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How it works |
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 Who You Really Are
Generally speaking, when working with me, you can expect that I will use whatever techniques I have available that will assist you in becoming more of who you really are.
Many of my clients will ask me: "What do you mean by 'who you really are?'"
My answer to this question varies. To some I say: "You are not your behaviors, you are much more than that. If you would like to find out about that aspect of yourself we can do that in spite of your behaviors."
To others I say: "You think you are your depression and to you that means you are much less than perfect. But do you know how perfectly your depression protects you? And do you know what part of you is being protected? My guess is that this part is more of who you really are than your depression is..."
And at times I say: "You know when you have that experience that everything is perfect? When everything seems to be running like a well oiled machine? When nothing can break this state of consciousness? Do you remember having this experience? That is what I am talking about. That is more of who you really are..."
Methodology
My methodology is very simple. I do what works. My goal is to bring the client to a better understanding of how they do what they do and how they feel the way they feel. Once this new awareness is discovered, the client is able to see their "issues" from a completely different perspective. This shift of point of view usually results in a transformation of the individual at many different levels.
For example, a client of mine came to me with a drinking issue that was adversly impacting both his professional and personal life. We did not address the "drinking issue" directly, rather we focused on what he wanted instead of the adverse results of his drinking. To focus on the drinking would have actually made the situation worse. Using several comingled techniques, my client was able to see that the more he focused on who he wanted to be, the more that became his reality. My client was also able to discern the positive intention behind the drinking. It had been a learned strategy designed to protect a part of himself that did not have the resources necesary to "deal" with his current situations. After seeing the utility of his drinking, my client began to explore and implement other, more effective ways to get what he wanted. He became more of who he really is.
At first glance, the above example demonstrates that understanding why we do what we do will help us change. This is a common belief among many people (and my colleagues). But to understand why something is the way it is does not mean that it will change. For example, if you know why you have a flat tire, because you ran over a nail, this does not mean the tire will change itself! You need to apply some action and tools to change the tire. It is my role to provide you with the strategies and tools to get the change you intend. I have at my disposal many effective therapeutic techniques with which to do this.
Techniques:
I rarely use only one technique or method when working with clients. Therefore, when reading about them below, keep in mind that the descriptions are limited to the technique being discussed, not the effect of combining techniques. These effects vary from client to client and are so idiosyncratic that a description of each combination would be impossible to relay here. Also, I have added a link(s) to each category. In my opinion these links are the best source of information on each topic. I do invite you to investigate each in more detail and to e-mail me any questions or comments.
Bach Flower Remedies
Derived from plants and developed by Dr. Edward Bach of London England in the 1930's, Bach Flower Remedies are a natural way to restore balance within one's consciousness. Essentially, the remedies function as a sort of a teacher/reminder to the system, revealing to the deepest and most central part of ourselves what needs to be corrected in order for harmony to reign once more. Many of my clients respond extrememly well to these remedies. For example, to deal with an ever present feeling of sadness, one of my clients had sought therapy for years. We determined the appropriate remedy for her and after several weeks, her sadness/grief was resolved. It is important to note that her experience was not one of cathartic grieving. She moved through and out of the grief into a resourceful and generative state of consciousness that demonstrated an organic resolution of the grief. For more in depth information, the best resource is to read Dr. Bach's own literature. Some of his books can be found in pdf form here: http://www.bachflower.com/drbach.htm
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Based in part on Callahan's Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and developed by Gary Craig, EFT utilizes the application of accupressure to specific accupuncture points. Using a simple algorithm one can work through many emotional and physical issues. EFT is particularly useful with my clients as it is something I can teach them to do on their own and it can be used anywhere at any time. Watch this video for more information:
 
Or click here for Gary Craig's website: www.emofree.com
Homeopathy
Homeopathy, very popular in Europe and other counties, is regaining popularity here in the US. Briefly, homeopathy is the process of treating "like with like." While similar in concept to vaccine theory, introducing an inert pathogen to the immune system for recognition and future readiness, the action of homeopathic remedies is very different. Homeopathic remedies are effective for both emotional and physical issues. In fact, in order to determine which remedy may be indicated, it is important to understand both emotional and physical states. The remedy is developed from a substance (animal, plant, mineral) that would induce the same symptoms if introduced to the system. The remedy itself, however, is an extremely dilute solution of this substance but captures its "essence." For more information, go here: http://abchomeopathy.com/homeopathy.htm
Hypnotherapy
Most people have an idea of what hypnosis is and they are usually correct. Hypnosis is a form of therapy designed to access the unconscious via a state of altered consciousness: a trance. I have found that the hypnotic techniques that I have learned throughout the years are really most effective in helping people realize that, for the most part, they are always in some sort of trance state. For example, when engaged in an athletic activity such as skiing or yoga, we experience a certain physiological state as well as a particular emotional state. These states are very useful in these contexts. But what most people don't realize is that these states of consciousness can be useful in other contexts as well. Can you imagine having the same sensation one does when enaged in a yogic practice when washing the dishes or doing laundry? The implications are not only interesting but unlimited. Find more general information here: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypnotherapy-000353.htm
Neurolinquistic Programming (NLP)
NLP is the one technique that I always use in a session with a client. The reason for this is simple. My study of NLP has given me the skills to be able to understand how you conceptualize the world. Think of it as a very subtle "diagnostic" tool. Once I understand how you are able to think, feel, and perceive the way you do, then I can help you modify your strategy in order for you to get the results that you want. All of the aforementioned techniques can help me do that for you as well. But first we both need to know what you want. The techniques within NLP allow us to figure that out. I cannot count how many times a client has said to me: "I had no idea that what I really wanted is peace of mind or to feel at 'One' with everything and the part of me that was (fill in the blank here: depressed, bi-polar, manic, hyper, anxious, drinking, addicted, etc.) wants the same thing!" It is typical for people to be suprised when they realize that every one of their behaviors, negative or positive, is based in a positive intention at the deepest level. My job is both to help you see that and help you align these levels with your intentions and your behaviors. With a bit of NLP, I can help you get there. For more information, go here: http://www.nlpco.com/
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Copyright © 2012 Jim Kieger Boulder Colorado Therapist. All Rights Reserved.
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