“3 things that fascinate me about Focusing, recently” My lecture at the Psychology Auditorium of KU-Leuven (Belgium) held on September 18, 2024.  “Focusing-alpha”, “The Experiencing Model” and “Asian Focusing Methods” are presented.

In this video, Dr. Akira Ikemi introduces Asian Focusing Methods in general and then demonstrates one of such methods -- Kanga Focusing.  In Kanga Focusing one observes the self operating behind a thought.  It aims to explicate the implicit meaning carried by such a self, and to thank the all aspects of the self.  This video was produced as part of the Roots, Branches and Wings series of the FOAT Institute.

Focusing is a method through which a person can find new meanings from their experiencing process.  Focusing maximizes the effects of psychotherapy; and Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy which centrally features the client’s Focusing process. Eugene Gendlin, an American philosopher and noted psychotherapist, is the originator of the Focusing method. Kanga Focusing was developed by Akira Ikemi, Ph.D., Professor: Graduate School of Psychology, Kansai University (Japan), who was a former student of Eugene Gendlin.  In Focusing, there is a method of ‘clearing a space’ where a person creates experiential distance from issues that arises in the mind. There is a strong influence of ‘clearing a space’ on Kanga Focusing.  Kanga Focusing is also influenced by mindfulness practice.  The term Kanga is coined from two Japanese (Chinese) characters: 観 meaning ‘to observe’; and 我 meaning ego or self.  In Kanga Focusing one observes the sense of self behind each thought that emerges in the mind.  Kanga Focusing can be done in alone in mindfulness practice, or with a partner or listener.  This video features Akira Ikemi’s demonstration of Kanga Focusing.

Focusing is a method through which a person can find new meanings from their experiencing process.  Focusing maximizes the effects of psychotherapy; and Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy which centrally features the client’s Focusing process. Eugene Gendlin, an American philosopher and noted psychotherapist, is the originator of the Focusing method. Crossing with Animals is a Focusing exercise developed by Akira Ikemi, Ph.D., Professor: Graduate School of Psychology, Kansai University (Japan), who was a former student of Eugene Gendlin.  It is an exercise that can easily be carried out by anyone.  It is particularly effective when done in pairs.  Crossing with Animals can also be implemented at moments within the psychotherapy process.  The exercise helps the person explore a sense self, how the person is living, which is referred to as ‘existence’.  It is therefore an existential exercise.  In this video, Akira Ikemi demonstrates Crossing with Animals with Monica Gomez Galaz. Like Focusing, Crossing with Animals is based on Eugene Gendlin’s philosophy of Experiencing, which is referred to in this video as ‘The Experiencing Model’.

How to Deal with COVID-19 Stress  2020/05

Produced by Akira Ikemi, Directed by Shinichi Asabe