Refocussing, as the name suggests, is about focus and refocus. The theory and practice was first developed by Diane Divett in 1995.
The theory, its development and practice with research outcomes are well documented in the following books published by Lambert Academic Publishers (LAP):
Refocussing Book by Dr Diane Divett
Refocussing and God Spaces (links to PDF of cover)
Also available are:
- Sharkey, J. & Clarke, D. (2011). Refocussing: A God based counselling method.
- Calvert, S; Sharkey, J. & Clarke, D. (2011). : Clients’ Perceptions of Spiritual Experiences in Refocussing Therapy.
As an author, pastor, teacher, educator, counsellor, Dr Divett recognised the need for Refocussing to have a variety of different applications.
Besides being a sound counselling theory and practice, the development of Refocussing includes:
- A self awareness process;
A life coaching, and life mapping process,
A spiritual direction/pastoral mentoring process;
A trauma process (see Rwanda).
As well, Refocussing as a well researched and highly developed theory, known as Refocussing theory (RF/RT) and its counselling practice , namely, Refocussing Therapy (RFT) is well documented (see) http://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz
With Diane’s pastoral and teaching background she was well placed to begin teaching and training others in what she had developed. Accordingly, by 1997 she had provided extrensive teaching materials and manuals including a counsellors training curriculum which she trialled with the Vineyard churches in NZ.
A central reason Dr Divett felt ‘called’ to research and provide a sound academic theory for Christians that integrated theology and psychology is that she believed that while most theories in psychology did attempt to help people resolve their unmet, unfulfilled or maladjusted needs they simply did not go far enough. For example, while psychology may help people to focus on ‘needs’, using various theoretical and practical methods, what she suggests as being necessary to facilitate true wholeness is a way to refocus on the objective Other, namely God, as our fundamental resource.
Like Albert Einstein, who said –
“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we first created them”,
Dr Divett believes a different perspective – a refocus is required. Therefore in the developing of Refocussing she created a series of programmes (life mapping, small group – self awareness, children’s’ programmes, counselling training etc) that help people;
- Firstly to find God so they can experience His empowering Presence, and then
- Shift to a new space of understanding, insight and empowerment.
- From this space decisions about vision, purpose, dreams, future and healthy ‘wholistic’ living can be made.
This is entirely in keeping with Jeremiah 29:11
