Integrative Psychotherapy
The word “Psyche” means, “Soul.”
Psychotherapy means, “Care of the Soul.”
Integrative Psychotherapy means…
Incorporating both Transpersonal or Depth Psychology, as well as, Expanded Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Integrating all that we are: mind, body, spirit; demands that we integrate our approaches toward healing, growth and well being. We need awareness, freedom and expansiveness to utilize all that is available to us for our healing and growth.
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- Incorporates Transpersonal or Depth Psychology, and Expanded Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.
- Follows “templates” in the body utilizing somatic / sensorimotor approaches.
- Asks, “What is helpful NOW…for THIS INDIVIDUAL NOW?”
- Attends the present while acknowledging the influence of past experience on our present reality.
- Addresses both the “being” and the “doing” aspects of the human life.
- Addresses both the mundane and spiritual life.
- Provides empowerment while acccepting where we are truly powerless.
- Allows for individuation while acknowledging the influences of inner-connectedness.
- Acknowledges pain and pleasure as normal, valuable and recurring experiences of the human being.
- Works with the spiritual belief system of the client, watches the movement of the soul, and pays careful attention to the present.
- Works with medical and alternative treatments and providers in a complementary manner.
Your own Soul knows the path…
Integrative Psychotherapy can help you hear your Soul as it speaks through Mind, Body, Spirit.
"Enlightenment is simply sanity - The sanity in which I see my real situation in the living fabric of all that exists"
Frederick Frank
"Creative ideas, in my opinion, show their value in that, like keys, they help to “unlock” hitherto unintelligible connections and facts and thus enable man to penetrate deeper into the mystery of life."
M. L. van Franz
Transpersonal Approaches
Transpersonal psychotherapy explores the full range of human experience; from “abnormal” behavior to “normal” functioning, to spiritually embodied, and transcendent consciousness. Carl Jung first coined the term, “transpersonal (uberpersonlich),” when he used the phrase “transpersonal unconscious” as a synonym for “collective unconscious.” From a transpersonal psychological perspective, mental health diagnosis can provide a concrete tool for the integrated psycho-spiritual and clinical practice. The scientific and the spiritual natures of human experience are becoming increasingly integrated with the advancements in the studies of Neurobiology and Neurophenomenology (the study of spiritual practice and the physiological changes in the brain.)
Transpersonal Psychotherapy
- Approaches the individual as a whole person.
- Views the personality as part of the vehicle which enables the soul to engage with this world.
- Considers the nature of the spirit, psyche, and diverse ways of being in the world.
- Addresses spiritual life development though exploring how psycho-spiritual evolution informs all aspects and stages of our personal and professional lives throughout our lifespan.
- Utilizes mental health diagnosis as a tool for concrete psycho-spiritual and clinical practices of integration.
- Melds indigenous wisdom and ancient traditions with psychology.
The Client Can
- Find purpose and meaning in Life: past, present and future.
- Develop connectedness to Self, Others and the Universe; thus, lessening isolation.
- Come to trust one’s own experiences and assessments as valid and relevant.
- Identify and respect one’s own needs.
- Find freedom and courage to see and express from one’s “reality” that differs from “normal” societal constructs.
- Enhance self-esteem and confidence independent of outer “doing” and achievement.
- Come to respect and learn to work with the intuitive, emotional and spritual aspects of self in a productive manner.
- Discover unconscious belief systems (thoughts) and behavioral patterns; thus, becoming more aware of self.
- Achieve a deep and profound sense of peace; thus, moving beyond pervasive depression, anxiety and confusion.
- Establish individuation within the Greater Whole of life.
Examples of Transpersonal Modalities
- Body movement
- Eco-psychology or depth ecology
- Development and practice of ritual
- Dream work
- Journaling
- Use of myths and story telling in archetypal exploration
- Exploration of spiritual experience and meaning
- Exploration of the shamanic and mystical in the history of human development
- Guided imagery and other relaxation techniques
"What’s old collapses, times change, and new life blossoms in the ruins."
Johann van Shiller
Expanded Cognitive Behavioral Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the client’s cognition (thoughts), assumptions, beliefs, and learned behaviors. Expanded models of CBT include Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Sensorimotor Therapy. The client is directed to be mindful of thoughts or bodily processing (Sensorimotor). The place of focus should be determined by the needs and receptivity of the client. Regardless of the “entry point” of attention, these models provide a more inclusive and less judgmental stance than earlier CBT theories and practices. The incorporation of Mindfulness and Somatic (body-oriented) approaches empowers CBT to be the complementary, necessary and equal partner to Transpersonal Work. The new developments in CBT allow the “grounded,” rational problem solving to occur without excluding the informing capacity of the intuitive nature or expanded realities of the human being.
Expanded Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
- Focuses on cognition and/or body.
- Brings the client into awareness (mindfulness) of what is happening in the present moment.
- Observes patterns of attachment.
- Identifies reactive patterns of defense.
- Allows non-judgmental reassessment of beliefs and behaviors that may not be serving the individual (or system) in the present.
- Assists client in adapting, releasing or “reprogramming” thoughts and behaviors.
- Suggests and practices alternative responses.
- Provides a grounded approach to the energy of thought and principles of manifestation.
- Acknowledges that change is a constant part of life and brings both pain and joy.
The Client Can:
- Develop self-regulatory skills
- Interrupt spiraling emotive and physiological reactions to real or imagined stressors.
- Develop the ability to respond rather than react in ways that no longer serve.
- Experience a heightened sense of self control and empowerment in life.
- Allow the mind and body to formulate a cohesive state; there by aiding physical wellness.
- Increase ability to organize and motivate self.
- Observe emotions rather than becoming overwhelmed or controlled by them.
- Determine and exercise emotive release in a safe and productive manner.
Examples of Expanded Cognitive Behavioral Modalities:
- “Talk” Therapy where thoughts and reactions (physical and emotional) can be identified.
- Body movement and reeducation.
- Meditation
- Mindfulness Questions
- Solution Focused or Miracle Questions
- Goal setting and task assignments
- Work simultaneously and in collaboration with specific body oriented practices and practitioners (i.e.: Massage, Reiki, Energy work, Rolfing, Practice in Yoga, Tai Chi or Dance.)