Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can one feel or experience the benefit from Sophrology?
Positive results can be experienced immediately after the very first session, or perhaps after a few sessions. It all depends on the individual’s state of mind, body and physical being. Each individual is different, therefore each person may have totally different results or experiences each time a specific exercise is done.
Does Sophrology help to release pain, aches and toxins from the body? How does this occur?
Yes, definitely. Because Sophrology makes you aware of all the cells, muscles, bones, skin, organs and systems of the body, it allows one to focus and concentrate on these areas. When you start giving attention to these areas in the body, they start responding and reacting. You start to establish a connection with your body i.e. Your body starts “talking” to you.
For e.g. You start becoming more aware of your weak areas in the body, whereby pain or discomfort may be released. As you progress regularly with the exercises, you will find the pain and aches disappear from the body completely and this enables you to strengthen those areas in the body.
Similarly, Sophrology helps to release toxins from the body and improves the digestive system and skin naturally. This helps with acne and skin problems that result from stress or anxiety. As the cells and organs are being harmonized and energized during Sophrology, the stress and toxins are being released.
Is Sophrology similar to Yoga, Hypnosis and Mindfulness? How different is it?
Sophrology may possess certain similarities with regards to certain breathing techniques and meditation from
Yoga, the feelings of relaxation/calmness during Mindfulness and Hypnosis, however the structured holistic methods used by Sophrology are different in obtaining the desired results.
Hypnosis focuses on the “unconscious” mind whereas Sophrology exercises the body and mind simultaneously, enabling the body and mind to be active and alert at all times, which means that the body remains in the “conscious”state. The clients eyes are closed from start to end in order to focus on themselves. As opposed to Hypnosis, the Sophrologist does not tell the client HOW to feel, instead the client is left free to feel sensations, emotions and conclude his/her results. There's no set expectation at the end of a session.
Sophrology is performed in different postures sitting, standing or walking slowly. Its holistic simple exercises are called “ Dynamic Relaxation”, which is specific to Sophrology techniques. This is not practiced for Hypnosis. Sophrology does not focus on the causes or reasons of problems arising, instead it focuses on the individual’s inner capabilities, motivating the client to a positive future of wellbeing.
In Sophrology, only specific words, phrases/terminology are used with the client. Unlike Yoga or Hypnosis, Sophrology techniques enables the client to practice it anywhere …
With regards to
Mindfulness and Sophrology, certain similarities exist, i.e. They create an awareness of your body, feelings and sensations. We pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them and you are brought to the “present moment”.
Sophrology on the other hand, focuses on additional elements such “the emotional well being” of a person. This enables the person to explore past memories; find/identify inner capabilities to achieve our future objectives; look towards your future in a positive manner; overcome previous challenges or handle current/future challenges more efficiently; relive happy moments and transform all negative thoughts and feelings into a brighter future.
Sophrology also focuses on the “Values” of an individual, which enables us to align our value system towards a more harmonious, happy and positive future. It teaches us to live and enjoy life to the fullest; to focus on what's important in our lives and to cherish this.
In addition, a practical analogy is if you consider all our racquet sports such as tennis, squash, badminton, table tennis and swing ball, the common requirement is that you have to hold a racquet to hit a ball in play. However, it requires different techniques, uses different muscles, focuses on different organs or systems of the body, possesses different rules for the game and the demands on the body are different.
What is the role of the Sophrologist?
The role of a Sophrologist is the role of “guide” and not of “therapist”. When a session is conducted, it is important to keep in mind the fundamental values of Sophrology:
freedom, responsibility and dignity.
The Sophrologist can practice the exercises with the group/individual or guide the group/individual throughout the session and listens with the rest of the group to the “pheno-descriptions” (experiences). The Sophrologist does not analyse the contents of the experiences, they do however, draw the participants attention to their positive experiences and suggest that the participant practises the exercises that they prefer and that give them the most pleasure.
By giving structure and guidance to the group/individual, there's a continuous interaction between the Sophrologist and the group/individual. The Sophrologist provides a recording of the session, to the group/individual to practise on their own.
Which Levels are compulsory? Can one start at any level of Sophrology?
Level 1 is compulsory and the person has, to start with this level to proceed to the 2nd level. If you wish to continue with the 3rd or 4th level, it is compulsory that you do the first 2 levels of Sophrology.
Since this is a positive journey/process of transformation of the mind, body and spirit, these entities move simultaneously during every sophrology exercise.
During which level do you feel the holistic transformation occur and how would you know?
The holistic transformation process can begin to occur any time after the 2nd level, or during the 3rd level of Sophrology. The reason being that the 2nd level deals with the powerful mind and 5 senses. People around you will start noticing more changes in you than you do yourself. Every individual is different, i.e. the mind, body and spirit works at a specific pace in different ways. As the consciousness or awareness grows stronger during the journey, you will realize all the life changing moments and reflect on the positive transformational experiences yourself. It is called “Self-Realization” and only YOU will be most aware of what changes have transpired.
How would the exercises differ for the cancer patient’s journey? Can this be done with groups?
A cancer patient’s journey can be split into 3 stages i.e. Diagnosis, During Treatment (Operation/Chemotherapy/Radiation) and Survivorship. I would customize the exercises to suit each individual or group, for each different stage. There could be various side effects experienced after specific treatment and this may have different emotional/physical impacts on individuals. For e.g. when a person is diagnosed with cancer, I would do exercises/techniques to calm, release stress/tensions/anxiety from the body and mind, enhance emotional wellbeing, confidence and motivation. During treatment, I would look at harmonizing the mind/body/spirit, cells, organs, systems, improve blood circulation, strength and pain endurance during the recovery process. After surviving cancer, the exercises would focus on improving/building the immune systems, activate/stimulate all cells, organs, glands, bones, muscles of the body,
dealing with fears, and empowering the individual. It is about creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle holistically. This therefore can be done in groups as well.
If there is no touching done as a Sophrologist, can the sessions be done via other media?
Yes. Skype works perfectly for Sophrology sessions. This can be done for a one-on-one or group session (depending on the number of people in a group). Many of my patients or clients prefer to use Skype (especially internationally), so that they save on time, cost and effort. It is very convenient and stress free.
How long does it take to do an exercise?
It takes 20 – 30 minutes to do a Sophrology exercise
