Transpersonal Psychotherapy
Transpersonal Psychotherapy integrates the spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative being into a complete person addressing these components equally. It uses positive influences, rather than the diseased human psyche and our defenses, as a model for the realization of human potential.
Transpersonal Psychology enhances the study of mind-body relations, spirituality, consciousness, and human transformation. It supports the belief that human needs are driven toward a state of wholeness and connectedness to and with divine source. Personal growth and development is produced when a person strives to discover divinity through their own humanity.
It builds upon several fields of psychology and offers an alternative view of behavioral, humanistic, and psychoanalytic psychology by offering that religious and mystical theories can be examined scientifically for the purpose of healing. Transpersonal Psychology is a spiritual depth psychology based on the principles of Jung, Rank, and Reich.
Holistic Psychotherapy
Holistic Psychotherapy views the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of a person as a whole. It is based on the belief that we have the natural tendency to harmonize and synthesize the various aspects of our lives. It also supports that a person possesses an inner wisdom or knowledge of what is needed. The therapist role is to support the process and to be a witness to what is happening.
Holistic Psychotherapy is different from traditional therapy in that it teaches a person to recognize the symptoms of an issue and address it before it affects the other areas as a whole. Holistic Psychotherapy is viewed as a preventive therapy in that it teaches a person to recognize the symptoms of an issue and address them before they infect the rest of the body as a whole. This is achieved by teaching a client to identify a situation of concern and then learn ways to heal themselves. This empowers a person to address any difficult situation in the future in a healthier, more productive way.
Supporting the belief that we are a diverse people with different situations each person is treated as an individual with every effort to find a method that is best suited to the situation, psychological type, unique goals, needs, and path of development. Some of the methods used in Holistic Psychotherapy are guided imagery, body awareness and movement, symbolic artwork, journal keeping, skill training, goal setting, development of the imagination and intuition, meditation, and even dream work.
With the goal to integrate the body, mind, and spirit the goal is to foster an on-going growth process in which to apply the basic attitudes and techniques of the holistic approach to achieve a more joyful, harmonious, and authentic life. Psychosynthesis from which Holistic Psychotherapy came from was developed by Roberto Assagioli, Ph.D.
Integrative Psychotherapy
Integrative Psychotherapy is the fusion of different schools of psychotherapy. It can be used to describe a multi-modal approach that combines therapies. Integrative Psychotherapy affirms the inherent value of each individual. It is a unifying process of integrating the personality: taking disowned, unaware, or unresolved aspects of the self and making them part of a cohesive personality which reduces the use of defense mechanisms, increases spontaneity, more flexibility in problem solving, relating to others, and reengaging with the world. The aim of Integrative Psychotherapy is to facilitate wholeness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) encompasses different approaches that encourage the client to recognize unrealistic perceptions and maladaptive behavior patterns. CBT is a form of therapy in which the client and therapist form a relationship to address and dissect issues causing the client distress. CBT uses a practical approach to understanding the relationship between beliefs, feelings, and thoughts and the effect these have on behavior patterns and actions. It is perceptions that directly affect how a person reacts to a condition or circumstance. Clients learn how to replace negative thoughts and behaviors with beliefs and actions that facilitate positive changes. CBT was developed by Albert Ellis, Aaron T. Beck, Maxie C. Maultsby, Michael Mahoney, Donald Meichenbaum, David Burns, Michael Mahoney, Marsha Linehan, and Arthur Freeman.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach that is client centered and semi directive method engaging motivation for change by looking at discrepancies and exploring and resolving ambivalence to change. It is a non-judgmental and non-confrontational approach working through difficult conversations and resistance helping clients think differently about behaviors and consider what might be gained by change. The use of open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirming, summarizing, and evoking change talk are methods designed to help clients explore and resolve their ambivalence about making changes The main goal is to establish rapport, elicit change conversation, and establish commitment language from the client.
The spirit of MI first requires collaboration, which embraces a partnership that honors a client’s experiences and views creating an environment that is conducive to change. Secondly, it requires evocation eliciting the knowledge and perceptions of a client about their own situation, which involves drawing out strengths, resources, reason for change, and intuitive motivation for change. Thirdly, autonomy, which respects the client’s right and capacity to choose whether to change in every situation.
There are four general principles that MI is based that provide a guide in using the strategies and methods used for facilitating change in clients: Expressing empathy conveys understanding and acceptance of the client though not necessarily agreement with the client. Developing discrepancies helps a client recognize discrepancies between their current behavior and their values and long-term goals by exploring both sides of their ambivalence that contributes to the belief in the importance of change. Rolling with resistance is adjusting strategies so that resistance is not opposed. This is accomplished by supporting self-efficacy, recognizing a client’s strengths, and affirming successes in making other similar changes or changes in other areas of life. MI was developed by William R. Miller, Ph.D. and Stephen Rollnick, Ph.D.
Energy Psychology
Energy Psychology uses a mind-body approach using conventional therapy with energetic medicine by using simple methods to shift energy patterns. It uses interventions that balance, restore, and improve human functioning.
Energy Psychology integrates conventional therapies and the human energy system to empower people to facilitate life-altering change. Painful physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms are the result of a description in the energy system. Energy Psychology techniques correct the disruption in the energy system by tapping into the corresponding emotional energy centers of the body to bring about balance.
The goal is to alter the electrochemistry of the brain by applying pressure to different energy points in the body and administering stimulation. When psychological methods such as cognitive therapy are used along with stimulation of energy points, there is an energetic transformation. This approach not only utilizes the conscious mind but the unconscious forces within to bring about elimination of negative and maladaptive behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and memories.
How is it used in therapy?
Energy Psychology approaches are used as a consideration and treatment technique within therapy. The effectiveness of these approaches are derived from a synergistic affect between focused attention on specific memories and cognitive-affective experiences and activating the energy system. There are therapy techniques that can help release emotional blocks, foster healing, and change emotional patterns. By correcting the disruption in the energy system these techniques can bring balance back creating a healthy system. This can be achieved by stimulating energy points on the skin and paired with mental activities to shift your brains electrochemistry.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
An area for consideration are meridians which make up a circuitry or giant web that delivers a life force energy known as Qi (pronounced 'chee') to all of the organs and tissues of the body. Techniques such as EFT help by using a tapping technique and to remove disturbances or emotional blocks in our body’s electrical or subtle energy system.
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How does it Work?
EFT is an experimental technique that was developed by Gary Craig and works by tapping on acupressure meridians or “Tapping Points” to release blockages. This technique combines psychological techniques with tapping and acupuncture points that send signals to the brain that change compromised responses. EFT operates on the premise that physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is maintained when the energy system is in balance and flowing without blockage from negative emotions. When these blockages are released, the distressful feeling moves through the body and is released. EFT is effective way to clear out limiting beliefs by clearing out negative feelings.
It can be used to treat a number of distressing symptoms to name a few such as worries, fears, anxieties, painful memories, grief and traumatic experiences, stress, anger, moodiness depression, limiting beliefs and more. It is a self-applied form of acupuncture without needles using the fingertips to stimulate energy points on the body. The tapping on the designated points on the face and body is combined with verbalizing the identified problem followed by a general affirmation phrase. It is an easily mastered technique that can be performed virtually anywhere. It can be accomplished by using prepared scripts (go to EFT Tapping Scripts and Clearing Energy Meridian Pathways) or following your intuitive sense as you go through the process. A simple exercise to shift negative emotions is to use the emotional scale. I can teach you the technique and coach you to release limiting beliefs and clear negative emotions to restore you to a happier you.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology refers to the study of the movement of muscles. It was developed by doctors, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. Specifically applied kinesiology is the study of muscle response testing or “muscle testing”. It is a system using muscle testing to monitor the flow of energy. Muscle testing produces a binary code-a muscle feels strong or weak and the code can be used as a biofeedback indicator. Muscle strength is affected by nerve impulses, which are an electrical phenomenon. Even though it has been scientifically validated, it is still subject to error. The energetic/electrical field around the body whether physical, emotional, or mental can potentially affect answers. It could be things in the environment, or the tester or subject themselves has a strong opinion that can influence the test results.
Behavioral Kinesiology is a discipline that tests muscles for strength or weakness to emotional and intellectual stimuli. Muscle testing is used as a medium for communication and not the source, responding to verbal questions to access information from several levels – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual because the energy blockages may be present on any or all levels.
Because of its effectiveness as an assessment method kinesiology has a number of applications in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, psychotherapy, energy medicine, and veterinary medicine as well as athletics, business, education, and performing arts. Muscle testing is also used as a self-help aid for assessing nutritional issues.
Muscle Testing
Muscles are linked to an acupuncture meridian and have physical, emotional, nutritional, and energetic components. Muscle testing is used by health professionals and educators to help clients improve the quality of their lives. Therapists and coaches can use the simple technique to facilitate emotional balance and transform limiting belief systems that are outside of consciousness awareness.
The muscle testing technique allows us to access information that is not otherwise available to the conscious mind. It is important to release ego and attachment to outcomes and answers. The intention is to access the highest guidance and deepest wisdom without interference.
All it requires is a simple technique to test energy flow to identify existing blocks. To access answers you pose a question that requires a simple “yes or “no” response. There are several ways to “test”. One way requires a Tester to press down on the extended arm of the one being tested to determine if it is strong or weak. Another way you can test is by using finger strength. This only requires that you hold your middle and thumb together to form a loop and then take the middle finger of your other hand and press against the inside of the loop at the joint. These are just a couple of ways in which you can access your inner knowing or your intuitive self.vI can use this technique with you and teach it to you to use on yourself. This is a good practice to develop so that you develop your own sense of knowing, become aware of, and get in touch with yourself on a deeper level.
Guided Imagery
Guided Imagery is a gentle technique that focuses and directs the imagination though suggestions toward a relaxed focused state. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real.
Guided Imagery is also referred to as creative visualization aimed at magnifying the positive aspects of the body-mind connection. It can help uncover inner truth and direction stimulating intuition. It evokes real relaxation, which awakens and activates the natural ability for self-healing. Guided imagery helps with changing behaviors and habits.
Guided Imagery is often considered a form of meditation. It requires less time and discipline therefore has a strong appeal and forgiving features so that almost anyone can use it. Imagery entices the mind by appealing to sensory images that naturally occur. You can create your own script or use a pre-scripted one as a launching pad (go to Relaxation Guided Imagery and Safe Place Guided Imagery).
I can use this technique with you and teach it to you to use on yourself. I can work with you to create a guided imagery script that is designed and tailored to your needs.
Chakra System
Chakra is a concept originating from Hindu tradition. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “turning”. This refers to a bio-energetic activity emanating from the major nerve ganglia branching from the spinal column. A chakra is believed to be a center of activity that receives, assimilates, and expresses life force energy.
The Chakra System is made up of seven “wheels”. Each Chakra Center has its own intelligence, function, and purpose working best when all chakras function harmoniously. Each energy center has a living pulse. Each chakra in your spinal column is believed to influence or even govern bodily functions near its region of the spine. They are a key to our ability to interpret the symbolic meaning in our life. The chakras are thought to vitalize the physical body and to be associated with interactions of a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual nature. When they are not in harmony then we will experience imbalances in our life.
Re-balancing the Chakra System
It is important to recognize the imbalances. Your system will reveal where things are not functioning at their peak. Taking a look at each Chakra will give you a good idea. They manifest themselves in survival and our connection to the physical plane, connection to others, our will as it relates to personal power, how we give and receive love, creativity, communication, ability to see the “big picture”, and a spiritual connection.
Some systems are significantly out of balance and require attention on many levels. A holistic approach is encouraged to include developing a healthy lifestyle and if needed the support of a therapist or coach to explore emotional blocks. There are some simple techniques however, that can be helpful to re-align the system to encourage harmony. One simple technique I like is to use CD’s that are specifically designed to resonate with each vibrational center using guided imagery.
Archetypal Symbolism
Archetypes are ancient patterns and symbols that are emulated as roles or characters we portray that are universally recognized. They are both intimate and impersonal. These patterns are ever-present and are applied symbolically to our day-to-day existence. It is one way we organize and bring meaning to our lives. They are found throughout history and into present time and will continue as long as we assign meaning to our existence. While Archetypal Symbolism is not an energy approach as identified or defined in energy psychology, it is clear that, the archetypes have a symbolic connection through the emotions that correlate with the Chakra System.
Archetypes influence our relationship to personal power
Each archetype has its own story to tell. Archetypes influence how we relate to material power; respond to authority, and how we make choices. They become our companions and serve as guides to support personal development. The work is to learn to recognize the archetypal patterns at work in our lives. As we work with the archetypal patterns, we become conscious of our selves and the effects of our actions. Through deliberate choice, we then empower ourselves.
In my work with you, I can help you understand the influences of the survival and other archetypes and how they influence you and then to recognize how you are negotiating your power. As you learn to embrace the archetypes as companions and trust them as your guides you will begin to live a more congruent and authentic life.