Sophrology Method Coaching And Self Help Ideologies

By Mark Jones


While the self-help field has expanded with new programs over the last few decades, there are some programs which have been popular in Europe since the 1970s which are lesser known in the United States. In one case, sophrology method coaching is reported to help individuals find lasting and ongoing peace in all areas of life.

The practice, popular in continental Europe combining Eastern wisdom and Western science to help individuals sleep better, manage stress and explore the concept of mindful living has helped a number of Europeans. For, the practice uses the body and mind connection to create more harmony and balance in oneself and the surrounding environment.

When it comes to the term Sophrology, it is defined as being the study of consciousness in harmony. The roots of the ancient Greek term are SOS meaning harmony and Phren meaning mind. As such, it is believed that if an individual can remain in a consciously harmonious state, the harmony will transfer to others and the world.

Developed in the 1960s by a Columbian neuro-psychiatrist and professor to help clients and individuals find serenity throughout daily life, it is a practice that is now even more popular in Continental Europe. In fact, the practice is now used in a number of psychiatric clinics and hospitals to help clients find peace and harmony without the need for drugs or psychiatric treatments.

In 1970 while attending a conference, Caycedo commented that the method was born out of studies of the conscious mind. The neuro-scientist and professor also suggested that the practice is designed to be a way of life, a philosophy, a personal development tool as well as a therapy. In addition, Caycedo stated that the basic concept and purpose of practice was to teach others how to live life in a harmonious rather than a traumatic or depressed state.

When Professor Caycedo originally set out to discover ways of healing, Western medicine was at the forefront of studies. While this is the case, hopes were that people could be treated without the need for psychiatric treatments or drugs. After which, Caycedo began looking into relaxation techniques, phenomenology and other Western practices.

Along with these practices, the professor also kept a method known as the mental method which requires a strong focus on the mind to induce mental peace. One of the best descriptions of this Eastern practice is in comparing the practice to that of meditation. Although, while meditation works to clear the mind, the mental method attempts to target and relax various muscular centers of the body.

While a popular practice in Europe, Sophrology is rarely used in other areas. Whether this is due to the multitude of other self-help methods or a lack of knowledge, it seems it is a practice that could be beneficial to individuals around the world. As such, the few whom are familiar with the practice are now hoping that others will become interested. For, if individuals can maintain a sense of harmony on an ongoing basis, it is hoped that the world will also become more peaceful and harmonious in the future.




About the Author: