Frequently Asked Questions

Focusing is a body-oriented process of self-awareness and inner listening, developed by Eugene Gendlin, PhD. It helps you connect with your Felt Sense—the subtle, bodily way you experience situations—so you can gain clarity, self-trust, and meaningful insights.

"Focusing is a way to pay attention to what your mind and body feel to help you grow and heal," Dr. Gendlin described. It’s about noticing your body’s feelings about things without judging them. This skill, innate in everyone, often gets lost as we age. Rediscovering this intrinsic ability can lead to significant personal transformation. Dr. Gendlin emphasised that this practice differs from conventional attention to feelings, as "it begins with the body and occurs in the zone between the conscious and unconscious." Read more here

Eugene Gendlin, PhD (1926–2017), was a philosopher and psychologist who developed Focusing, a body-oriented process of inner awareness and personal transformation. His research at the University of Chicago revealed that meaningful change occurs when people tune into their subtle, bodily-felt sense of experience.

Gendlin’s work bridges philosophy, psychology, and self-growth, influencing therapy, coaching, and mindfulness. He authored several books, including Focusing, Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy, and A Process Model.

Watch Laura's popular animated video to learn more about his life and work!

People who practice Focusing often experience:

• Greater self-awareness and emotional clarity

• A stronger sense of inner trust and direction

• Relief from stress, overwhelm, or stuckness

• More ease in decision-making

• Improved creativity, presence, and resilience

Read more here To learn more, you can watch the video Laura created about the benefits of Focusing.

The short answer? Kind of, but not really.

The Focusing process can sometimes look similar to meditation or mindfulness. There are many different styles of Focusing and meditation. We feel it's challenging to make definitive statements. However, Focusing and meditation generally both require the ability of inner attentiveness, acceptance and being present in the moment. Sometimes they are both experienced in a supportive outer environment. We feel the purpose and intentions are different. Focusing is not a relaxation technique. Focusing is a trauma-informed, introspective, somatic (body-oriented) process where you intentionally invite Felt Senses. Therefore, you learn to access implicit inner knowing. (I will cover more on Dr. Eugene Gendlin's Philosophy of the Implicit in an upcoming video.)

Many individuals have reported that Focusing has enhanced their existing meditative or spiritual practices.

Focusing is for anyone seeking clarity, self-connection, and emotional resilience. It’s especially helpful for:

• Individuals navigating life transitions or difficult emotions

• Coaches, therapists, and healing professionals who want to support their clients in navigating life with greater depth and insight

• Creatives and decision-makers accessing intuition and insight

• Anyone wanting a more authentic, present, and embodied life

"True transformation isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about finally connecting with yourself." – Laura Storey

Yes! While guided sessions are highly beneficial, Focusing can also be practiced solo or with a partner. Many people find that working with a trained practitioner helps them develop the skills needed for effective solo practice.

You’ll learn how to practice Focusing on your own in the Focusing Foundations Course. You can also read Laura's article on Solo Focusing to learn more about Focusing alone.

No, Focusing is not therapy. However, it is a powerful tool for personal growth and is often used alongside therapy, coaching, and other healing practices.

Please refer to our Client Bill Of Rights to better understand our philosophy and your rights as a client.

We stand behind our values:

• 98.9% of clients new to Focusing feel supported, safe, and in good hands with Laura.

• 100% of clients with previous Focusing experience agree that Laura has an accepting warmth and a gentle grounding presence.
  

Watch this video to learn more!

👉 Option 1: Book a Free Consultation – Not sure where to start? Let’s talk. In this free, no-pressure call, we’ll explore where you are on your Focusing journey and what next step might be the best fit for you. Whether you’re curious about a course, one-on-one sessions, or just want to learn more, this is a chance to ask questions and sense into what feels right for you.

👉 Option 2: Join the Course – A structured, immersive experience where you’ll learn the core Focusing skills step by step, with guided practice, support, and a like-minded community to deepen your understanding. Perfect if you want a clear framework for integrating Focusing into your life.

👉 Option 3: Book a Session – A personalised session tailored to what’s alive for you right now. Whether you’re navigating a challenge, seeking clarity, or simply want deeper support, these sessions offer tailored guidance to help you listen to yourself in a transformative way.

Yes! Focusing offers a gentle, effective way to navigate stress and overwhelm without getting consumed by it. Instead of pushing feelings aside or feeling stuck in them, Focusing helps you develop a supportive inner relationship with what you're experiencing. Many people find that Focusing brings a sense of relief, self-trust, and resilience—even in challenging times.

You can experience Focusing firsthand by booking a customiSed one-on-one session with Focusing With Laura—book here.

We also offer free guided Focusing exercises on the Focusing With Laura YouTube channel! Subscribe to explore practices that support inner awareness and gain insights from common Focusing questions.

Focusing partnerships are peer-to-peer sessions where two people take turns—one practicing Focusing, the other serving as a companion, offering presence without advising or interpreting. These partnerships create a safe space to explore inner experiences, gain insight, and develop deeper self-trust. Many find that regular partnership practice helps them integrate Focusing into daily life.

At the start of the Focusing Foundations Training Program, you’ll learn the boundaries and agreements essential to healthy Focusing Partnerships. This foundation supports you in developing a lasting, independent Focusing practice—one you can rely on anytime, for life.

You can explore our Free Resources page, where you'll find articles, videos, and book recommendations to deepen your understanding of Focusing. It’s a great place to start if you’re curious or want to continue learning at your own pace.