Dialogue: A dialogue between focusing and relational perspectives

Abstract

This paper explores the question “What is dialogue?” and its relevance to therapeutic practice through a dialogically structured conversation between two members of the person-centered and experiential community: Akira Ikemi, a leading advocate of focusing; and Mick Cooper, who is associated with a relational person-centered stance. The conversation begins with the question of whether dialogue in therapy is synonymous with a co-explication, by client and therapist, of their felt senses, and the implications that this might have for therapeutic practice. It then considers the roles that unconditional positive regard, agreement and disagreement may have in facilitating – and inhibiting – dialogical processes. This is expanded through a consideration of other factors that may facilitate dialogue, including a stance of indefiniteness, affirming dissensus, and an openness to being changed by the Other. Throughout the dialogue, a recurring theme is the togetherness, or separateness, of human being. The paper concludes with reflections on implications for practice, and a consideration of how such a dialogue might be carried forward.

Keywords:

• dialogue
• focusing
• relational depth
• encounter
• therapeutic alliance
• Gendlin

Author note

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Katherine McArthur and Lorna Carrick for their contribution to this dialogue.