Pat Omidian and Nina Joy Lawrence: Community Wellness Focusing – Many Communities, Many Branches

March 7, 2025

We had a heartwarming, enriching time earlier this month with Pat Omidian and Nina Joy Lawrence! They shared their journey of being Fullbright Scholars in Afghanistan– along with the beginnings of teaching Focusing there, in Pakistan, and other places. We learned important considerations related to culture, language, customs, and more. They led everyone in a guided Focusing experience of our own communities, along with time for arts expression and sharing. Thank you to both for helping us gain great insight and tools for working within a community wellness model!

A couple highlights from participants:

What did you enjoy most about the presentation? "The lovely conversation, wisdom about speaking to people in their language."

"Pat and Nina Joy showed firsthand how to be flexible with groups when they adapted to guide us in the exercise! Admirable work!"

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About the Presenters:

Pat Omidian, PhD in Medical Anthropology and Certifying Coordinator for TIFI, uses Focusing in her trainings on psychosocial support and psychological first aid. Her trainings have led to the development of community training manuals in English, Urdu, Spanish, Pashto, Dari and Japanese. In December 2013, Melinda Darer and Pat launched Focusing Initiatives International, a not-for-profit organization that promotes Focusing as a basis for positive emotional, social justice and resilience globally.

Nina Joy Lawrence, MS Counseling, Certifying Coordinator for TIFI, is enthusiastic about Community Wellness Focusing, Quaker Focusing, Children Focusing and gathering Focusers together to share and have fun. She uses art in both her personal practice and in Focusing trainings. Nina has taught Focusing in Afghanistan and Pakistan. She has encouraged and supported the Northwest Focusing Gathering which has been happening since 2008.