Being an independent sort, I have long championed doing your own healing, however over the years I have become more and more aware that my long sought after goal of independence is merely a stepping stone on the way to something far more beneficial: interdependence. As quantum physicists are rapidly finding ways to prove, we are not separate islands, we are all interconnected. Focusing Partnerships are one of the most inspiring models I’ve come across that honours our need for connection and to be heard. Imagine how different the world would be if every person had someone in their life who would truly listen to what they had to say, without contradicting, or giving advice, or telling them they are silly to be feeling the way they are. Eugene Gendlin aspires to the vision of a world where everyone learns Focusing, and everyone learns how to truly listen in order to support someone else as they Focus. I find his vision truly inspiring.
The Focusing Institute runs a free partnership program which you are able to join once doing some basic training. There are also some very inspiring stories on the website showing how different people have used and benefited from having a Focusing partner. You can also read about my personal experience with a Focusing Partnership. Gendlin writes in his book that the bulk of what takes place in therapy could actually be achieved by people Focusing with a listener who is there to help them to really hear what is going on inside of them, with therapy reserved for more serious situations that are not able to be resolved in this way. Training in Focusing to the level where you are able to join the partnership program is a fantastic way to ensure that you will have someone available to assist you in your healing and growth on a long term basis, without having to fund regular treatments with practitioners of various modalities.