PSYCHOLOGY CORNER
AMY L. CHAVES
Jan.
26, 2000
Basic Philosophy:
There is a close relationship between mind and body such that what is in the
mind affects the body and what is in the body affects the mind.
There is no duality between mind and body but a oneness that encompass
matter and spirit. Certain ailments
or illnesses may be induced by the psyche or the mental state of the person and
what the person does to his body such as abuse it with junk foods or other vices
affects his mind. Man is therefore
a unified, integrated, embodied spirit. This type of therapy believes that man
is a spirit with a body and not the other way around.
Thus, although mind and body are one, there is emphasis on the mind or
the mental aspect of the person.
Key
Concepts: Any form of
“dis-ease” or ailment is mostly caused by the mental state of the person. Thus, if the patient is the Type A person, anxious and
stressed most of the time, this will have an effect on his body.
Chances are he will develop at least ulcer and at most cancer in the
stomach. On the other hand, less
clutter in one’s surrounding, soothing music, a diet of fruits and vegetables,
perfumed pillows or scented candles, smooth, satiny skin—all these will have a
calming effect on the mind.
Therapeutic Goals:
One of the primary therapeutic goals of this system is to center the person in
order that there is harmony between mind and body.
This is done through easing of tension or lessening of stress which
involves changing the physical environment and applying physical
remedies—soothing music, scented bath, massage or a general body cleansing.
From two days to a week, the patient’s environment is freed from any
stress. Preferably, the patient
lives in a retreat house meant for this type of therapy. If necessary, diet is limited to fresh fruits, juices and
vegetables with very little white meat such as fish or chicken.
Teas and juices are given to aid in internal cleansing or detoxification.
The ultimate goal is to learn how to take care of the body because taking
care of the body is the only way that one can take care of his soul or mind.
When the body has finally learned to adapt to this no-stress
environment, the mind is also cleansed and de-stressed. A
counselor is assigned to listen to any problem or conflict that the counselee
has, taking into cognizance the state of his body and mind.
Anxiety, worries, anger, resentments and other negative emotions are
dealt with using imagery and visualization techniques.
At the end of the week or so, the patient is refreshed, detoxified,
cleansed and is a new person.
Therapeutic Relationship:
Clients may undergo initial therapy to determine the nature and extent of the
problem. Once the specific problem
is identified, a personal program is made to suit the needs of the client. The therapist in
this mind-body system must have a very good background on health and wellness as
applied to mind and body aspects of the human person. If possible he must know the physiological functions of the
body. The relationship is
characterized with warmth, intimacy and competence.
The focus is on reducing physical and mental stress in an environment of
trust and empathy.
Therapy Techniques:
This form of therapy is best for students, professionals, married people and
those who are stressed and harassed in their job, marriage or relationships.
This therapy is not recommended for psychotics or those who are generally
insane. Both mind and body are
taken cared of, pampered and restored through physical means and psychical
means. Physical means involve
pampering the body with the right environment free of stress. Psychical means comprise visualization techniques to
eliminate negative emotions or mental angst, channeling good and positive
emotions as part of mental detoxification, and auto-suggestion to improve
one’s capacity to live with a stressful environment once again once the
therapy is culminated.
Applications: This is best
for anyone who wants to retreat from the stressful world.
This is applicable for individual or group therapy.
Workers who are living in a higher-then-usual stress such as teachers,
entertainers, even counselors, policemen, politicians and other
stressful-related jobs could benefit from this therapy.
Persons with cancer, ulcer, anxiety-neurosis, weight problems, migraines,
arrhythmia, hyper-tension, cardiac ailments, compulsions and addictions can
benefit from this therapy
Contributions:
Provides a chance for highly stressed individuals to recover, become whole again
and ready to face the world. This
should be basic to all other therapies because any form of therapy must be
initiated only after this therapy has been done.
Most of the problems of man at present are stress-related; even diseases
or ailments are caused by the inability of the person to cope with stress.
Most cancer victims can benefit from this form of therapy.
Limitations:
Requires time, money and retreat from work or
roles. Not appropriate for
children. The therapist must have
extensive training in heath and wellness therapy.
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