Sophrology
Sophrology is a psychocorporeal method used either as a therapeutic technique or experienced as a philosophy of life. It was created by neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo, who drew inspiration from both Western and Eastern techniques.
Sophrology employs a set of techniques that work on both the body and the mind. It combines exercises that focus on breathing, muscle relaxation, and mental imagery (or visualization).
Sophrology helps individuals gain better self-awareness and face daily challenges with serenity.
Practicing Sophrology
Sophrology can be practiced at any time and in any place. However, it requires training, most often with the guidance of a sophrologist, in order to achieve full autonomy. Sophrology sessions can take place in group classes or through individual sessions.
It can be practiced in casual or comfortable clothing. Some exercises are performed sitting or lying down, while others are done standing in a pleasant environment, with no particular conditions.
Sophrology can be practiced at any age, regardless of gender or whether one is an athlete or not.
Session Structure
Whether individual or group-based, sophrology sessions follow the same structure. They are divided into three phases, starting with a welcome and exchange time with the sophrologist. This step allows you to express your needs, desires, and share your general physical or emotional state with the sophrologist.
This exchange is followed by a series of sophrology exercises, such as dynamic relaxation (bodily stimulation combined with breathing) and sophronization (guided positive imagery).
Finally, the session ends with another exchange, allowing you to share your feelings and experiences during the session with the sophrologist.
Managing Daily Life
Sophrology offers a set of techniques to better manage stress and anxiety on a daily basis. More generally, it is a valuable tool for learning to manage emotions and prevent them from becoming overwhelming.
The method is also extremely useful for improving sleep quality. It promotes recovery, boosts well-being and vitality by addressing sleep disorders (such as difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings, and insomnia).
Preparing for an Event
Exams, weddings, public speaking… these significant life moments often require preparation. Sophrology, with all its techniques, helps you manage apprehension, mobilize your abilities, and become aware of your capacity to experience these events in the best possible way.
Phobia Support
Sophrology can also be helpful in managing phobias, although it does not cure them. It primarily helps individuals cope with and better manage their phobias.
EMDR DSA
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which translates to desensitization and information processing through eye movements.
It is a psychotherapy created in 1987 by American psychologist and behavioral therapist, Francine Shapiro.
This psychotherapy is recognized as a treatment of choice for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many studies have already demonstrated its effectiveness.
It is now recommended by organizations such as the Haute Autorité de Santé, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), for the management of post-traumatic stress.
It is also now used for many other disorders, including anxiety, chronic pain, phobias, depression, and traumatic life events.
There are no contraindications for EMDR, but precautions should be taken or adjustments made depending on the patient’s specific needs.
How does an EMDR session work?
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This therapy assumes that each pathology, symptom, or issue is generated by disturbing or traumatic events from the past—events that were not fully processed or “digested” and still impact present-day behavior.
It is an 8-phase therapy, with the duration and structure varying from one patient to another. This technique has simultaneous effects on the body, mind, and emotions. It is not limited to the procedure of bilateral alternate stimulation (including the well-known “eye movements”). Sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes and can vary in format.
The first sessions involve the initial two phases of therapy: the person tells their story and discusses their issue. These sessions allow for setting the framework, establishing a “therapeutic alliance”, defining the patient’s request, and creating a treatment plan.
Then, a problematic situation is reprocessed following a precise procedure, which includes eye movements or bilateral auditory and tactile stimulations.
The benefits of this therapy
From the first sessions, the patient may feel the benefits of this method. Studies have shown a reduction or even disappearance of symptoms related to post-traumatic stress, a better ability to talk about the event as a memory detached from strong emotions, the cessation of behaviors that triggered the therapy request, and an improvement in quality of life.
The number of sessions needed depends on the issue being addressed. For example, in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder following a car accident, a few sessions may suffice.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
Developed in the United States in the 1960s by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is strongly influenced by the work of Carl Rogers (1902-1987), whom Rosenberg studied under. He had the opportunity to test the effectiveness of his method within various American communities (schools, public institutions) facing racial and socio-economic conflicts of the time.
Nonviolent Communication is a communication tool, primarily verbal, that aims to transform conflicts into simple dialogues.
It is not a therapy, but it can have positive effects in terms of self-awareness.
It is also referred to as empathic communication or compassionate communication.
The principle is first to go beyond the judgments we have of ourselves by listening to our needs through self-empathy.
Then, we can listen to others with empathy, trying not to judge them and having a calm conversation.
You can say anything, as long as you listen to your needs and those of others, without judgment or aggression.
- Any situation should be observed without judging others.
- Each person should learn to express their own feelings.
- Express their needs.
- Make a request to the other person.
Indications:
NVC can be helpful for anyone who wants to communicate better with others, with more authenticity and effectiveness, in personal, family, or professional relationships.
People who are easily overwhelmed by their emotions (guilt, anger, judgment) can benefit from it immediately.
It is also a very powerful tool for defusing conflicts between different generations or within couples.
Some health professionals, educators, and leaders use NVC to facilitate relationships within their organizations or to prevent conflicts.
Mixt Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a tool that allows effective communication with our subconscious.
Hypnosis applied to support work involves combining hypnosis techniques with a methodological framework adapted to the assistance process.
Hypnosis can address a wide range of psychological issues: self-confidence and self-esteem, stress, burnout, addictions, panic fears, all types of emotions, overweight, etc.
It also helps enhance intellectual or physical performance. Without aiming to replace medical treatment, this practice meets the increasing demand for a gentle approach in which the human dimension plays a central role.
With an open-minded approach, Mixed Hypnosis relies on a set of tools inherited from classical hypnosis, Ericksonian hypnosis, and other contemporary hypnosis techniques. This approach also integrates related techniques from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
The First Appointment
The first appointment involves an interview – the anamnesis – designed to identify the issue that “underlies” the person’s initial request. This is a real “investigation” to uncover the habits and emotions, particularly those embedded in the subconscious, which are the source of the discomfort. This exchange allows the client and practitioner to define together the objective of the work to be done.
Hypnosis Sessions
It is only during the second session that the work in hypnotherapy begins. In a pleasant, calm, and safe environment, the practitioner gradually guides the client into a state of hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state that each of us experiences several times a day, particularly during transitions between wakefulness and sleep. This intermediate state is a “modified state of consciousness” that is conducive to communication with the subconscious. We are far removed from the rapid hypnosis practices seen on stage!
The goal of the hypnosis session is to connect with the client’s “deep self.” Positive and personalized suggestions are introduced in alignment with the individual’s history and the issue they wish to resolve. At the end of the session, the person returns to their usual environment, feeling refreshed, relaxed, and with a sense of fulfillment.
Important: The client should continue any ongoing medical treatment and/or follow-up care.