Ruth Hirsch

Healing through Focusing

The Core Focusing Training Program

This program includes the Focusing Basics Training and Intermediate – Advanced Focusing Training. These courses are comprehensive and designed to be taken sequentially. Together, the courses are equivalent to Levels 1 through 4 of Inner Relationship Focusing and are generally considered to be the prerequisite for going on to Advanced Training Consultation groups and/or mentorship leading to certification as a Focusing Practitioner or Trainer.

The main objectives, fees and prerequisites for each training are described below.

The Focusing Basics Training Program

This course is designed for complete beginners as well as for those who’ve had introductory Focusing training, and now want to deepen and expand their understanding of and skills in Focusing and Listening within a supportive, comprehensive program.

In the first half of the Focusing Basics training you will learn the basics of Focusing. With these, you will:

  • Be able to Focus by yourself and with a partner
  • Begin to learn how to be a supportive listener to another Focuser
  • Be entitled to participate in any of the many free practice groups worldwide

In the second half of the training you will deepen and expand your own Focusing and enhance your skills as a Focusing companion for yourself and others. As a result, you will:

  • Become more competent in your own Focusing
  • Learn advanced listening techniques
  • Begin to learn guiding techniques to help to deepen the Focusing process
  • Learn how to identify, work with, and begin to heal the inner critic
  • Learn how to prevent overwhelm
  • Learn how to create a deeper, more nurturing inner relationship for yourself and for your Focusing partner

What you receive:

  • Initial Guided Focusing Session facilitated by the Trainer
  • Eight 2.5 hour classes
  • The Focusing Basics Training Manual – 138 pages in PDF format
  • Additional handouts to supplement manual
  • Homework between classes that includes reading assignments as well as regular Focusing practice with assigned partners from the class
  • Membership in private Facebook Group (open only to others who are in or have been in training with Ruth)
  • Small class size – limited to maximum 10 participants per class
  • Time in each class for Q&A about class material, and home and in-class practice

Click here for fuller description of the Focusing Basics Program and FAQs.

Fees

Standard tuition is $770 US. When paid in advance, it is discounted to $625. You can find details about the dates and fees for the next Focusing Basics program here.

To support you in learning with a friend, family member or colleague there is an additional $25 discount (for each of you) when signing up together.

To further support your learning and commitment to your own growth and healing there is a 10% (up to $154) discount for paying in advance for both the Focusing Basics and Intermediate – Advanced Courses.

Prerequisites

  • A sincere desire to learn and grow
  • An individual guided Focusing session facilitated by the Trainer prior to beginning this course. This session is included in the price for the Course.

Policies

Click here to read policies for participants of all workshops and trainings.

For Dates and to Enroll in an upcoming training

A Special Note for Therapists and Healing Professionals

Therapists and health professionals often wish to skip forward, bypassing the beginning levels of training. Many feel they’ve already mastered the material in the course of their professional training and experience. Or, in an eagerness to learn how to use Focusing with their clients, they may not feel a need to spend time learning Focusing for themselves.

It’s been my experience – as well as that of most other Focusing trainers – that having an understanding of the essence of Focusing on a personal experiential level is an essential first step in developing the skills for working with clients. The initial levels of the training are dedicated to gaining this understanding.

“I learned such an amazing amount in such a short time and it happened so naturally, organically, I have to say in such a focusing kind of way. As if I’d turn around and go, WOW, I learned so much! When/how did that happen? Almost seemed effortless! I just wanted to say a real heartfelt thank you.” —Catherine Rogers, Focusing Trainer, ND

“Thank you, Ruth, for two incredibly helpful courses (Focusing Basics and Intermediate/Advanced.)
I really appreciated your teaching style and the knowledge that you shared with us. The courses were organized in such a way as to help me build incrementally upon each new insight and integrate them into my understandings at the right pace for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning as both Focuser and Listener/Companion from your expert demonstrations and feedback. I am grateful to have found Focusing, and your courses in particular” —R B, Toronto, Canada

The Intermediate – Advanced Focusing Training

This training is designed for Focusers who want to deepen their understanding and skills in Focusing and learn how to facilitate Focusing sessions for those who might not be yet be trained in Focusing – family members, friends, clients and others. It’s also for Focusers wanting support to make Focusing a part of their every-day lives.

In the first half of the Intermediate-Advanced training you will learn:

  • The basics of how to facilitate a Focusing session for someone new to Focusing
  • Powerful, supportive, guiding suggestions for each stage of the Focusing process
  • Reasons behind why and how each suggestion is so useful

In the second half of this training you will learn more advanced guiding & troubleshooting techniques, including a variety of compassionate approaches to handling obstacles that may arise in a Focusing session.

You will learn how to use Focusing to:

  • Work with the Inner Critic
  • Deal with blocks to achieving goals
  • Work with habits and addictions
  • Assist a Focuser who “feels nothing”
  • Work with a Focuser who has one part attacking or victimizing another

What you receive:

  • Eight 2.5 hour classes
  • The Advanced Focusing Training Manual – 102 pages in PDF format
  • Additional handouts to supplement the training manual
  • Homework between classes that includes reading assignments as well as regular Focusing practice with assigned partners from the class
  • Membership in private Facebook Group (open only to others who are or have been in training with Ruth)
  • Small class size – limited to maximum 8 participants per class
    Opportunity for supervised in-class practice sessions that include feedback by trainer
  • Time in each class for Q & A about both home and in-class practice as well as about bringing Focusing into sessions with clients

Click here for fuller description of the Intermediate – Advanced Training and FAQs.

Fees

Standard tuition is $770 US. When paid in advance, it is discounted to $625. You can find details about the dates and fees for the next Intermediate–Advanced program here.

To support you in learning with a friend, family member, or colleague there is an additional $25 discount (for each of you) when signing up together.

Prerequisites can be any one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Focusing Basics Training Program
  • Successful completion of Levels One and Two with a certified Inner Relationship Focusing Trainer
  • Proficiency as Focusing Partner award
  • Permission of the trainer. Please contact Ruth for information about this option.

Policies

Click here to read policies for participants of all workshops and trainings.

Enroll in an upcoming training

“Taking the Advanced Training with Ruth enhanced my own personal Focusing practice so much, that, knowing what I know today, even if I planned to Focus alone for the rest of my life and never have a partner, I would still take the Advanced Training. I became a much more skillful Focuser, and learned how to sidestep or work with many of the typical challenges that beginning Focusers experience.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks Focusing holds promise for them to take the Advanced Training, not only to better help others, but for their own benefit. It made such a difference for me.” –Deanna

How Video & Phone Focusing Work

Some clients and prospective students wonder whether telephone or online sessions are as effective as in person sessions and classes.

My experience, and that of my clients and students, is that results from video and phone sessions are not only effective but often surpass those of in-person sessions.

The phone and online settings seem to offer a more concentrated learning environment with less distraction and inhibition.

Video: Group classes are available online with Zoom, a simple to use video platform (similar to Skype but much, much better). Students are provided with a link to access our easy-to-access virtual classroom. All that is needed to use Zoom is a working webcam and microphone (standard on most laptop computers and tablets) and access to the Internet. In addition, all classes conducted on Zoom are recorded, and made available to participants for review at their convenience. Click here for a brief recording of a few students sharing their experience of learning Focusing online.

Phone: For private students who prefer to have phone sessions and can be reached via landline, I will call you at the time set for your session with no phone charge to you. Those without landlines have the option of calling me on my Israeli or U.S. phone line.

“I was a bit skeptical about doing a class via the internet although I have participated in many interactive webinars. The interaction throughout the class was helpful. The practice sessions during and between classes were really helpful. The opening and closing attunements reinforced the process nicely. The assignments and “handouts” are excellent.

“I liked hearing about the others who practice focusing in different ways. Zoom and Skype worked surprisingly well and boosted my confidence in using each modality. The class was quite useful to me personally in a number of ways. Focusing will also be useful professionally and has already helped me to listen differently.

“I’m looking forward to the advanced practice class. Thank you for your work with us.” —Lynn, Psychotherapist, NE

Enroll in an upcoming training or contact me to set up a program tailored for your group

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