The Sophrology Method Coaching And Professor Caycedo

By Mark Jones


The self-help field has exploded over the last several decades in the United States and Europe. One of the lesser known self-help ideologies can be found in sophrology method coaching. In this practice, individuals practice remaining in a state of peace and harmony on an ongoing basis.

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.

The term, sophrology is defined as being the study of harmony while in a conscious state. The roots of the word come from the Greek words Phren meaning mind and SOS meaning harmony. As a result, it is now believed that individuals can remain in a conscious harmonious state on an ongoing basis.

The practice, developed by a Columbian neuro-scientist and professor in the 1960s to coach clients on how to become more serene and peaceful has been extremely successful in Europe. In response, a number of new practitioners have now become interested in Sophrology. In fact, a number of psychiatric institutions such as hospitals and clinics have incorporated the practice into ongoing treatment plans

At a conference in 1970, Caycedo suggested the method was born out of studies of the conscious mind. In addition, the psychiatrist also stated that the practice is a way of life, a philosophy, a personal development technique and a therapy. As such, the basic goal of the practice is for individuals to learn to how to truly live rather than existing in a depressed or traumatic state.

When first setting out to discover different methods of healing, the professor was drawn to Western medicine. The methods used during early studies included relaxation techniques and phenomenology. After which, the professor decided to keep these practices as part of the new Sophrology self-help practice. Whereas, Eastern wisdom and practices such as mediation and yoga can often be excellent accompaniments to the practice.

Out of all the practices reviewed by Caycedo, the professor kept the aspect of relaxation techniques and the mental method to incur mental peace. Together, individuals began to relax by learning how to relax by imagining and visualizing a calm and peaceful environment. After which, the psychiatrist created the word Sophrology and opened the first Department of Sophrology in 1960 at the Santa Isabel Hospital in Madrid, Spain.

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.




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