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Article

Focusing on the “Bodily Felt Sense”: A Tool for Transactional Analysts

Pages 278-285
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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This article describes the experiential method of psychotherapy known as “focusing” (Gendlin, 1981, 1996) and discusses its relevance to transactional analysis. Using information available from the lived body, in the form of what is known as the “bodily felt sense,” focusing can, for example, provide more ready access to the Free Child, facilitate impasse clarification and decontamination of the Adult, and evoke a positive internal Parent. By undercutting theoretical complexity, focusing allows the therapist/consultant to set aside preconceived notions (i.e., to “think like a Martian”) and to let the change process emerge from within the client. This article explores the nature of psychological change, especially how to recognize it and what facilitates it.

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Author information

Mary Goodman

Mary Goodman, M.A., Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), is in private practice as a counseling psychotherapist. She also offers training and supervision in both transactional analysis and focusing. She can be reached at 158] Vernon St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H2M8, Canada; e-mail .