Direct Engagement with the Cleared Space in Psychotherapy / Direkte Verbindung mit dem Cleared Space in der Psychotherapie / Compromiso directo con el espacio despejado en psicoterapia / S'ouvrir à un processus en prise directe avec l'étape 'dégager un espace' dans la psychothérapie / Compromisso directo com oespaço limpoem psicoterapia

Clearing a space was first developed as a preparatory step for focusing. Since then this process has been expanded to include a direct engagement with the cleared space. Research results show its impact upon increased self-care and positive body image, recovery from trauma, and experiences of wholeness. Little attention has been paid to exploring its value within ongoing psychotherapy. This paper demonstrates how this expanded approach to clearing a space shifts one's relationship to particular issues towards a greater unification of the person and alignment with higher values and purpose. A summary of research and the presentation of six common characteristics of direct engagement with the cleared space are presented. Discussion of two philosophical concepts sheds light on the difference this process makes in psychotherapy. A final discussion examines how this expanded approach to clearing a space may contribute to a more spiritually informed change process.