The Gendlin Online Library - central location of all of Gendlin's work
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About Us
The Focusing Institute is a not-for-profit 501C3 organization founded in 1986. Its mission is to make Focusing available to the academic and scholarly communities and to the public at large.
We are an international community.The Focusing Institute received the Charlotte Buehler award from Division 32 of the American Psychological Association for our work in developing resources and training for psychotherapists and bringing self-help and community development skills to the public.
Board of Directors
Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D. (Bio)
Professor Emeritus, University of Chicago
Mary Hendricks, Ph.D. (Bio) and Kye Nelson (Bio)
Co-Executive Directors, The Focusing Institute
Elena Frezza, Counselor
Focusing Institute Certifying Coordinator
Diversity Statement
In February 2009 this statement was approved by the Board of Directors
TFI Diversity Statement
Focusing is a practice that honors what arises freshly in the moment. Frozen structures of any kind are antithetical to the ethic of Focusing. Therefore, the Focusing Institute takes as a core value the principle that the practice of Focusing, how it is taught by certified Focusing teachers, and its application in different fields will not be standardized. Diversity of approaches will be protected. Constructive critiques among Focusing Trainers or between TFI and individuals presenting or applying Focusing are welcome and should be offered by means of open, respectful communication. TFI itself will seek to honor the values of non-standardization in its operations while recognizing that tension can arise between maximum diversity and the need for effectiveness and efficiency in meeting its goals.
Vision Statement
TFI will have achieved its purpose when:
A substantial proportion of populations in all countries and cultures and social classes know how to focus for themselves and/or in Focusing Partnerships which are free of charge. This is like felt-meaning-making literacy as a goal for the world.
Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy is recognized as a major process in psychotherapy, taught in all countries, in University and professional training programs.
The Philosophy of the Implicit is recognized by intellectuals in all countries as the paradigm shift for our age (After Post Modernism).
Professionals in academic and scientific fields use Thinking At The Edge (TAE) to create first person variables and processes in their fields.
Ordinary people use TAE to think for themselves and assess their situations and values.
Focusing and Focusing Partnerships and CHANGES groups are used in conflict situations at all levels as a recognized peace making and community development activity.
Applications of Focusing (Politics, Development, Social Change, Medicine, Children, Sports, Business, Creative Writing, contemplative and meditative practices etc.) have an infrastructure of information and teachers which supports their development and accessibility.
Focusing is woven into the societal fabric world wide enough so that there is no longer a need for any central international organization. Like literacy is becoming today. A basic life skill wanted and taught at all levels in all countries. This will help change the nature of interpersonal relating, social structure and government.
Board Minutes
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting May 28, 2011
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting April 28, 2011
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting March 31, 2011
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting February 24, 2011
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting January 27, 2011
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting December 23, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting November 24, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting October 20, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting September 1, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting July 22, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting June 24, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting May 17, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Retreat April 10-11, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting March 18, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting February 11, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting January 7, 2010
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting December 3, 2009
Summary Minutes from The Focusing Institute Board Meeting October 15, 2009
Timeline
The Focusing Institute and the network of Focusing teachers have worked for many years to develop Focusing to the point where the public can access information and connect with other individuals who use Focusing in their personal and professional lives. Today, Focusing is applied in many areas and taught around the world in workshops, clinical programs, and at national and international conferences. Focusing has become part of the fabric of our society. More...