Notice the signal you did not intend

Describe who you have been and who you are today, then describe a chosen symptom and your attitude to it: the first two steps of the study's session.

Por que funciona

These steps are the eight-step session protocol that Sedláková et al. (2020) designed, inspired by Weyermann (2006) and consulted with a practitioner. Mindell's own books could not be read for this page. Sedláková et al. (2020) describe a two-process model, citing Diamond and Jones (2005): signals of identity close to personal awareness (the primary process), and marginalized elements set aside from the focus of identity (the secondary process). The marginalized aspect emerges as a disturbing signal, such as a symptom (citing Mindell, 1990). This practice uses Step 1, questions about everyday identity, and Step 2, the chosen symptom and the attitude toward it.

Como fazer

1. Ask the study's first-step questions: who were you during the last few days, and who are you today? How do you live?
2. Describe a symptom you have chosen, your attitude to it, and how you perceive it, as the study's second step did.

Evidência

Sedláková et al. (2020) use the primary and secondary process model as the framework of their session, citing Diamond and Jones (2005) and Mindell (1990), and the session begins with Steps 1 and 2. It is a practitioner framework; the study did not test it on its own. (anecdotal)

See a doctor about any physical symptom before exploring it. The 2020 study did not test whether noticing these signals changes anything on its own; it tested one whole therapist-led session. If you feel flooded, lose track of where you are, or images or sensations will not settle, stop and continue this work with a trained therapist rather than alone.

Fontes

• Sedláková, B., Dominik, T., & Kolařík, M. (2020). Process-oriented approach to working with body symptoms. International Body Psychotherapy Journal, 19(2), 43-55.

Erro comum

Deciding straight away what the signal means. The study's session asks about identity and the chosen symptom first, and its questions about everyday life come later, at Step 7.