What is Sophrology ?
Sophrology was created around 1960 by Dr Alfonso Caycedo. Neuropsychiatrist, intrested in hypnosis and all possibilities to treat severe mental disorders others than the “shocks” used largely at this time....
He found hypnosis rather unefficient as only 25 % of people can “really” be hypnotised. So he spent quite a lot of time looking for serious alternatives. He looked up in other philosophies : yoga training, buddhist meditation... Which he ended up intricating altogether to build up very evolutive system of body/mind/spirit-training (particularly : Dynamic Relaxation)
Fascinated by the works of Dr Biswanger, a psyciatrist basing his practise upon phenomenologia, that is putting the stress on the study of the phenomenons = what “occurs” in the consciousness (most of all : sensations, but also feelings, mental images, sounds, odours...etc).... he managed to work with him. He was indeed his last pupil !
Concerning this philosophia of the phenomenons, you may refer to Heidegger, and further more to Husserl.
But practically, Sophrology is a huge toolbox, in which you will find the proper tools to deepen your consciousness. First of all consciousness of the body, and then when you have relaxed it, consciousness of the mind. The aim of the techniques is to help build, inside our consciousness a special zone (Caycedo named it “sophroliminal zone”) corresponding to alpha-waves state of consciousness. There it will possible to durably install well-being, use our potentials further more ...create in the most complete acomplishment of this ability given to our being.
Breathing exercises, relaxation sessions - both in static and dynamic modes-, contemplation, meditation... Sophrology goes from the bottom relaxation to the highest state of consciousness through practise.
Sophrology can help you in field as different as :
- self image restoration
- self confidence training
- sleep disorders
- anxiety syndrom
- pain management, analgesis
- management of personal (or professional) projects
- positive projection
- addiction treatment
- weight problems
- birth preparation
- mobbing stress
- mourning (people or other changes in your life)
- depressive states
-...etc
Name it, Sophrology can probably help !
Sophrology works in two main fields : medical and social
The long lasting effect of this method suppose a regular practise, ie a true personal involvement. It can just become a very good habit in your Life !
Nevertheless, it can be very useful on shorter period of time, for a specific work : anxiety crisis, punctual excess of stress, pregnancy, examination prep’, job hunting, serious illness, mourning...etc