Focus: A mental health tool

When hearing the word focus, meanings can be derived. The lens of an eye or camera. Concentrating on one particular subject. For this article, the use of focus as a mental health recovery tool will be explored. 

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One explanation of a person suffering from a mental health condition is a disorganised thought process. Like a selection of clothes at a jumble sale, a mind can also be jumbled up. This causes confusion and emotional anxiety. Increasing distortion of reality for some. So how do we go about helping a person suffering like this? Firstly, finding out the complexities of their thoughts. No matter how delicate, each thought is important to untie the threads of the mind. 

Once the confusion is out, the source of the entanglement can be assessed. One powerful thought then dissected into an amalgamation of many. The driving thought, spread like branches of a tree. The root cause is being found. So the ability to home in and focus is the part of the person carrying out the exploration of the person's mind that is suffering. Then helping them to discover why their thoughts have been so mixed up. 

Time, thoughtfulness, gentleness and expertise in open questions are good approaches. In my practice, the root cause has been both cathartic and profound when discovered. A moment in therapy to be proud of. The after-effects of such a discovery can influence a clearing of the mind. Similar to a reset, reboot or restart of thoughts. Peace of mind is the ultimate treatment goal. So the process of focusing on the thoughts for therapy sessions is helpful. 

Some clients find their feelings hard to explore. So the method of a focus on thoughts is a good alternative. For a client who is quite shut down, on occasion texting them can be a method they respond to. Exploring early thoughts as well as current thoughts can lead to communication being established and then maintained. Walks and other creative means can also assist in uncovering the plot that they may not be aware of as some of the main causes of their complaint. 

In mindfulness meditation, the acceptance of the mind's thoughts is encouraged. Being able to be present and gain real-time focus is a tool in the bag. Each component leads to more certainty in one’s self. Fear now being on the back foot and confidence possibly restored. 

One of the goals of therapy can be to try to instill a purpose in a client's life. The use of visualisation and offering ideas can be a possible way to create a driver for a goal and purpose. We do that in treatment plans, and in collaboration with the client. Looking into all areas of life and helping to focus on the particular quest for each. This technique is both motivating and strategic in the way it can help a person come out of the stuck state of mental health anguish. 

So the camera lens when adjusted influences the clearness of the picture to be taken. The concentration on one particular subject helps to study more depth of the topic. As does the mind feel more peace, when the thoughts are analyzed to discover the cause of the overactive thoughts arising. All three require a human adjustment in direction. Turning anti-clockwise of the camera lens. A certain book for studying. Listening and asking questions about thoughts. In all of this direction is key to finding a good result. 

Supervision too helps with perspective. Keeping on the path to more discoveries. Added insight, safety and care in this delicate process. The supervisor oversees all aspects of the intricate nature being approached. So a second mind is in the eye of the client. Helpful in the untangling of thoughts. With a new focus, possibly in the making and heading towards completion. 

If a client leaves therapy with a new purpose, peace within themselves and their mind quieter, it has been a good outcome to be involved in. Especially if that was the collaborative goal within the treatment plan. 

If you relate to the complication and entanglement of your thoughts, then maybe therapy can help you. With the possibility to gain your desire of this being relinquished. Stopped and moving forward with your life in a freer type of direction. It starts with that focus and maybe could develop you more into a brighter future. 

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Counselling Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Guildford GU2 & Chertsey KT16
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Written by Warren Vinciguerra
BA (Hons) Registered MBACP
location_on Guildford GU2 & Chertsey KT16
After decades of engaging in my own personal therapy and also practicing therapy as a therapist, I have gained wisdom and foresight in my counselling philosophy. The honour and privilege of working at some of the worlds leading private treatment cent...
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