“To love is to establish a space designated fully for listening to another’s experience with an open heart. It is through this listening that empathy is nourished and felt. Healing comes out of this space.”
–Marcela Ot’alora, MAPS trainer, supervisor, and researcher (Lafrance & Uy, 2021)
This week we learned about the Numinus Therapeutic Stance, which includes:
Inner-directed therapy
Unconditional positive regard
Love
Empathetic abiding presence and listening
Being grounded, self-regulated, and aligned
Orientation towards phenomenology
Relationship-centered care
Appreciation for human suffering
Health professional self-awareness
We also learned about some key considerations for working in a co-therapy dyad, including how to build a relationship with your co-facilitator and how to debrief with each other as a method of continual improvement. Finally, we learned about attachment theory, and we introduced the role of setting in establishing a positive healing environment.
The following assessments are due shortly.
Module 2 Knowledge Check due at the end of Week 2
Mission, Vision, Values Assignment is due at the end of Week 2.
See the Course Schedule for specific due dates.
As you progress throughout your week, reflect on the following question(s). There is no required written response, rather it is a key takeaway to reflect on. If you would like, you can share your response on Flip.
As you continue about your week, consider the therapeutic stance discussed this week. Reflect on what aspects of the therapeutic relationship that you are already doing well. Also reflect on what aspects may be the most challenging for you to encompass. How do you imagine cultivating these therapeutic qualities? Consider writing these down to revisit at a later time.
Lafrance, A., & Uy, P. (2021). Love and Psychedelic Psychotherapy: Bridging the Divide. Chacruna. https://chacruna.net/love-psychedelic-psychotherapy/