Untangling® is a theoretical and practical model for understanding and working with a particular kind of difficult life issue, called a “Tangle.” A Tangle might be an addiction, a chronic low mood such as depression, severe self-criticism, blocks to action, unfulfilled desire (‘obsession’), repetitive difficulty in relationships – in fact any area of life that a person experiences as persistently stuck and seemingly unchangeable.

Untangling was developed by Barbara McGavin and Ann Weiser Cornell out of and along with their development of Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF), to enhance the effectiveness of IRF with tangled life issues.

Untangling is primarily taught as a self-awareness process. People can use and practice Untangling for themselves, and with others using a partnership model. Untangling can be incorporated into and combined with almost any modality of psychotherapy.

The primary concept of Untangling and IRF is Self-in-Presence. Self-in-Presence is the ability of the self to be present with inner aspects with a quality of friendliness, gentle curiosity, and non-judgment. Being Self-in-Presence is an ability that can be cultivated, using the three skills of recognising, resourcing, and relating.

Untangling is a form of parts work, since tangled life issues can be understood as the interplay of partial aspects of self, including parts that are in conflict, parts often denied or pushed away as unacceptable or demeaning, parts that are overwhelming, and parts that are so buried or subtle they need to be drawn out with patience and gentleness.

Ann and Barbara run a few Untangling® retreats every year, or see their year long course “Getting Free”