the five main phases of the Focusing process and how each one contributes to your lasting change
  • Differentiate between empathy and sympathy (and experience the difference empathy can make in your relationships)

Offering Reminders

  • Learn about “reflections” and “reminders” and their roles in your Focusing process
  • Become a more skilled facilitator for another person who is Focusing (and experiment with how that can help you be a better listener for people in your life)
  • Experience the benefits of finding and staying present with positive feelings in your body

Close and Distant

  • Learn how to be in touch with strong emotions without being overwhelmed by them
  • Learn how to connect with your feelings even when it feels like you don’t feel anything
  • Learn how to support others in those same situations

Going Deeper

  • Learn how to troubleshoot the Focusing process
  • Understand the importance of giving enough time to each stage

The Feeling About A Feeling

  • Understand and release one of the primary reasons a Focusing process gets stuck
  • Learn more about stressful reactions to your feelings, such as “I shouldn’t feel that way.”

Turning Around and Inner Critic

  • Learn about the different ways Inner Critics show up
  • Understand the real reason why Inner Critics can be so harsh and judgmental
  • Learn how to shift Inner Critics from harsh and judgmental to becoming more supportive

What Parts Need So They Can Shift

  • Learn how to offer empathy for the deeper needs and feelings of parts of you
  • Practice bringing empathy to any part of you that feels fear, worry, anger, or sadness, so that those feelings can transform

Gathering and Going Forward

  • How to cultivate “positive” feelings so that you increase your resilience
  • Feel the benefits of one’s Focusing practice, including:

> Greater self-acceptance and self-compassion

> Increased ability to know what you truly want and need

> Being better able to be present and aware of yourself and others

> More ease in releasing past hurts that hold you back

> Being better able to navigate stressful situations

> And more!

 

What is Focusing Partnership?

Focusing partnership is the magic that makes it easy to keep doing this powerful process as long as you need it. In a series of confidence-building exercises, we show you how to support another person in the Focusing process, and also how to receive that support.

It’s not counseling. You’re not trying to “fix” your partner, and they’re not trying to “fix” you. No advice is given. You don’t even have to know what the person is talking about.

During your weekly Focusing partnership practice, your partner simply listens to you without judgment or agenda. The presence of a person who is completely neutral and accepting has an almost magical effect! And you’ll learn how to give that same level of presence to your Focusing partner. Focusing partnership is calming for both people.

And Focusing partnership is free. Yes, we still believe in therapy; some people need it. But most of the time all we need is a friendly neutral person who gives no advice and allows us to explore what is true.

 

Sign Up for Our Upcoming Course Here

Are you a coach, therapist, bodyworker, or other Helping Professional? Click Here

Meet Your Teachers

Jinevra Howard

Jinevra Howard
Lead Teacher: Path Part One and Two

Jinevra is an empathic teacher, dedicated to helping students unfold into their fullness, with authenticity, humor, directness, and love. Her lifelong interest in philosophy, spirituality and all aspects of human development led her to Inner Relationship Focusing. Her interests and influences include enneagram, mysticism, integral theory, neurobiology, nonviolent communication, phenomenology, literature, poetry, and music.

Email Jinevra Howard

Ann Weiser Cornell
Co-Teacher: Path Part One and Two

Ann Weiser Cornell, author of Focusing in Clinical Practice: The Essence of Change,The Power of Focusing, and The Radical Acceptance of Everything, has devoted her life to helping people learn Focusing easily. Ann learned Focusing from its originator, Eugene Gendlin, in 1972, and worked closely with him for years. Today Ann is internationally recognized as one of the leading innovators and theoreticians of Focusing. She has taught Focusing in over twenty countries, and her Focusing books and manuals have been translated into eleven other languages.

Email Ann Weiser Cornell

What you’ll get with the Inner Relationship Focusing training program

A Life-Changing Skill

When stress levels rise, you’ll be less reactive and find calm instead, because you’ll have a healthy, compassionate way to deal with all of your emotions.

Radical Self-Acceptance

You’ll develop the ability to love yourself as you are and experience the confidence and clarity to move your life forward effectively.

A Supportive Community

During class, you’ll connect with students working toward greater self-acceptance, just like you. Afterward, you’ll have access to an online community of Focusers to support you in your process.

Join Us For Our Next Course…

...and fall in love with all of you, even parts that feel anxious angry sad frustrated critical annoying overwhelming lonely stuck empty helpless guilty

Your Path to Lasting Change Consists of Two Parts

Register for Part One and Part Two Separately or Sign Up for Both Parts Together (and save $297!)


Registration is limited to 40 participants per course.

Payment plan selection available on the last page during checkout (includes processing fees).

Scholarships 

We’re committed to making this course as diverse and accessible as possible.
To learn more about scholarship options in detail, click here.

 

– Our Recommendation –

Take Parts One & Two Back-to-Back

Payment Options

8 payments of
$215.50*

or

1 payment of
$1597

Healing Professionals Track Add-On: $400

Spring & Fall 2024

April 23 to June 18 and
September 17 to November 12
18 Tuesdays
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Pacific

Last Day to Register: April 9

Register Here: Parts One & Two

*payment plan includes a processing fee of $127

Parts One & Two + Healing Professionals Track

 

Or just get started with…

Part One

Payment Options

5 payments of
$205*

1 payment of
$947

Healing Professionals Track Add-On: $200

Spring 2024

April 23 – June 18
9 Tuesdays
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Pacific

Last Day to Register: April 9

Register Here: Part One

*payment plan includes a $78 processing fee

Part One + Healing Professionals Track

 

Completed Part One? Continue with…

Part Two

Payment Options

5 payments of
$205*

1 payment of
$947

Healing Professionals Track Add-On: $200

Spring 2024

May 1 to June 26, 2024
9 Wednesdays
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific

Last Day to Register: April 24

Register Here: Part Two

*payment plan includes a $78 processing fee

Part Two + Healing Professionals Track

 

Click Here for Information About Payment Plans

You can choose the Payplan Option at the last page at checkout. *Note* Payment plan option includes processing fees.

Here’s a screenshot of what to look for:

 

Can't Make These Dates Work?

Join our next course…

Coming in September 2024, Wednesdays, 10am –12pm Pacific
Registration opens in April 2024

Don’t see a time that works for a chat? Click here to email Ann.

Even More Goodness: Your Program Bonuses

As soon as you register, you’ll have immediate access to 3 program bonuses so you can get started as soon as you like.

 

 

1

Why Listening to Yourself Works (and Fixing Yourself Doesn’t)

If you’ve ever tried to talk yourself out of how you feel or rushed to try and make yourself feel better, I bet you already know how unsuccessful those strategies can be. In this bonus, I’ll explain why “fixing” doesn’t work and share with you the power of The Listening Response. You’ll get a guided exercise to help you make listening (not fixing) a trusted part of your life.

2

When it’s Hard to Know What You Feel…

Being invited to “feel” can be complicated when you aren’t sure how. In this bonus, I’ll talk about how expectations – how you think you should feel – can cover up what you might actually BE feeling in the moment. You’ll get a guided exercise to help you slow down and notice what you DO feel, even if it’s subtle. You’ll be able to do the exercise as often as you like so you can the ability to sense how you feel in any given moment.

3

When Past Trauma Makes It Hard to Be Present

When hard things have happened to you in the past, you might worry that getting in touch with feelings could be overwhelming. This bonus gives you extra tips to adjust your Focusing practice so you feel safer being in touch with how you feel. These small adjustments can make a huge difference in your experience of Focusing.

More About What People Are Saying

  • Alison F., Counsellor, Rugby, England
    "Before Path to Lasting Change, one of my biggest challenges was allowing myself the space to explore my 'messy, blurry feelings' regarding familial relationships. I felt uncomfortable and incongruent. I would become stuck in a repetitive cycle, replaying difficult conversations and seeking ways to 'fix' situations. Now, I allow myself space and time to be with what I am experiencing. I am able to pause, be patient and curious, and explore what emerges freshly. My compulsion to fix, rescue, or seek approval has diminished. Prior to the course, I would usually take responsibility for initiating and maintaining regular communication with family members, feeling guilty if I deferred from this. I am now able to exercise increased autonomy and allow myself the freedom to choose when and how to communicate. I'm no longer bound by set rules and 'shoulds', more present in the uniqueness of here and now. If you're considering this course, go for it! Path to Lasting Change gently takes you on a liberating journey, providing space for you to discover your true self. It helps you to be increasingly present and alive in your day-to-day experiences, becoming more self-compassionate and enhancing relationships. I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience Focusing and integrate Self-in-Presence into my daily life."
  • J.H.
    "Now I know that whenever I feel confused, overwhelmed, troubled, or stuck, I know what to do, right away. I have a way of being very gentle and allowing. I trust that any problem or issue I may have contains its own resolution. I only need to bring my awareness to it in a Focusing way and be patient. The more I practice Focusing myself and use it with my clients, the more I see how freeing and impactful it is. Focusing feels like a subtle technology for allowing what is alive in me to move forward in the way IT needs to."
  • S.G.
    "After taking Your Path to Lasting Change, I'm starting to have visibility into behaviors and thoughts in a way I never have. I feel accepting of aspects of myself that I've spent a lifetime ignoring or pushing away or trying to talk myself out of."
  • Patti D.
    "This work is amazing and just makes so much sense. Before I learned Focusing, I was dealing with grief (on a personal level) and realizing my clients needed more than talk therapy. Personally, I felt sad and tired. I was anxious about so many things. Professionally, I was frustrated that I couldn't help some of my clients. Now, I feel like it IS going to be okay and I feel excited about bringing Focusing to my practice."
  • Taj
    "There IS something worthwhile that can be done to ease people's suffering. Something that transforms the very fabric where people are stuck in their lives. It's Focusing and it gives me practical hope for a better world."
  • Nati Porat
    "Before I came to Focusing it never occurred to me that I could feel two (or more) seemingly contradictory feelings, or hold more than one position at once - for example: that I could be hurt, shocked or angry at someone’s actions AND also compassionate, empathic and forgiving at the same time...I thought I had to choose. The language of “something in me” is so revolutionary because it creates space for the complexity and ambiguity that most of us try to resolve artificially by narrowing our experience and identifying with one position. However, complexity of experience is the truth and once we have the language to hold this truth, our being thanks us profoundly!"
  • Elisabeth, K.
    "Before Your Path to Lasting Change, I was often overstrained to finish things. I'd start and then run out of energy. When I took breaks, I'd hide from challenges/the world and then I'd lose connection to my project and stop everything. That left me feeling guilty, weak, and good for nothing. Now I can distinguish if I'm starting a project from my heart or from the intention to be everyone's 'good girl'. I feel more confident in the decisions I make and I've stopped making useless plans. Best of all: the course gave me a deep conviction I'll be able to manage things I've always shied away from in the past. This course was my first step into Focusing and I know, from my heart, that I'll stay with it."
  • I.C.
    "Now I'm more able to be present with myself and with challenging situations in my life. I get less overwhelmed because I'm learning how to not merge with (or become flooded by) a particular challenge. Instead, I can stay in touch with it. As a result, I've experienced an increased sense of joy and aliveness in my life."
  • Dennis
    "Nothing has been so dramatically, directly and rapidly successful for creating change in my life as Focusing... It's been an avenue to some deep and profound personal understandings that transformed my sense of self and my connection with others."
  • Elizabeth
    "For me, a pivotal moment in the course came with the introduction of the language, 'I'm letting it know it can be as it is for as long as it needs.' I've done so much trying to change myself (that was the message I got growing up and still get from my family). That sentence is shifting how I heal - my patience and sense of gentleness towards myself, my patience as a parent. Now, I feel more openness. I know myself better, have more self awareness. I also have a tool to serve me when I feel overwhelmed, and some greater tools to use in my work with clients. I have no doubt that this work will make me a better parent in time. I'm still learning and I feel Focusing is helping."
  • Rebecca W., L.M.F.T.
    "In the very first class, I was wowed by how much MORE I was learning. I had that wonderful sense of being in the presence of a true master teacher and mentor (Ann) as she encouraged us to just be present, empathic, and accepting with whatever was unfolding. It felt like a paradox. I was being given a wealth of new information and skills and I was also learning that I could be successful even without all that new knowledge IF I could just stay present, empathic, and accepting. My perfectionistic demands of myself decreased significantly. My enjoyment of the process increased, and those I was working with seemed to have bigger shifts with less effort. Now I have more self-confidence, self-acceptance, hope, and an increased ability to stay present even in the face of big emotions or challenges. I have more curiosity and a willingness to face things I once was afraid of. I also have more awareness of myself as part of a dynamic, ever-changing universe."
  • Susan Choi
    "Before the course, I was aware of subtle anxious states I'd wake up with each day and how I'd quickly move those feelings aside or replace them with something more pleasant. Now I approach each morning's sensation with curiosity, instead of the knee-jerk impulse to "get rid of it". I'm learning there's nothing in me to be afraid of. I love the idea that there's nothing in me that needs to be rejected...nothing to be gotten rid of!"
  • Julia T.
    "Before taking the course, I often felt there was a giant weight bearing down on me. That left me feeling depressed, numb, and hopeless. I was constantly trying to avoid my feelings. While I still experience these feelings, I now have a way to engage with them that allows me to become bigger than they are. I have a process that helps me listen to my feelings instead of being overwhelmed by them. I've learned how to validate and empathize with my feelings so that their intensity decreases. I feel free of the oppressive weight I used to feel. The sense of peace and calm I experience is extraordinary. There's a saying, "...leap and the net will appear," my experience is that Focusing is an extraordinary, powerful net."
  • Myrahope
    "Before taking the course, I felt plagued by ideas about how to constructively channel my capacities. I knew I had a lot to offer the world and lived in a state of confusion around what that might look like for me. I felt like I was "less than" some vague, unclear idea of what I should be... Now, I recognize that I'm already living a purposeful life and I'm getting clarity about what more I'd like to be doing. Focusing is a very generous and allowing way to access your own profound knowing of what is true for you."
  • Kim Phillips, Marriage & Family Therapist
    "Your Path to Lasting Change created a shift in my goals as a therapist. The surprise was, this course also created a shift within me. I found an awareness of my Self-in-Presence and learned to say 'hello' to the ever-changing aspects of myself that I experience as my emotional life. From the viewpoint of a therapist, before the course, I felt I had to be responsible for 'fixing' others. Now, being present within, I'm more often able to help others do the same -- to connect to their own emotional wisdom which allows them a lifetime of self-compassion and greater calm. Personally, Focusing gives me a feeling of being more alive, like the lights of awareness, acceptance, and peace have been switched on inside -- so critical during this time of social upheaval, COVID19, and general life unrest. I can't say enough about the course, because it's difficult to find the exact words to describe the experience of Focusing. Sometimes we just need to listen to something inside telling us to get off the fence and experience it for ourselves."
  • Laura A.F.
    "Focusing is really different because I am the expert on me. Before suffering, confusion, difficulty making decisions, self-blame, rage, and many other feelings seemed to be "me" but now there is an "I" that is separate from all this. A place where I feel good, free, restful, clear, and trust in the intelligence of the process itself. This is the gift that brings me all sorts of other gifts I am so grateful for. And what I most wish is to honor these gifts and live from this newly discovered identity."
  • E.R.
    "Having many challenges to overcome can feel overwhelming, but I take it one step at a time. After Path to Lasting Change Part One, I can sense a little more deeply into myself. There's still more to do to embody Focusing at a deep level, but I'm baby-stepping all the way. Visible changes may take time, but I feel that most people would benefit from Focusing, and it would be one of the best things they did for themselves."
  • Emma Gran
    "For the first time, with Focusing, I feel like I'm safe enough inside to feel all of my emotions. It's so empowering for me to be able to learn how to hold myself with compassion and patience. In most practices, you need a therapist in order to get to this depth. I think one of the true strengths of Focusing is that after just a couple of courses, you have access to the process for yourself."
  • Paul Fitzgerald, DMin
    "I took this course to incorporate Focusing into my work with people as a life coach and spiritual director. I've been leading people in self-discovery for more than 20 years and Focusing is a powerful addition to my work. The course offered me insights from actual experience about Focusing dynamics that were only concepts from the reading I'd done previously. The skills gained in both using Focusing for myself and in companioning others are invaluable."
  • L.R.
    "Before taking the course, my biggest challenge was being with grief that I'd been avoiding for a long time. I felt hopeless, overwhelmed and stuck. Now, everything seems easier. I'm able to be with my grief without being overwhelmed or afraid of it (most of the time). I can support myself with empathy and validation for how I feel. I was on the fence for a long time (about taking the course) and I'm so glad I took the risk. I'd tried so many healing avenues without any forward movement, but Focusing is bringing me real change and ease. Plus, after a lifetime of not sleeping, I'm finally experiencing more nights where I sleep deeply and rest well!"
  • Elda P.
    "Before Your Path to Lasting Change, I was often avoiding intense, uncomfortable feelings without realizing I was doing it. This left me feeling unsteady and agitated. I also used to be critical of my pace - described it as slow and tended to compare it to others. Now I allow myself to go at the pace that's good for me, even when I need a lot of time. And I can give uncomfortable feelings a gentle hand (on my belly or chest) to offer them presence or a place to be heard. I have more trust in what I sense and can give myself support and that's really great!"

Got Questions? We’ve Got Your Answers…

What happened to the Levels?

If you’ve heard of Focusing elsewhere, you’re probably familiar with classes called Levels One through Four. Here’s how our courses fit into that system…Your Path to Lasting Change Part One is equivalent to Levels One and Two. Your Path to Lasting Change Part Two is equivalent to Levels Three and Four. If you have questions about where to start, email Allison.

What's so different about Focusing?

Focusing goes counter to most of the messages around us. We are told how to feel, or to “get over” how we feel, and we are never ever taught about the body felt sense that is the real way through our difficulties.

Why do you feel so stuck? Why do feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked? Why do you go around in circles, repeating what hasn’t worked, feeling the same emotions, and no farther along than before?

It’s not that there’s something wrong with you. I really want you to hear that! So I’m going to say it again.

It’s not that there’s something wrong with you, it’s that the whole way our modern culture is set up leaves us cut off from our bodies and our source of wisdom. And if you suffered traumatic experiences or came from a dysfunctional family (like I did), that makes it even harder to stay in touch with yourself.

Is this therapy? Coaching? Meditation? Positive visualization?

Focusing isn’t any of those things…. But it has similarities to each of them. (And can be used with those other methods to enhance their effects.)

As in therapy or coaching, you can get positive change on deeply held, long term issues, as well as releasing blocks to taking practical action. But unlike therapy or coaching, you do Focusing on your own or with partners in a free exchange. You learn a way of being that you have with you at all times, and once you learn it, it costs you nothing more.

As in meditation, Focusing has an essential quality of acceptance, and you can find greater inner peace and detachment from stressful emotional states or thoughts. But unlike meditation, Focusing is more engaged, practical, issue-oriented – being about a particular life situation.

As in positive self-talk or visualization, you can access the very best of your potential for moving forward with your life without getting stuck in negative emotions. But unlike positive self-talk or visualization, Focusing is grounded in your whole self, inclusive of all your feeling states, so you aren’t leaving out aspects of yourself that can return in a backlash later.

Do I need to be there every week?

Please plan to attend all 9 class sessions for the full time of the meeting. Missing 1-2 classes can be worked around if absolutely necessary. (There’s a process for making up what you missed.) If you miss more than 1-2 classes, you’ll need to repeat the course in order to move on to subsequent courses. Please note, missing more than 20 minutes of class counts as an absence.

How do online courses work?

All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer and a comfortable place to sit! We use Zoom, an online video conference platform, to connect you to other students and the teacher.

Before the class starts you will receive a Zoom link to use each time the class meets. You can join us via your camera-equipped computer, tablet, or smart phone. Prefer not to be on video? You can turn off your camera. Don’t want to call via computer? You can call in by phone.

Zoom is free and easy to use. You will be able to sign on in advance to make sure you can access it, but we’ve had very few problems with it. Students also receive access to an online classroom portal where course materials can be found.

What's included in each Part of this program?

  • Nine two-hour meetings for a total of 18 hours of class time.
  • A pre-class meeting with one of the teachers of your course. Information on scheduling your individual session will be provided via email after registering. This is for Part One only and does not apply to people who are repeating the course.
  • Your own copy of The Focusing Student’s and Companion’s Manual (value: $23), provided as a PDF file.
  • Unique Focusing Exercise Sheets for every paired class exercise so you know exactly what to do to make the exercises most effective for yourself and your partner. (We innovated these Exercise Sheets and they really work.)
  • Up to one hour of Focusing partnership, in between class meetings each week, to further develop your Focusing skills.
  • A class roster with contact information so you can connect with your assigned partners each week to practice the skills you’re learning during class.
  • Access to recordings of every class, so you’ll be able to listen again to anything you want to hear twice – or over and over again.
  • An online classroom portal where you can access homework, recordings, and other important class information from any web browser.
  • Email and/or phone support from the teacher and the class assistants if you have questions between the class meetings or need extra help.

What if none of your dates and times work for me?

Your Path to Lasting Change courses are offered 3 times per year starting in February, April, and October.

Can I receive Continuing Education Credits and/or a Record of Completion?

Each part meets the qualifications for 22 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Focusing Resources, CAMFT Approved CE Provider #62524

Focusing Resources is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Focusing Resources maintains responsibility for this course and its content.

There is a $25 administrative fee for CE Credits. Records of Completion are awarded at the end of the course upon completion of all requirements and the course evaluation. (If you don’t want CE Credits but would like a Record of Completion, the $25 fee does still apply.)

Eligibility for CE Credits requires at least 80% live attendance. If you miss a class, it must be made up.

Cancellations, Changes & Refunds

Up to 14 days before the first day of class: Just let us know and we’ll refund your course fee. Or you can choose to apply the entire course fee towards a future class with us.

Cancellations received 13 days or fewer before class begins: No refund, sorry.

When Something Doesn't Go As You'd Hoped

When Something Doesn't Go As You'd Hoped...

We are always open to discussing experiences with our courses that didn’t work for you or didn’t go the way you expected. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to email your course instructor, the staff member in charge of your course, or Ann Weiser Cornell. Email addresses for all these people will be supplied on registration. We will work with you to find a way to meet your needs.

What if I've already taken Level One, Two, or Three?

If you took Focusing Level One from Focusing Resources in the last two years, we’ll give you a discount for taking Part One of the Your Path to Lasting Change. Just email Allison to request the repeat fee discount code.

If you’ve taken Level One and Level Two, you’re qualified to sign up for Part Two.

If you’ve taken Level Three from us in the last two years, email Allison to get a discount code for Part Two.

What additional support is included with the Healing Professionals (HP) Track?

Combined with the Focusing Training Program, our HP Track provides additional audio and video content, post-class discussion group meetings, live Q&A calls throughout the year, and email support to help Healing Professionals (HPs) who want to bring Focusing into their work with clients. Read more here.

Tell me more about the recordings for this course

To respect the confidentiality and privacy of our participants we do not provide video recordings of our classes. All recordings are provided as audio files.

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