Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Pauli Geldenhuis

-      Counseling Psychologist –

    

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a naturalistic approach to the understanding and healing of trauma. It was developed by Peter A. Levine over the past 40 years and taught throughout the world. I am in the very privileged position of being one of 45 therapists to be trained in SE for the first time in South Africa. This approach complements the other areas of specialty I have been trained in namely Hypnotherapy and Eye Movement Integration [EMI] as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT].

SE is a clinical methodology based upon an appreciation of why animals in the wild are not traumatized by routine threats to their lives while humans, on the other hand, are readily overwhelmed and traumatized. Fortunately, the very same instincts (and related survival based brain systems) that are involved in the formation of trauma symptoms can be enlisted in the transformation and healing of trauma. Therapeutically, this “instinct to heal” and self-regulate is engaged through the awareness of body sensations that contradict those of paralysis and helplessness, and which restore resilience, equilibrium and wholeness.

Because human responses to potential threat vary so greatly, it is difficult to identify or classify sources of trauma. Most people associate trauma with events like war, violence, extremes of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, crippling accidents, or natural disasters. However, many ''ordinary'' or seemingly benign events can also be traumatic. For example, so-called minor automobile “whiplash'' accidents frequently lead to bewildering and debilitating physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. Common invasive medical procedures and surgeries (particularly those performed on frightened children who are restrained while being anesthetized), can be profoundly traumatizing. Somatic Experiencing utilizes basic tools (and “building blocks”) but also works differentially with various sources of trauma.

These diverse categories include:
• Medical: Hospitalizations, surgeries, invasive medical procedures, anaesthesia, burns, poisoning, fetal distress and traumatic birth.
• Accidents: Falls, high impact accidents (including auto accidents), head injury, electrocution.
• Suffocation: Drowning, strangulation.
• Attack: Rape, war, bombings, physical abuse, mugging, molestation, physical injury, stabbing, gunshot wounds, animal attacks.
• Natural and man-made disasters: Earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, floods, terrorism, dislocation from the natural world and community.
• Horror: Seeing an accident (especially with blood, gore and dismemberment), watching someone else being abused, raped, killed or tortured, killing or hurting someone.
• Developmental: Neglect, abandonment, loss and ongoing abuse.
• Torture, repeated rape and systematic abuse

SE is a non-invasive and hugely effective intervention in the treatment of trauma and its impact is profound, be it a few days after the traumatic experience or many years later. Please do not hesitate to contact PAULI GELDENHUIS at the Mayfair Centre for further information.

What is a weed?

 

By Peter Gail
“Suppose your doctor tells you, on your next visit, that he has just discovered a miracle drug which, when eaten as a part of   your daily diet or taken as a beverage, could, depending on the peculiarities of your body chemistry: prevent or cure liver diseases, such as hepatitis or jaundice; act as a tonic and gentle diuretic to purify your blood, cleanse your system, dissolve kidney stones, and otherwise improve gastro-intestinal health; assist in weight reduction; cleanse your skin and eliminate acne; improve your bowel function, working equally well to relieve both constipation and diarrhea; prevent or lower high blood pressure; prevent or cure anemia; lower your serum cholesterol by as much as half; eliminate or drastically reduce acid indigestion and gas buildup by cutting the heaviness of fatty foods; prevent or cure various forms of cancer; prevent or control diabetes mellitus; and, at the same time, have no negative side effects and selectively act on only what ails you. If he gave you a prescription for this miracle medicine, would you use it religiously at first to solve whatever the problem is and then consistently for preventative body maintenance?

All the above curative functions, and more, have been attributed to one plant known to everyone, Taraxacum officinale, which means the "Official Remedy for Disorders." We call it the common dandelion. It is so well respected, in fact, that it appears in the U.S. National Formulatory, and in the Pharmacopeias of Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, and the Soviet Union. It is also one of the top 6 herbs in the Chinese herbal medicine chest.”
More info can be found on http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm

N É I G Ō N G

September 28th:-

Dr Thomas Jahn will be back from overseas to continue his popular Nei Gong sessions.

N É I G Ō N G

With Dr. Thomas Jahn @ Mayfair cottage 28th September 2013

Nei Gong translates to ‘internal skill’ & is more widely known as Qi Gong.

Néi Gōng is utilised in 2 main ways:

● For those suffering from debilitating illness as a self-help tool.

● For those interested in increasing their levels of health to minimize vulnerability to

illness & injury.

This discipline is defined by the regulation of the posture, breath & mind (Focus of attention)

Dr. Thomas Jahn has over 18 years of Chinese Medicine studies behind him, accumulated in Japan, the USA, China & South Africa. He has over 22 years of experience in the study & practice of Chinese internal martial arts & meditation.

In the study of the internal martial arts (Tai Chi is another) one gains an ever-increasing sense of self by nurturing our most precious commodity... health. Néi Gōng is appropriate for anyone interested in becoming more actively involved in how their body functions, consequently gaining a sense of control over their physical, mental, emotional & spiritual being. In the East, Néi Gōng is routinely taught to those suffering from diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid, arthritis, immune compromised conditions, as well as those undergoing conventional western treatment protocols for cancer & variety of other conditions.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing & come and join us Saturday afternoon.

This is a series of workshops building on & deepening the understanding of the

postures, movement & application (including partner work).

 

5 ANIMAL FROLICS WITH DR MICHAEL LAN

Dr Michael Lan, founder of Jing-an, the Asian Wellness Experience is an internationally renowned Tai Chi and Qi Gong master. We are very excited and honoured to be able to offer this opportunity at Mayfair. Lesley-Ann Green, our Tai Chi teacher trained under Dr Lan. For more information on him look at www.jing-an.co.za

What is Wu Qin Xi?

Wu Qin Xi, or Five-Animal Exercises imitating the movements of animals and birds, is a group of physical and breathing exercises for health care with a uniquely Chinese national flavour. The system was designed by Hua Tuo, a leading physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty ( 25 - 220 AD). He developed his system based on existing ancient Chinese traditional physical exercises following theories of the functions of the internal organs and meridians as well as the principles of the circulation of Qi and blood in the human body. His inspiration came from careful observation and study of characteristic behaviour and activities of tigers, deer, bears, monkeys and birds. He came to the conclusion that wild creatures regularly performed certain exercises to build up their constitution and improve their life skills.

Benefits of Wu Qin Xi

Experience has proved that after a certain period of practise both the physical and the mental health are improved. Indeed physical and psychological tests of people who practice Wu Qin Xi give high scores to their to their overall constitution, the functions of the various organs, mental attitude and power of perception as well as physical fitness. In addition the waistline and ratio between waist and buttocks in female practitioners are reduced, the cardiovascular and respiratory functions are markedly improved and the grip of strength is reinforced. Subjective appraisal about the effectiveness of these exercises by the practitioners have found enhancement of bodily strength, improvement of flexibility of joints and enhancement of

spiritual vitality and psychological confidence.

Date - Saturday 26th October

Time - 10h30-13h30

Location - Mayfair

Cost - R 1000.00 (discount offered to existing Qi Gong, Tai Chi & i.move students)

Booking essential, call Mayfair 021 8517037 to book.

Certificate of attendance provided

Chinese tea and cookies

Spring cleaning with “The Teeth of the Lion”

Even though spring is shy this year many people talk about “spring cleaning” after the long, cold and wet winter. As it is important to spring clean your home it is equally important to spring clean your body as well.

Herbs provide an effective and safe way to assist the body in detoxification.  It is important to remember that detoxification is a normal and natural process in the body which happens all the time – in various degrees of efficacy.  Stress, a sedentary lifestyle, infections, preservatives and exposure to metabolic and environmental pollutants all increase the toxicity in the body and challenge the organs of elimination.

When embarking on a detoxification program it is essential to consult a qualified Health Care Professional to ensure that both phases of detoxification is adequately addressed in the protocol you choose to follow.

Nature almost always provides us with what we need if we just look a bit deeper.  Even an obnoxious weed can have valuable properties if used correctly.

Everybody is familiar with Dandelion.  The name interestingly means “teeth of a lion” as the shape of the edges of the leaf literally resembles the tooth marks of a lion – may be this is even a metaphoric indication of the potency of the plant!

In Herbal Medicine/ Phytotherapy the leaves, flowers, seeds and roots of this plant has been used for its therapeutic actions in the body for many centuries and by many different cultures.  It contains an abundance of potassium – making it an ideal and safe diuretic. It also has specialized actions to support both the liver and kidneys which are essential organs of elimination.  It is also an effective digestive tonic but has quite a bitter taste!

It is important not to just pick and chew any plant which looks like a dandelion as there are many species which grows abundantly.  Taraxacum officinale is the botanical name for the specific species used for its therapeutic properties.

The next time you go for a walk, pick a dandelion seed head to blow it and make a wish….remember that you are also spreading good health and happiness in the form of potential healing plants …

For more information on the use of herbs and plants as medicine contact Dr Sanien de Beer – the Mayfair “in house” Phytotherapist / Practitioner of Clinical Herbal Medicine.

Mayfair OPEN DAY this Saturday 7th September WELCOMING SPRING