Listening Beneath Words: My Journey with Focusing-Oriented Therapy

What Is Focusing-Oriented Therapy?

I first encountered Focusing, an originator of somatic therapy, not as a therapist, but as a client. At the time, I was carrying experiences that didn’t fit into neat explanations. I could talk about them, but words never touched the depth of what I felt.

Discovering Focusing changed that. It helped me connect with the “felt sense,” a bodily knowing that sits just beneath awareness. This felt sense carries meaning that can’t always be spoken right away. That idea was a revelation for me.

In my own therapy, I learned to pause and turn inward. Instead of analyzing or rushing toward solutions, I gave space to what my body was carrying. At first, what emerged was vague: a heaviness in my chest, a restless energy in my stomach, a sense of “something there.” But if I stayed with it, it would shift and open into words that felt truer or into a fresh understanding of what I needed.

How Focusing Supports Healing and Growth

What made this process so powerful was the way my therapist accompanied me. They weren’t interpreting or pushing me toward answers. Instead, they helped me stay with what was emerging, trusting that it would unfold in its own way. That trust, both theirs and mine, allowed something new to happen.

When I later trained as a therapist in Los Angeles, I realized how much this mirrored what I already believed: that people carry a natural forward movement inside them, even when it feels blocked by trauma, anxiety, or old patterns. Therapy, at its best, isn’t about fixing someone from the outside. It’s about creating the conditions where that inner movement can reawaken.

Why Focusing Resonates with Artists and Creatives

For many artists and creatives I work with, this process feels especially natural. Creativity itself is about sensing into what isn’t fully formed yet and trusting that if you stay with it, something meaningful will come.

Focusing brings that same spirit into therapy. Instead of trying to force change, we make room for it. In doing so, we often discover more than we could have imagined. For performers struggling with anxiety or for artists navigating blocks, Focusing-Oriented Therapy offers a way to listen more deeply to what’s stirring beneath the surface.

Focusing-Oriented Therapy in Los Angeles: Creating Space for Inner Change

Over time, Focusing has shaped both my practice and my life. It’s taught me that beneath every diagnosis, every label, and every story, there’s a living process waiting to carry us forward. My role as a therapist is not to define what that should look like, but to listen closely, patiently, and with genuine curiosity until the next step reveals itself.

For me, that is the heart of therapy: not imposing meaning from the outside, but discovering it together from within.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Focusing-Oriented Therapy isn't just a method; it's a journey. It invites you to explore your inner landscape. Each session can feel like an adventure, where you uncover layers of yourself that you may not have known existed.

You might ask, "What does this mean for me?" It means you have the opportunity to reconnect with your authentic self. You can embrace the parts of you that have been hidden or neglected. This journey is about self-acceptance and understanding.

Embracing Vulnerability

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but in this therapeutic process, it becomes a strength. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you open the door to deeper healing. You create space for honesty and authenticity.

In therapy, I encourage you to lean into that vulnerability. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s where true growth happens. You might find that by sharing your fears and anxieties, you can transform them into sources of strength.

The Role of the Therapist

As a therapist, my role is to guide you through this process. I’m here to create a safe space where you can explore your feelings without judgment. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your experiences.

I won’t rush you or push you toward conclusions. Instead, I’ll be a companion on your journey. My goal is to help you uncover the wisdom that lies within you.

Finding Your Voice

One of the most empowering aspects of Focusing-Oriented Therapy is finding your voice. Many people struggle to express their feelings and needs. This therapy encourages you to articulate what you truly want and need.

As you practice Focusing, you’ll learn to trust your inner voice. You’ll discover that your feelings are valid and worthy of expression. This newfound confidence can extend beyond therapy and into your everyday life.

The Impact of Focusing on Relationships

Focusing can also transform your relationships. When you learn to connect with your inner self, you become more attuned to others. You can communicate more effectively and empathize with their experiences.

This deeper understanding can lead to more meaningful connections. It allows you to navigate conflicts with compassion and clarity. Your relationships can flourish when you approach them from a place of authenticity.

Conclusion: Your Path to Healing

Focusing-Oriented Therapy is a powerful tool for healing and growth. It invites you to explore your inner world and reconnect with your authentic self.

As you embark on this journey, remember that it’s okay to take your time. Healing is not a race; it’s a process. Embrace the journey, and trust that you are moving toward greater understanding and peace.

If you’re ready to explore this transformative approach, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a space for your inner change.