NOW Mind Body Healing

  Because I often say, “a rose by any other name smells just as sweet” when I talk about the many labels (sometimes with regards to treatment approaches, methods, or processes) I was asked during a recent supervision session if Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) are the same? Is CRT just a newer name for CBT? Well, the answer is: No, they are not the same. The short write-up below provides a brief explanation for both these terms.     Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are both therapeutic approaches that involve working with thought processes but have different goals, techniques, and applications.     Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) Focus CRT is specifically aimed at improving cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning. It’s often used for individuals with cognitive impairments stemming from conditions like schizophren...

  The title “Conscious Transformational Healing” may appear complex at first glance. Isn’t all healing somewhat conscious? And shouldn’t healing also be transformational by nature? What about intentional healing? Are these terms just variations of the same concept? If you’re wondering isn’t the act of seeking healing already conscious and intentional? You would be right to ask. Typically, seeking healing involves conscious intent, however “intentional healing” and more specifically “conscious transformational healing” go further. They represent deliberate, mindful actions aimed not only at healing but at fostering deep, transformative change. To clarify, let us explore the distinctions among natural healing, intentional healing, and conscious intentional healing, setting the stage for understanding Conscious Transformational Healing as an integrated approach to achieving profound growth.   Introduction Healing is often perceived as a natural process, an inherent ability ...

Synopsis This article is about reclaiming the power to shape your own life by rewriting the narratives that no longer serve you. Through exploring the principles of narrative therapy, it provides you with a view of how you can embark on a journey of letting go of the past, embracing the lessons learned, and understanding that your future is not bound by previous limitations. The choices we make today, rather than the experiences behind us, are what truly determine our destiny. “You are not chained to your past. Your past is just that — passed. Or, is it?” Most of us live our lives replaying familiar roles, habits, and thoughts from the past. We find ourselves repeating phrases like, “That’s just the way I am” or “That’s the story of my life.” But what if we could change the story? What if, instead of viewing the past as a script written in stone, we saw it as an early draft — one we have the power to revise?   1. The Power of Rewriting Your Story Imagine a young woman named...

  This article explores the interplay between four therapeutic modalities—Narrative Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Inner Child Healing, and Therapeutic Imagery (or Guided Visualization)—emphasizing how an eclectic, holistic approach can offer a powerful toolkit for personal transformation. While each method appears distinct, they share a core similarity: helping clients reshape their personal narratives for healing and growth. In the field of mental health, therapeutic approaches often look distinct at first glance. Narrative Therapy, for instance, focuses on re-authoring an individual’s life story to empower new perspectives, while hypnotherapy uses deep relaxation to access the subconscious for behavior modification and healing. Yet, despite their varied methods, these approaches share a common goal: fostering self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Narrative Therapy , pioneered by Michael White and David Epston, encourages clients to separate their identity from their problems, viewin...

In the world of mental health and well-being, the expectation that practitioners should be "fully healed" before helping others is both common and contentious. While self-awareness and personal growth undeniably enhance a practitioner's ability to support clients, the notion of reaching a state of complete healing is often unrealistic. The following explores briefly the complexities of this idea, unpacking the phrase “Physician, heal thyself” and examining the difference between striving for perfection and embracing an ongoing journey of self-improvement. By addressing the balance between personal growth and professional effectiveness, we’ll look at why empathy, resilience, and commitment to self-awareness are more valuable—and attainable—qualities for those working in this field. ------------------------------------ The idea that counselors, therapists, psychologists, and other mental health practitioners should be “healed” before helping others is well-intentioned but a...

From an epigenetic perspective, self-doubt often stems from deeply rooted, inherited or environmentally triggered patterns linked to early experiences and childhood conditioning. This model suggests that our environment—parental messages, cultural norms, and formative social interactions—can activate genes linked to anxiety or low self-esteem, thereby influencing our thoughts and behaviors. A psychologist or coach may observe that self-doubt in adulthood can be a residual effect of these early activated patterns, where certain "scripts" of inadequacy, rejection, or conditional love remain subconsciously reinforced. Inner child healing can be particularly effective, as it allows clients to revisit and compassionately reframe those formative experiences, offering the "inner child" an opportunity for understanding and emotional release. This can help clients neutralize limiting beliefs formed early on, effectively "rewriting" the origin of their self-doubt...