Handle / Symbol — Focusing-Oriented Therapy

Finding the precise word, phrase, or image that grasps the quality of the felt sense. The handle is not analysis or interpretation but a symbol that comes "from inside" and resonates exactly with the bodily sensation. Once the handle is found, the felt sense begins to unfold.

Step-by-step guide

Make sure the client is in contact with the felt sense
Invite: "Which word, image, or phrase fits the quality of this sensation?"
Do not analyze — let the word/image come on its own
Wait: the client may go quiet, half-close the eyes, "listen"
Once a word comes — help the client check it (→ Resonating)
If nothing comes: offer "What color? Shape? Texture? If it could speak, what would it say?"

When to use

A felt sense has formed — the client senses "something" in the body
The client struggles to put the experience into words
When we need to "anchor" the felt sense so we can come back to it
The shift from a vague sensation to something we can work with

Key phrases

Which word or image fits this sensation?

If this had a shape — what kind?

If it could speak, what would it say?

Follow-up questions

What color, shape, texture does it have?

How would you describe it in one word?

Does a metaphor come? An image?

Alternative phrasings

For visuals: "What image comes when you have stayed with this sensation?"

For kinesthetic clients: "If you could give it shape with your hands — what shape would it be?"

For verbal clients: "What short phrase describes this most precisely?"

Warnings

⚠️ Do not suggest words — the handle must come from the client
⚠️ Familiar labels ('anxiety', 'stress') are usually NOT a handle but a substitution
⚠️ The handle is often unexpected: "a knot", "a gray cloud", "tight", "something frightening"
⚠️ If a word does not come — that is normal; give more time, or look through images

Source: Gendlin E. 1978/1981, Focusing; 1996, Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy