Neuroscientific research has shown lasting change to occur when multiple dimensions of the human experience are included in the growth experience. Therefore, all opportunites for personal experience and growth work offered by The Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Psychology include the following dimensions:
1. The dimension of AWARENESS ITSELF
Consciousness of awareness itself as a means for liberation/understanding/acceptance
The concept of awareness as a tool for transformation stems from the various traditions of spiritual inquiry and various spiritual practices. Recent years have seen the application of such mindfulness concepts in many areas of traditional psychology, and have proven be to highly effective for stress reduction, resilience, coping with pain and illness, ability to concentrate, etc. At the Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Psychology, we employ methods of mindfulness and training in awareness to help individuals gain a meta-perspective, practice self inquiry through direct experience of self, and find a greater sense of well-being, freedom, flexibilty, and resilience through increase in self awareness.
Tools employed by The Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Psychology to encourage AWARENESS:
mindfulness based techniques, awareness practices such as sitting meditation, movement meditation,
as well as various contemplative practices
2. The dimension of MEANING MAKING
Cognition/Analysis/Understanding
For experiences to become meaningful, we believe it is essential to find a sense of understanding what it is that is occuring in a particular situation. This helps with making sense of an experience, using it as a pathway for transformation and growth, working with it in a goal-oriented manner, and thereby integrating it.
Tools employed by The Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Psychology to encourage MEANING MAKING:
talk therapy, individual sessions, group sessions, psychoeducational approaches
3. The dimension of EMOTIONS
Emotional States/Emotional patterns
Through focus on the emotional dimension of experience, a deeper sense of awareness beyond mere cognition can be achieved. Emotional states and their transmutation can help uncover deeper material from non-rational, non-linear, non-cognitive dimensions of experience and self, and allow access to preconscious and unconscious material.
Tools employed by The Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Psychology to encourage EMOTIONS:
body work, individual and group counseling and psychotherapy, dream work, creative arts therapies
4. The dimension of BODY
Since the body is the foundation for all human experience, growth and healing work is aided by transforming the physical dimension in a direction of greater health, comfort and well-being.
Tools employed by The Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Psychology to encourage BODY:
realignment (osteopathy, chiropractice), nutrition (including nutritional counseling, as well as nutrition provided during retreats), physical strenghtening, detoxification, massage therapy