The cultural background of my approach is an important asset in the therapeutic process. It has its foundations in the ethnopsychology developed by Shpet, Porshnev, Korole and Kozlov. Ethnopsychology studies cultural traits of societies and their interaction with personal behavior and mental processes. Social phenomena within a particular cultural group- beliefs, practices, language, contradictions, the problematic between north and south, west and east- are also contemplated.
This helps us to understand emotions, motivations and values, means of adaptation of individuals who left their own group. Even small displacements in the same country, e.g from south to north, can cause a cultural shock. The process of enculturation is greater when one emigrates for one country to another.
My experience as an emigrant ad infinitum and my knowledge in transcultural psychology allows me to include the ethno variable in my work. Among different cultural influences, I work with healing methods of the so called Mexican Nahual Tradition. This is a tradition focused in the integration of the individual with his/her environment in the pursuit of balance, fulfillment and physical and mental health.
Social psychology research processes inside groups and societies, analyzing and understanding group dynamics in order to comprehend how these variables influence behavior, feelings and thoughts patterns of human beings. Social psychology is concerned with the way these emotions, thoughts, beliefs, intentions and goals are constructed and how such psychological factors, in turn, affect our interactions with others.
Wilhelm Reich was the founder of the Character Analysis. His method uses acting outs, breathing and massage techniques in order to mobilize emotions and to set free the vital energy of the organism. His methodology (Vegetotherapy, Orgontherapy) had a great impact on the further developments of body oriented psychotherapy approaches such as Bionergetics Analysis, Core Energetics, Biodynamic, Boyesen methodology, Hakomi, Feldenkreis, Rolfing, etc.
Bionergetics Analysis was developed by Alexander Lowen, a former student and patient of Wilhelm Reich. Lowen considered that the blocks of emotional expression are often unconscious and are revealed in the body as chronic muscle tensions. The idea behind this approach is to break the emotional armor through the natural vital energy vibration of the organism. The grounding concept was an important innovation to Reich’s Analysis. Grounding is seeing as a principle of reality and stability in life. Bionergetics Analysis uses breathing techniques and physical exercises.
Frederic Perls was the creator of Gestalt psychotherapy. His approach is holistic, humanistic and integrative. His method is based in a “here and now” perspective aim to the development of the capacity for an individual to express his/her potential. The expansion of self awareness was an important feature of his approach.
Milton H. Erickson used indirect suggestion, “metaphor” (actually analogies), confusion techniques, and double binds in place of formal hypnotic inductions. It is important to address the point, that not everyone is susceptible to hypnosis. The eriksonian hypnosis indirect suggestion therapy facilitates the client to be an observer of his/her own past and problematic. The individual is at a certain point detached from the mnemic experience. It is clear that the patient is not able to change past situations, still he/she is furthermore able to change the inner emotional attachment through symbolic actions which have an actual impact in his/her current life.
Massage promotes relaxation, well-being an integration of the body-mind components. Massage is a well- known technique used by body oriented psychotherapist practitioners.
Holistic massage has an integrative quality, releases tensions and is based in the wellness and relaxation of the individual.
Rolfing is a technique developed by Ida Rolf. The aim is to bring the organism back to its` original flexible state. It releases the energy contained in muscles, joints and bones and it is seen as a body reorganization method.
Neo reichian Massage is an integrative method which intervenes directly in the body armor in order to free the energy contained in the muscles. The released emotions will be integrated into the conscious mind and interpreted.
My experience in performing arts and art therapy is a highlight in my therapeutic training. It helps to enhanced the inner potential of the individual and his capacity of expressing him/herself.
This branch of psychology works with cultural variables within different ethnic and social groups. Behaviors, beliefs and emotions are shaped by the culture of reference. The issues between west and east, north and south within a society are addressed and analyzed. Through confrontation and interactive work, the client will find a personal solution to his/her problematic.
