Grow access to your Self (Recording Only)
In this two-hour workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to connect deeply to your Self. The you that is heart-centered, can connect with others, and feel safe. And importantly, the you that can be there for yourself when a safe other isn’t available to co-regulate with.
One of the most healing experiences can be to learn to more consistently access your Self for yourself. The us that can be compassionate and hold space for others, also being there to hold space for ourselves. And hold space for any of our parts, including those that are hurt, scared, angry, or ashamed.
We can call this Self by many names. Self-compassion, inner self, higher self, stronger self, Self-in-Presence, core state or the Focusing attitude, to name a few. This action of being there for ourselves when a safe other isn’t available is core to self-regulation. This ability can be practiced. We can learn to hold space for what is arising in us—while Focusing with a partner, and then eventually also do so while Focusing alone and even when something arises spontaneously.
In this workshop, we will learn about the Self in a deeper way from three perspectives:
Focusing: Eugene Gendlin’s Step 6 Receiving and Mia Leijssen and Jim Iberg’s Focusing Attitude.
Internal Family Systems: Richard Schwartz’s 8Cs of Self-leadership, for the qualities that are often associated with Self (these are calm, connection, curiosity, clarity, creativity, compassion, confidence and courage).
Neuroscience: the role of the ventral vagus nerve, as conceived by Stephen Porges and polyvagal theory. This will include a look at Jan Winhall’s Felt Sense Polyvagal Model for an integration back to Focusing and the felt sense.
The workshop will include an initial centering and two Focusing experiences to expand your access to your Self:
a guided exercise to connect to your Self that can be there for you. You’ll be invited to find a name for his you.
in breakout rooms you’ll have an opportunity to have an inner dialogue between your Self and some other part of you using Focusing. Suggested prompt questions will guide the breakout room practice. As always, you can opt to Focus on whatever your felt sense brings you if the dialogue doesn’t resonate when we get to this part of the workshop.
You will receive the felt sense body cards to record your experience during the workshop, and the slides afterwards.
Workshop Details
Date and Time live workshop was held: Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, 1-3 pm Eastern Time
Ways to participate:
Recording only.
Who is this workshop for? This workshop is for Focusers of all levels who would like to grow their access to their Self. You can choose to do the breakout room exercise on your own or with someone you’ll watch the recording with. Previous Focusing practice in partnership is helpful but not required. Instructions will be provided.
Sliding scale pricing:
This workshop has sliding scale pricing, offering multiple price points to make it more accessible and reduce financial barriers for people with different levels of income. Please view the sliding scale fees page for more details and codes.
Full fee: Recording only $19
25% off: US$14.25
50% off: US$9.50
70% off: US$5.70
80% off: US$3.80
90% off: US$1.90
What People Have said about our 101 Workshop:
“Great! This two-hour workshop gave me exactly what I wanted, which was a deeper understanding of the process and more importantly seeing it in action. Nothing beats having a direct experience. Thank you, Annette, for your knowledge, patience and kindness.”
–Alan Ross, Psychotherapist, UK
“The Focusing 101 Workshop gave me an invaluable tool to use in my practice. Feelings and associations that were lurking under the surface for years were finally able to emerge when I used the focusing practice I learned with Annette in this simple 2 hour course. I'd been looking for a way to "bring out" people's felt sense in sessions, but somehow I often felt the opportunity slip through my fingers during sessions. Now, when I sense that there's something that my client needs to "feel" into his or her awareness, I have a script with prompts, concrete ideas of questions to ask and an understanding of a unique form of listening, and something amazing emerges almost every time.”
–Esther M, New York
"I had a wonderful experience observing how you listen during the demonstration, and the words and intonation you speak. After that, my Focusing that I'm doing alone has changed. It is hard to explain but after our one-on-one session and workshop I internalized your voice and intonation, and now when I'm focusing alone it helps me move forward."
–Roman Matsaienko, Ukraine
“Having taken part in Annettes' 101 Workshop I felt that this helped me deepen my understanding of the process and practice of Focusing. I liked the way Annette gave us enough information and allowed and encouraged us to experience the practice too. For me this was just the right balance and I really enjoyed being part of this group learning.
I feel confident in recommending these workshops to anyone who has just begun their investigation into the value of Focusing and anyone who may be further on their path and needs to progress with guidance and support in a friendly and open group.
Thanks Annette, I really appreciate your caring guidance and support.”
–Mark This. Facilitator. UK.