Friday Lunchtime Program: Dancing with Fire: A Focusing-Oriented Approach to Couples Therapy. John Amodeo, PhD, LMFT

Eugene Gendlin’s research into psychotherapy effectiveness found that successful clients were mindfully present with their direct, bodily-felt experience in the moment. This presentation highlights how the principles of Focusing can be applied to couples therapy--and complement the work you as therapist are already doing. Through lecture, discussion, and an experiential role play, John Amodeo will demonstrate how Focusing offers a practical, safe way to uncover underlying feelings and longings. As couples learn how to express their feelings and wants in a tender, non-shaming way, a climate is created that invites and nurtures intimacy, love, and connection. The presentation will also emphasize how Focusing can help deepen the therapist’s connection with each person through experiential listening, as well as interrupt the common cycle of blame, defensiveness, and attack, helping couples cultivate an attitude of respect, gentleness, and kindness toward themselves and each other.