The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional Self-Healing

by Ann Weiser Cornell

The Power of Focusing is the culmination of Ann Weiser Cornell’s search for a way of teaching Focusing so simple and clear that it would be accessible to anyone, no matter what their background or personal style.

Focusing is a gentle yet powerful skill that lets you tap into your body’s wisdom and make positive changes in your life. The Power of Focusing shows readers how they can train themselves to learn this vital technique of self-exploration and self-discovery.

Focusing is the process of listening to your body in a gentle, accepting way and hearing the messages that your inner self is sending you. It's a process of honoring the wisdom that you have inside you, and helps you become aware of a subtle level of knowing and experience greater clarity.

When you learn to listen to a feeling, it is much more likely to relax, release, and let you go on with what you're doing in a clear and centered way.

The results of focusing are insight, physical release, and positive life change. You understand yourself better, feel better, and act in ways that are more likely to create the life you want. This step-by-step guide will help you develop a powerful skill and open to the depth and richness of your whole self.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Health, Spirituality, Meditation, Mental Health

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

About the author

Ann Weiser Cornell was getting her PhD in Linguistics at the University of Chicago when she met and studied with Eugene Gendlin, the originator of Focusing, starting in 1972. Learning Focusing with him has led to a lifelong process of discovery and personal development.

In 1980, Eugene Gendlin invited Ann to assist with his Focusing workshops. This started her on a path to become a Focusing teacher, and in 1991, Ann joined with Barbara McGavin to create Inner Relationship Focusing, internationally recognized as one of the leading innovations in Focusing.

Ann has taught Inner Relationship Focusing in twenty countries, and her Focusing books and manuals have been translated into eleven other languages (Czech, Dari, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, and Spanish).

Ann is well-known in the Focusing world for her attention to the language that facilitates Focusing, her popular manuals, and her co-creation with Barbara McGavin of Untanging®, a body of work applying Focusing to difficult areas such as addiction, depression, action blocks, self-criticism, and unfulfilled desire. She is the author of five books on Focusing: her bestseller The Power of Focusing (1996), The Radical Acceptance of Everything (2005), Focusing in Clinical Practice: The Essence of Change (2013), Presence: A Guide to Transforming Your Most Challenging Emotions (2015), and 21 Days to Healthier Boundaries (2020). Ann is authorized by the Focusing Institute in New York to offer the Institute’s certification as Focusing Trainer.

Reviews

[Jean Liao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my life and how I relate to myself and to meditation. This will save you from your own neuroses, if you can muster up the courage and patience to do this practice. I highly recommend it to everyone. One of the most valuable books I have ever been exposed to.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty years ago I learned Focusing at a one-day workshop. I did quite a bit of it for about a year after that. I was amazed at how well it worked just following the simple steps. Most of the time I experienced a shift in the felt sense and did not get anything cognitive in the way of a solution for a problem. Even so, I would notice after a few days or weeks that there was a change in my thinking or doing which resolved the problem. With this background, I was very interested in seeing this book and refreshing or extending my knowledge on Focusing.

I gave this book a 5-star rating, not because it is thrilling or entertaining, but because it follows along and adds understanding to what I learned at the workshop. Focusing is a handy tool to have. The process involves feeling what your body is telling you rather than staying in your head for a little while. The hard part of learning to focus is really getting an awareness of "felt sense" and I think this book does a good job of explaining what it is. I got that from the original workshop and it is not something that one forgets.

[Frishte · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an unconventional type of self-help book. Ann Cornell, based on academic researches made by professor Eugene Gendlin, teaches a set of practical techniques of self-body communication, in which the self will listen and receive the bodies messages it sends through emotions, felt senses and pain. Ann Cornell shows a whole different approach to emotions and felt senses, unlike our ignorance, fear and overwhelm from emotions like sadness, fear, frustration, grief, doubt...etc, she explains how a loving and respectful relationship can be formed with them and other positive emotions, in which through, you receive all the benefits they are supposed to give. It is a great work of the author, definitely worth reading.

[Jerome Baladad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got hold of this book from digging up from the shelves in one of the remaining thrift stores in Manhattan, and was generally surprised in discovering this. I immediately got interested in reading it, primarily because I got a strong sense it could provide me with a useful set of techniques in connecting with whatever it is that concerns myself almost daily. In the process of doing my book readings, I know that whatever findings I could have will help eventually in my efforts to relate more effectively with others whom I get to provide help one way or another, directly and indirectly. Of course, the process of helping starts with myself. I'm delighted to discover that the book is really a very easy read. But it took me awhile to finish it because I would go about testing its instructions whenever I would get the chance amidst doing and completing all my activities.

Focusing as discussed in this book is different from the usual kind of focusing I mean especially when I deal with my numerous activities. Yes, I could use some more focusing, given the many activities I'm into daily - from business, relating, thinking, exercising, eating, traveling, etc.

But in this book, focusing refers to techniques being used in relating and connecting more solidly with my body, which I've not really paid much attention into in a such manner because of so many concerns I'm into at any point in time (that continues all day long, unless when I'm finally sleeping). It's different from meditation techniques. And it's fascinating to know that it's been based on researches done in the academic world (i.e., in the early 1960s by Professor Eugene Gendlin at the University of Chicago).

The hallmark is defined by having to grapple in giving the most precise name on what your specific felt sense could be that a part of your body is trying to tell you (but you've been not paying attention to because of many reasons, including being so logical and/or linear in your general approaches in life). It really feels great getting connected with these felt senses, as my body generally knows what it needs and wants. The process helps clarifies life directions. I have to learn to be much better in relating and attuning myself with any of these felt senses. It's similar to being a very good friend who's very compassionate with whatever concerns you have, being not judgmental towards you, and would make you feel you won't be left alone or ignored anymore.

I have to stop here now in telling more details about the book. Read more about the techniques by actually getting hold of this book, reading and practicing what it shares. It's really a wonderful and practically useful introductory book that Ann Weiser Cornell, Ph.D. has expertly written about from her focusing experiences.

[Joy Chase]

At first, I thought this book was too old, I should have come across these ideas already. I had but I still needed to get it! Ann Weser Cornell propounds the research of Gene Gedlin in a very readable and understandable form. She covers every aspect of The Power of Focusing and delivers, as her subtitle suggests, a practical guide to Emotional Self-Healing. She covers how to practice focusing, what I call a mind/body practice, and also explains road-blocks, need for patience, how to work with a therapist or become your own therapist. This books covers all the basics of focusing while providing encouragement and insight into the process. I’d say: read it, patiently.

[Ard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long time ago I read "Focusing" by Eugene Gendlin, who came up with this technique. While the technique itself was interesting, I found the book pretty boring. The book by Ann Cornell is a whole lot better and probably the only book you'll need if you want to know about focusing or want to get started with it. It's concise but tells you all you need to know, and gives a whole lot of practical and helpful insights on the side. Includes chapters on using focusing with a friend, in therapy or as a therapist. This book is priceless. Very, very well done.

[Mohammed Irfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

if focusing really works then everybody should learn it. it will absolutely a necessary skill. learning to listen to your emotions as they are conscious and they are there to tell you a message that need to be heard. it's certainly new and unusual way for dealing with emotions. Hopefully, I will do the exercises and have great expectations to it.

[Michal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and concise practical manual for getting in touch with the "felt senses"
I appreciate that the book was concise and contained minimum amount of unrelated material or "woo-woo". Any individual who is curious to explore the felt-senses and focusing based therapy approaches will find this book helpful.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This easy to understand, straight forward book explains the technique/practice of Focusing. This is a way of going within and listening to the body which has shown to be helpful in addressing overwhelming emotions and overall creating a healthier and more peaceful inner life. Highly recommend!

[St Fu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned Focusing from Gendlins’s book of that title but never got into it until relatively recently when meeting others of the Focusing Community. Who knew there was one? Most of them learned from Ann Weiser Cornell and used her language and techniques. I remained a bit skeptical and stuck with Gendlin’s writings. I began reading his philosophy papers and books and preferred his way of phrasing things.
And so it was a surprise to find this book so readable and practically useful. It begins with a description of how she learned about Focusing , including the difficulties she had to overcome. I realized I had some similar problems starting out. Her explanations were uniformly clear (something I can’t say for Gene Gendlin’s philosophy papers) and I especially liked her chapter on trouble shooting.
Even she admits that for some, saying hello to a bodily felt sense, seems peculiar (suggesting one “acknowledge it” if saying hello feels too weird.) Nowadays, with therapy modalities like Internal Family Systems and Inner child work, treating yourself as a relationship of parts isn’t that far outside the mainstream.
In the end, Focusing is a practice and an experiential system and those who insist on approaching it through theory are missing out. I am therefore recommending that you put aside your fears of looking new agey and read this book and give it a try.

[Georgeanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, both for what I have learned by doing it, and as a resource to recommend to my psychotherapy patients. One of its most important elements is a gentle technique for healing our own defenses and wounded parts without judging them or trying to reject or disavow them. By sensing these parts in our body, regarding them with compassion and opening up to what they have to share, we can change how we react emotionally to all sorts of difficult situations.

This book seems to only be available, new, in the paperback version, which has one of the most unattractive covers I have ever seen. When this book was first given to me, I was so put off by the cover that I almost did not read it - but I am very glad I did.

[Birgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. As someone who struggles with panic attacks, the focusing method has come in handy when I feel like one is on the horizon. Focusing is a method of self-therapy to help you meditate on the compilation of troubles in your consciousness and ultimately boil them down to one single adjective or descriptor. This allows you to get to the root feeling, acknowledge that feeling, and then manage that feeling.

I first read the original book about the focusing method by Eugene Gendlin and I found that this version by Ann Weiser Cornell was easier to read and understand. I have sent this book as gifts to others and recommend it to almost anyone who wants to quiet their busy mind

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best guide to Focusing — better than Gendlin's Focusing — and Focusing itself is the simplest way into a somatic experience of thoughts and feelings. It's so simple that even calling it "Focusing" is a disservice; the technique here is to feel what's happening in your body when you're experiencing stuckness, looping thoughts, or strong emotions. There's a little more to it than that, but only a little — the value Ann Weiser Cornell adds isn't so much about technique as it is about approach. She lays out an attitude toward oneself that's loving and respectful. If you struggle with moving toward your experiences rather than away from them, this book can show you why and how to deeply feel what's happening in your life — and how to give those feelings space to shift.

[Rebecca Prosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

For being written in 1996 this holds up well, chapter 10 was the most impactful from my perspective 👌
Downside:
1. unsure how or why this book is on my yoga trainer certification reading list
2. Everything is written as if the only people who can use this or benefit from it are women (again, in 1996 only women worked with emotions then 🙄) content still good, sorta cringe tho that its so focused on adult women and their emotions rather then being inclusive for all

[Itai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything a self-help book should be: short, concise, practical, and to the point. The book presents the theory and advantages of using Focusing, guides the reader through the tool, and then shows how one can use it with a friend or in therapy.

Recommended for anyone engaged in somatic or body work, people working with trauma, or other body-based therapies. I'm looking forward to using this tool for my own self-exploration and with my future clients.

[elon kafka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but detailed enough manual to a powerful tool.

Finally, I am able to do effective emotional work on my own, without overanalyzing it.

Changed my life.

For anyone dealing with resistance while focusing the IFS Therapy Model is a great addition.

For learning IFS I can recommend Jay Earley's book series "Self-Therapy".

And getting a coach helped me too:)

[Beth Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Está escrito de una manera muy amena y fácil de entender.

Lo cierto es que mi profesora de focusing nos explicó tan bien los conceptos que, más que nueva información, el libro me ha aportado un repaso de los pasos y las frases del proceso.

El siguiente paso es ir incorporando esta técnica a mi día a día.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a succinct, helpful guide for developing intuition based on the body--noticing how the body feels and what it is communicating. It's such a simple concept, grounded in therapeutic research. It goes well with mindfulness practice, in the attitude one adopts during focusing and in paying attention to what comes up.

[Deb Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing method, but at least for me, a self-help book is not adequate for fully comprehending and practicing what's taught. Perhaps others will find more value in it for themselves. The positive take from this is that I'm now aware of this methodology and can seek more information/assistance if I choose to.

[Valentinabriochina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Focusing manual I’ve ever read. Allows you to understand deeply what Focusing is, and put it in practice by listening truly to the body like you’ve never done before; it transforms the body into a friend, instead of an enemy.
Looking forward to reading next books about Inner Relationship Focusing and Untangling.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good source of information about self guided meditation to focus on individual problems and ways to solve them. I wasn't a fan of treating my body like isolated sections rather than a whole, but enjoyed the spirit of the book

[Aistė · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes focusing technique really well, and I feel I have a grasp of it now. It is very clearly written. The focusing itself can be very useful and reveal things about yourself which you wouldn't understand otherwise.

[Tom Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, clear and practical introduction to focusing. I really enjoyed the idea of patient questioning of bodily sensations as a source of insight, healing and change. I've yet to establish any kind of regular habit!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The felt sense. If you want to coach your body, and coach FROM your body, then this book is for you!

[Adam Kościuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo dobre wprowadzenie w temat pracy z ciałem. Jasne, praktyczne, uwazne i empatyczne.

[Aaron Estel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! A little lighter on theory than Gendlin's book, but much better at the nitty-gritty how-to details, in my opinion.

[Magdalena Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical guide

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focusing is a powerful tool personally and as a spiritual director. Wonderful primer and full of depth.

[Nick Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

had some good moments. author's story was pretty potent.
I haven't really used focusing in a while.. do small variants from time to time.

[Lulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to fill in the gaps from where Focusing by Eugene Gendlin left off.