INNER RELATIONSHIP FOCUSING

What happens inside when you feel anxious, overwhelmed or pulled in different directions?

You may have excited parts, but also doubtful and self-critical parts. The result is often an inner battle that feels very stressful.

You may have tried to persuade, cajole, or berate those parts into changing. But that probably hasn’t worked. What if you instead learned how to work with yourself, not fight it? Inner Relationship Focusing can show you how.

Why Inner Relationship Focusing?

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“ Not only did IRF teach me techniques to listen and care for my wellbeing, but it also taught me how to focus on those internal messages in my everyday life. Fiona is a marvellous focusing teacher and guide; what you learn from her, you will remember your whole life.”
Paul Sloan, Vienna.

What Is Inner Relationship Focusing?

Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF) is an evidence based process developed by philosopher and therapist Eugene Gendlin (University of Chicago).

Research in Stanford University has shown how allowing feelings of stress helps us perform better.

IRF teaches us the work of allowing hard-to-feel emotions, without getting overwhelmed.

You can avail of 1-2-1 sessions where you are shown how to gently stay present to whatever you are feeling.

Instead of talking over and over old problems, IRF shows you how to get a felt sense for them, which can bring new insights and shifts.

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My story with IRF.

I developed extreme anxiety as a consequence of being seriously ill for many years. I was drawn to the work of Dr Claire Weekes who claimed that anxiety would heal if you accepted it.

There were parts of me that really wanted to accept, but other parts that simply couldn’t. I tried many techniques and methods, but none helped me really relax.

I finally found IRF which in just one session helped me ‘be with’ extremely difficult and intense feelings. It resulted in a changed inner relationship to anxious parts which has resulted in far less anxiety in my life.

I recently experienced a serious car crash, and the loss of a parent, and was able to feel through each unflinchingly in ways that made them much easier.

What People Are Saying

“Unlike other approaches, Focusing felt like a gentle partnership with my inner self, where I could move at my own pace”

— Lorraine Conway, Psychotherapist, Galway.

“It’s like one year’s therapy in just one hour. I can’t believe how experiential it is, and how much compassion I feel for myself in just one session.”

— Emily.

“I've thoroughly enjoyed the courses I've taken with Fiona O'Meara. They've been well organised and presented, and supplemented with excellent study materials. Without any feeling of being rushed or overwhelmed I've increased my confidence and benefit from Focusing. Fiona has a warm, clear and calm manner of teaching and I felt included, accepted and heard."

— Sue Reece, Devon

How can you learn?

What makes Focusing unique is that it can be learned in partnership and then practised on your own. Over time, this can reduce reliance on therapy by helping you develop the ability to turn towards yourself in times of difficulty, with greater confidence and compassion.

IRF is taught in four Levels, leading to a Proficiency in Partnership Award from the International Focusing Institute after Level 4. Further training is available for those wishing to become Focusing Professionals.

These courses really foster a commitment to self-acceptance as learning with others can fast-track your progress.

I teach IRF Levels 1-4, and a list of courses are below; as well as prices for 1-2-1 sessions.