A focus-maintaining technique: attend to material linked to the central conflict and gently neglect material that pulls therapy away from it.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify material relevant to the focus
- Respond more fully to focus-linked material
- Briefly acknowledge unrelated material
- Return to the central conflict
- Explain the rationale if needed
When to use
- When sessions become scattered
- When the client brings many topics
- When time-limited work requires focus
Key phrases
This matters, and I want to connect it to our focus.
Follow-up questions
How does this relate to the pattern we are working on?
What part of this belongs to the central conflict?
Alternative phrasings
Let us not lose the thread.
I am going to bring us back to the focus.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not ignore risk or urgent material
- ⚠️ Do not make the client feel dismissed
- ⚠️ Use warmth when redirecting
Source: Malan, D. brief psychodynamic focus technique
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.