Discovering the essential self by means of subconscious resources : a psycho-educational approach

Abstract

Clients embark in therapy for different reasons and they often do not understand their own behaviour, thoughts and feelings. Some state that they do not feel themselves and ask questions about who they really are. This study explores different therapeutic ways in assisting clients to find answers to this question.

The researcher indicates that the self is an energy system which can be in dissonance. It explores the subconscious as a resource that can be utilized in therapy, assisting clients to discover their essential selves. The study uses an eclectic approach, where the Medical Hypnoanalysis Model is used to identify aspects with regards to the self being dissonant. It is indicated how the hypnotherapeutic techniques within Ego-state therapy and Ericksonian psychotherapy contribute to the exploration of the subconscious and its resources. The study utilizes subconscious resources to assist clients to become more aware of their essential selves and to activate the process of self-actualization. From theory the study constructed a new eclectic approach in assisting clients to discover their essential selves through their subconscious resources. This proves to be of value in approaching therapy from a psycho-educational perspective. The therapeutic process of identifying and accessing subconscious resources takes place within the framework of the SARI-model (a model within the Ego-state therapy theory).

This study presents four case studies and discusses information that can be gained from the subconscious mind of the client and its utilization in therapy. The cases illustrate that the subconscious has the resources available to assist in the identification of the cause of the problem, inner-strengths, a subconscious safe place and possible solutions to the problem. It was indicated that these resources can be used to integrate trauma from the past, resolve negative beliefs and to enhance the establishment of equilibrium within the self as energy system, which leads to the client discovering and becoming the essential self.

The study concludes with a model that can be used to discover the essential self by means of subconscious resources in addressing client's fundamental question of `Who am I really?'