Caycedian Sophrology Beginnings
From the 1970’s, Sophrology started to spread outside the medical world and began to be applied in education, sport, corporate and social environments throughout France, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain. In the mid-1990’s it became reimbursed by Swiss health insurance policies and it is now well-respected and widely used stress management and self-development method in Continental Europe.
As Sophrology was rapidly developing in Continental Europe in the ’80s, the word Sophrology became a generic term that could be used by everyone, including practitioners who hadn’t completed any formal training. The increased demand for Sophrologists also gave rise to different Sophrology schools and forms of training which did not always honour Professor Caycedo’s authentic method and vision.
While this is certainly an interesting development in the field of Sophrology, because techniques and approaches naturally tend to evolve, there was a need to ensure that the main principles of Sophrology remained intact for the sake of scientific and therapeutic integrity.
In order for it to bring about what it was originally created for it needs to be taught and practised respecting its fundamental principles.
Caycedo also developed specific Sophrology protocols to help with the issues of modern life making it an efficient therapeutic tool to help people suffering from;
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Lack of confidence
- Phobias
- Weight issues
- Preparing for important life events, like birth, exams or presentations.
What makes Caycedian Sophrology unique?
Sophrology aims at transforming consciousness through a guided practice that takes a client through various exercises and steps of the method. The quality of the practitioner, his/her training and experience are therefore key.
Caycedian Sophrologists are trained to recognise the multiple states in which consciousness can present itself and how the practice can positively influence it.
They are trained to look beyond the story of each client and their life and help each individual to develop their inner resources which are an inherent part of consciousness, something that everyone has and can unveil through the practice. They are of course also giving their clients tailored tools and strategies to overcome stress and solve specific issues but always within the context of developing a harmonious state of consciousness.
The subtlety of the method is not just about understanding its true aim, but how to bring each individual on this journey respecting their freedom and inner wisdom.
It’s about understanding that within each individual, the energy of their own consciousness is the source of the change and that as a Sophrologist, the way we bring the tools to the client matters.
Although Caycedian Sophrology is a guided practice, the process isn’t directive, but rather creating the space for each individual’s creativity, imagination, resilience and contemplation to inform their process and transform their consciousness at a natural and safe pace.
Therefore, the choice of the words, the tempo and tone of voice, the ability of the Sophrologist to create an alliance with their client, respecting their values and objectives and tailoring the work for the best outcome as well as the phenomenological process are key. (See our article on Sophrology and values)
Caycedian Sophrology also puts great emphasis on the awareness of the body and teaches you the skill of observing your thoughts without evaluating or judging. This awareness is used as a way to connect with the universal resources of consciousness and therefore each progressive step in Sophrology needs to be experienced in relation to sensations and perception; it is not mental programming but truly a phenomenological discovery of the body.
Because a Caycedian Sophrologist spends at least 4 years practising the method and journeying through the 12 levels themselves, they have personally experienced that transformation of consciousness in a phenomenological way, uncovering their inner values and enjoying a more harmonious state of body and mind throughout this personal journey.
The time spent practising and reflecting on these transformative experiences is going to inform the depth in which the Caycedian Sophrologist can support a transformational process in others.
As mentioned earlier, each Sophrologist needs to adapt the method to the situation presented. It is thanks to a solid understanding of the method that he/she can become creative in the way the method is transmitted, which like in other disciplines makes each Sophrologist truly unique.