The first step of focusing and a stand-alone technique. The client turns inside, notices everything that is on their mind, and carefully "sets aside" each theme at a distance. The result is a sense of inner space and calm, a dis-identification with the problems.
Step-by-step guide
- Invite the client to bring attention inside: into the chest and belly area
- Ask the guiding question: "What is between you and full well-being right now?"
- The client names the first "thing" — a word, an image, a sensation
- Help to "set it aside" at a distance: "Can you imagine putting it down beside you? On a shelf? In a container?"
- Confirm: "Good, that is set aside. What else is between you and the calm?"
- Repeat until the client says "That is all" or "Nothing more"
- Invite them to feel the cleared space: "How does this place inside feel, with everything set aside?"
- Let them stay in this space for 30–60 seconds
When to use
- Start of the session — entry into focusing
- The client is "flooded" with emotion and cannot observe
- High anxiety — a safe distancing is needed
- Trauma work — building a safe inner place
- Stress reduction and centering as a stand-alone practice
- The client does not know where to start — too much at once
Key phrases
Bring attention inside, into the chest and belly. What is between you and a feeling of full well-being right now?
Do not dive into any of these things — just notice them and set them down beside you.
Follow-up questions
Good, that is set aside. What else?
Can you put this at some distance from yourself?
How would you like to "place" it? In a container? On a shelf? In a balloon?
When everything is set aside — how does this inner space feel?
Alternative phrasings
For visuals: "Picture a room inside you. Each theme — into a separate box on a shelf"
For kinesthetic clients: "Sense each thing as a weight — and gently set it down beside you"
For anxious clients: "You don't have to solve it. Just notice and set aside. Each thing will wait for you"
Warnings
- ⚠️ This is NOT suppression — the client carefully sets aside, does not push away
- ⚠️ If the client "falls into" one of the themes — gently bring them back: "Let us first set this aside"
- ⚠️ Some clients cannot "set it aside" — that is information about how captured they are
- ⚠️ Do not rush — each person has their own pace
Source: Gendlin E. 1978/1981, Focusing; 1996, Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.