Bristol and Newport (South Wales)

BFTA recognised Focusing Practitioner

I discovered Focusing by chance in 2007 at an introductory workshop run by Chris Wilson in Bristol. I had already done quite a lot of meditation and 1-1 reflective practice (e.g. Interactive Inquiry) and took to Focusing immediately. Since then I have focused regularly and frequently and have derived huge benefit from it. For me, Focusing is more like a spiritual practice than a psychological technique it is the best way I have yet discovered of opening to the truth of 'what is' and developing compassion for myself and others. I also find Focusing to be deeply psychologically integrative and healing. I have grown to love Focusing and see it as great gift.

Having witnessed the depth of benefit experienced by myself others that I introduced to Focusing led to a decision a few years ago to teach Focusing to groups, and to support ongoing Focusing groups locally, to this end I did a certification course with Fiona Parr in Bristol and followed it by doing the practitioner training with Peter Afford in London. I am very interested in how regular Focusing within a group or community of people might influence the dynamics of that group. My practitioner training project was entitled 'Introducing Focusing locally and establishing and supporting local Focusing groups and networks, towards the creation of a local Focusing community'

I have had a long-term interest in spirituality and healing. I am a founder member of Bristol Insight Meditation Group and have practiced qigong regularly for many years. I also love music and poetry, and am interested in Focusing with poems.

Homeopathy & Focusing
I've worked as a Homeopath, Homeopathy teacher and supervisor for over 20 years. Homeopathy also has the 'non-judgemental active listening' element that is in Focusing. I have had some interesting 'crossover' experiences with Focusing and Homeopathy which have included 'Focusing moments' with my Homeopathy clients, and also on occasion offering and giving Homeopathic remedies to people I focus with I sometimes perceive a very clear 'remedy picture' when someone is Focusing. The results of these 'Focusing prescriptions' have generally been very good. I anticipate further integration of the two practices which includes using Focusing to access information about new remedies.

Focusing Groups
I organise and facilitate two ongoing monthly Focusing groups in Bristol. One is an open 'Changes' style group that is open to anyone regardless of Focusing experience, and the other is for experienced Focusers. The open group (BIMG Focusing Group) has acted as a doorway into Focusing for many people locally, and the other group (Bristol Focusing Group) has offered an ongoing, fairly intimate, supportive 'therapeutic space' to participants. (See Focusing Circles page)

Introductory Workshops
I teach one-day or weekend 'Introduction to Focusing' workshops. I like to use the workshops as a springboard for establishing local Focusing groups so that people can have some continuity of practice.
The next scheduled workshop is: November 5th & 6th. Introduction to Focusing: Edinburgh.

Focusing & Meditation Retreats
I organise regular 3-day (or longer) 'Focusing and Meditation Retreats' at a wonderful retreat centre on Dartmoor. Many people who have come into Focusing in Bristol are also meditators, and these retreats combine the benefits of both practices which complement each other well. The next scheduled retreats are: August 15th-20th, Summer Retreat (for experienced Focusers) Dartmoor: December 30th to January 2nd, New Year Retreat, Dartmoor

I also offer 1-1 Focusing teaching, or individual Focusing sessions.