Refocussing: the development and definition of the theory and its therapeutic practice with critical analysis and illustrative case studies

Abstract

A sequential narrative format has been adopted as the primary style in this doctoral thesis to describe and define with critical analysis and illustrative case examples the development of Refocussing Theory (RF) and its practice Refocussing Therapy (RFT). The story of Refocussing is told in six chapters, demonstrating a wholistic counselling theory that proposes a way to identify and attend to needs by employing a unique seven foci integrative system. The seven foci system resulted from a desire to find "simplicity on the other side of complexity" (Holmes, cited in De Pree, 1989, p.22) with respect to psychological and theological understanding of human functioning. Consequently, needs were identified as the common convergent construct that transcended the theoretical differences between psychological and theological theories. Accordingly, this thesis proposes that through the implementation of Refocussing Theory (RF), these needs can be identified and attended to, thereby facilitating wholeness. A primary assumption in RF is that people have transpersonal, interpersonal, and intrapersonal dimensions, in which needs manifest. RF proposes that identification of, and, attention to these needs is required. This is so that where needs that are unmet, unfulfilled, or that have become maladjusted, in people's transpersonal (spiritual), interpersonal (social, vocational, recreational) and intrapersonal (intellectual, emotional, moral, physical) functioning, thereby thwarting or hindering their ability to live life in a wholistic manner, these needs can instead be healed, resourced, or resolved. Specific, unique and essential to Refocussing Theory to achieve this is the employment of the "God spaces", which allow people a way to locate, access and develop "God's empowering Presence" (Fee, 1994). The "God spaces" are the central component of the seven foci integrative system mentioned earlier. These "God spaces" are described in chapter three detailing: (1) how they were discovered by the author in psychological and theological research conducted in 1995; and (2) how the "God spaces" were developed into a methodology so that people can be empowered to locate, access, and develop what they uniquely know of God. All of this with the aim of facilitating people to employ their "faith with understanding", so that the state and process of wholeness (described in chapter six) can be achieved. To fully comprehend Refocussing Theory and its practice, Refocussing Therapy, it is important to recognise that it was initially designed for Christians in general and Charismatic Christians in particular. The reason for this is that, for the Charismatic culture, the "Empowering Presence of God" is considered essential for therapy; that is, if it is to reflect or be at all congruent with the beliefs, values, and praxis of the culture. That is not to say that RF and RFT are limited to the Charismatic Christian culture. Rather, it has application for any who agree with the basic assumptions of the theory. Because it is so important to comprehend what these are, they are made explicit throughout this doctoral thesis. Sequentially then, chapter one, the introduction, provides a rationale for the narrative, showing the important details pertaining to the development and definition of RF. Concomitant with this, and also included in chapter one, is the inclusion of the research questions and methodology that gave rise to the formation of this theory and its practice in the first place. In recognition of the fact that no one counselling theory is likely to suit all people, important questions pertaining to this theory also had to be included, such as: Who was the theory for? Why was RF required? Following on from chapter one is the sequential detailing of the story of Refocussing, beginning with chapter two which elucidates how RF arose in relation to cultures, context, and theologies. Chapter three details the discovery of the "God spaces" and how they were essential for the development of the seven foci integrative system, which is outlined in chapter four. Each of the seven foci along with some illustrative case examples is explained in chapter four. Also explained fully in this chapter are those concepts that are fundamental to the theory. This includes the concepts: needs, clean language, orientating questions, focus and refocus. Chapter five presents a case example to illustrate what was previously described in chapters two, three, and four. Finally, chapter six, the denouement explains what wholeness is, and how by implementation of RF, wholeness as both a state and process is achievable.