Sophrology
Sophrology is a technique which was developed in the 1960s by a Colombian Neuropsychiatrist, Alfonso Caycedo, to help his patients find more serenity in their daily lives.
It brings together the best of Western and Eastern techniques such as: hypnosis, relaxation methods, positive suggestion technique, meditation and yoga.
Sophrology is a practice that can help you create a greater sense of well-being in your everyday life. It can activate your potential through a combination of breathing and relaxation exercises, mental suggestions and positive visualization methods, which can collectively address your emotions, mind and body. Sophrology empowers you with a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you; it helps you to face daily challenges, with serenity, and anchor yourself in the present moment.
Sophrology acts all at once on your body, your mind and your emotions with a combination of breathing and relaxation exercises, as well as the visualization of mental images.
Sophrology has been used for decades in France, in many areas such as hospitals, education, sport and in companies. It is recognized as being an efficient method to help treat stress, pain, and prepare for childbirth or for exams and competitions. It is now becoming popular in other countries, such as the UK.
The word Sophrology comes from ancient Greek:
-
SOS = serenity, harmony
-
PHREN = spirit, consciousness
-
LOGOS = science, study
​
We can experience difficult moments in our lives such as illness, bereavement, stress in our personal or professional lives which can unsettle us. The goal of sophrology is to bring us back to a better balance in both our body and mind.
What happens during a session?
Each sophrology session, whether it be a one to one or group session, is divided into 3 parts.
Firstly, there will be a time during which the Sophrologist will get to know you, the patient, how you are feeling physically and emotionally and will listen to your needs and expectations.
Then, the sophrologist talks you through a series of exercises. These are done either sitting or standing. They will include breathing exercises and exercises which focus on each part of the body, tensing, releasing and energizing. These exercises help bring about a relaxed state. There may also be positive visualisation exercises guided by the voice of the Sophrologist.
The last part of the session involves a dialogue in which you can express yourself on what you felt/ experienced during the session.
You can be given an audio recording of this session to continue practicing, by yourself, between each session with the Sophrologist. These can be practised for a few minutes, on a regular basis to help you develop new habits and make these exercises your own.
​
As a sophrologist, I am bound to respect professional secrecy.
