_We all think we want change for the better; who wouldn't?
But before you proceed, it may be wise to have a read of what appears
below. These are a few questions that have been asked from time to time
by people wanting to do the therapy but are still expecting C.A. (Clinical Affectology or its variants)* to be similar to mainstream talk therapy and counseling. So we'd like to make sure that you are aware of the many differences before you commit.
*For the purposes of this page,we use the "C.A." nomination as a substitute for ANY of the variant clinical approaches or digital programs available through the auspices of practitioners trained as affectologists. Frequently Asked Questions Q: "What are the ideal time intervals between sessions?" The "ideal" session spacings would be anything between a day and 3-4 days. The usual time frame is two visits on consecutive days; session one in the first day, and sessions two and three during the second day's visit. This applies to almost all C.A. therapists. Extended feedback has also shown that the full program done in just one day, is successful. Q: "How long are the sessions?" Your first session may take anything between 2 and 3 hours with subsequent sessions taking 50 to 60 minutes each. Q: "How does C.A. compare to hypnotherapy?" Clinical hypnotherapy relies almost entirely on a therapist's assessment of a client's symptoms and subsequent "re-programming" of the sub-conscious in an authoritative way that leads AWAY from those important human innate re-balancing abilities. C.A. strives for the opposite. The experience of subconscious re-framing is one of gentle guidance to allow, rather than insist on selective attention to affect states: - not unlike selective meditation, mindfulness, prayer, or even daydreaming. Simple and gentle, yet effective. Q: "Some other therapies claim that the "emotional release" in THEIR therapy is what is required for change. What makes your approach different?" C.A. is VERY different. True, there exist some similarities in CONTENT, but vast differences in the CONTEXT of approach to the therapy. All successful therapy relies on a client taking back responsibility and empowerment, and the reflective, non-narrative nature of this work ensures that like no other. A 'catalytic release' as described by more demonstrative therapeutic approaches is unnecessary and may even be counter-productive in C.A. work. Q: "Can I stop my medication?" That's entirely up to how YOU eventually feel about that, perhaps in line with your doctor's opinion. A responsible registered and licensed C.A. Practitioner will not interfere with the relation- ship between you and your medico, but always be aware that if you seek clarification from the same doctor that prescribed that medication for you, it is not in his or her best interests to admit that your medication will no longer be needed. Our advice is to seek out medical practitioners that respect your wishes. Q: "What do I have to do after the program?" Nothing. You will be encouraged to "let it happen" and be discouraged from trying to analyze the sessions' proceedings. C.A. asks that you, for once, trust your subconscious. Q: "What if I don't think I experience RELEASE during the sessions?" As expressed above, popular misconception in our therapeutic society is that 'release' must be experienced during session work. C.A. works on the basis that the unconscious learns its own private reframing and re-learning skills without necessarily focusing on any consciously-registered 'release'. In fact, it has been shown that the desire to consciously experience release has in some cases been the very thing that sabotages subtle and ongoing change at subconscious level. Q: "Will I have flashes of painful old memories?" Not necessarily so, and if you seem to, it may be the conscious awareness only of an aspect of self that wants to AVOID change. In any case, the encouragement for you to revive trauma - authentic or inauthentic - is an old psychoanalytic regressive method. We don't do that. In reality, most people proceed through this therapy experiencing little more than subtle feelings during session work. Q: "Is C.A. good for my ………?" If there is ANYTHING in your life about which you are uncomfortable, or you realize you are being prevented from reaching your full potential in any way, this can almost always be attributed to early learned emotional response patterns. Many people have been surprised at the changes experienced to areas of their life OTHER THAN what they originally sought therapy for. Sports people and other performers have "freed-up", executives have been able to make better stress-free decisions, and even those with true physically-generated symptoms and problems have found greater acceptance and peace. In short, the above question has no definitive answer other than, "who of us has not learned habitual responses in our lives that could do with re-learning?" Checklist For Therapy The "Mind Over Chatter" Way (Is This Approach For You?) People would not come to therapy or participate in this program if on some level they did not want to achieve a successful outcome. C.A. Practitioners are trained to respect the client's non-conscious desires as well as obvious, conscious needs. Remember, C.A. is about planting the seed of change at subconscious level. Question yourself on these points below, and honestly appraise your likelihood of being comfortable with the following ... ... Am I comfortable NOT talking about my woes? Conscious-level discussion about you and your problems will be kept to a bare minimum. This respects your ability to know about, and deal with, presenting issues at non- conscious level. This is an "affect-oriented" therapy, not a "word-oriented" therapy. Your practitioner will explain why this is important in view of the reflective, non-intrusive nature of this approach. Can I accept that my subconscious knows all? This is cause-oriented work, rather than symptom-oriented. Don't be surprised if your practitioner leads conversation AWAY from your symptoms and problems. This is NOT disrespect for you; rather, it is respect for your subconscious mind. Can I accept that any conscious memories I have may not be relevant? This is a "feeling" therapy, not a "fact" therapy; recalled memories, if they are evident, will be kept at your private level and not discussed with your practitioner. Will I be able to let go of the need to try to make things happen? You must be prepared to give up the effort of trying to "make change happen". Your practitioner is skilled at guiding and helping you to achieve a permissive "let it happen" level of operation. This is the appropriate way to allow for long-term subconscious change. Will I be able to accept that I will not be asked for any "on-the-spot verification" of any changes brought about during the session? After session work has been completed, your practitioner will not seek to immediately know about the outcome. This therapy introduces a new response learning at unconscious level; the results of this learning need to be observed over time. Can I let go of the conditioned belief that therapy has to go on and on until a therapist says it's time to quit? This new learning through reframing is usually gentle, rapid and permanent. In all cases, provided adequate preparation, this requires three only sessions. Will I be comfortable with the idea that the subconscious re-learns in its own way, and that I must trust my subconscious to bring about change? Your experience within the sessions may be profound and consciously recalled, or it may be subtle and below awareness, or somewhere in between. It is for this reason that immediate ratification is not sought, and why our client feedback studies are so important to the ongoing nature of the long-term success of this work. If you are comfortable with most, or all you've read above, then there is no reason why C.A. cannot be highly successful for you. |
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- What's Your Engine 1
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- Affect Terminology
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