Focusing-Oriented Relating in Group Environments (FORGE)

Two-Year International Training Program

This international training program for Focusing-oriented group work came into being as an answer to the needs of many of us at a time when Focusing-oriented connectedness, collaboration and genuine relating are more urgent than ever; a time when cross-cultural, cross-generational and multi-geographical gathering is technologically supported as never before.

Although Focusing has deeply influenced individual therapy and inner work, its potential contributions to group life remain underexplored.

“Here is a new message... there is a different way forward, a further stage – relating – which we all really want…. it is part of the further development of the human being.”

-Eugene Gendlin from his unpublished manuscript, “Fitting In, Pouring Out and Relating”

This program aims to carry forward that promise by clarifying and practicing the principles and practices of Focusing-Oriented group and community life.

WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM?

FORGE is a two-year international training program for those familiar with Focusing and interested in leading Focusing-informed groups of all kinds. There are six modules (three the first year and three the second year). Each module is comprised of six classes that meet every two weeks (except around the holidays), with one-hour practice sessions between classes.

We are offering two sections to accommodate participants in all time zones. The same material will be taught in both sections.

• Section A meets on Thursdays from 11:30am-1:30pm, Eastern Time.
• Section B meets on Tuesdays from 7:30am - 9:30am, Eastern Time.

All three modules of the first year are being taught by Lynn Preston.

Participants will:



• Explore how Gendlin’s philosophy provides a new underpinning for group process.
• Learn to translate Focusing principles and skills into relational and conversational group practice.
• Integrate embodied listening and speaking into the natural flow of the group.
• Develop leadership presence and personal style.
• Create a climate of openness, curiosity, and care – welcoming and affirming all participants in their unique individuality.
• Gain skills in attuning to group dynamics.



Module 1

Embodied Speaking,

Listening and Relating 

Section A meets:

September 11, 25 2025

October 9, 23 2025

November 6, 20 2025

Section B meets:

September 16, 30 2025

October 14, 28 2025

November 11, 25 2025

Module 2

Structure and Spontaneity:  

The Group and the Individual 

Section A meets:

December 4, 18 2025

January 8, 22 2026

February 5, 19 2026

Section B meets:

December 9, 23 2025

January 6, 20 2026

February 3, 17 2026

Module 3

Leadership and Facilitation:

Diversity and Relating Across Difference

Section A meets:

March 5, 19 2026

April 2, 16, 30 2026

May 14, 2026

Section B meets:

March 3, 17, 31 2026

April 14, 28 2026

May 12 2026

In Modules 4-6 in the second year of the program, we will apply the principles and skills we have learned to particular kinds of groups such as:

Support Groups

Group Therapy 

Couples Therapy

Experiential Teaching & Workshops 

Faith & Mindfulness Spaces

Community Empowerment & Diversity

Second-year faculty includes Isabel Adon, Charlotte Howorth,

Joan Klagsbrun, Greg Madison and Lynn Preston.

All classes will be conducted via Zoom.

ALL CLASSES WILL BE RECORDED.

The first meeting for Section A is Thursday, September 11, 2025.

The first meeting for Section B is Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The suggested fee for each module is $200 for registration before August 15, 2025. After that the suggested fee for each module is $240. Contributions over $240 would be greatly appreciated, to help make this program affordable for everyone.

Scholarships are available. To inquire about a scholarship, please email Lynn Preston directly at focusingpsychotherapy@gmail.com with the word scholarship in the subject line.

Participants can register for individual modules without committing to the entire program.

To register, click the button below and send an email with the word FORGE in the subject line. Payment can be sent through Zelle or PayPal at focusingpsychotherapy@gmail.com or Venmo @FocusingNYC.