01 Christine Shalala Psychotherapy
THE multifaceted Model of therapy
What does “the Multi-faceted model” of therapy imply?
This model revolves around four features crucial for healing and growth to occur. These four features are ‘letting go of our ego-centric Self’ ‘reconciling with our vulnerable Self’ ‘living our authentic Self’ and ‘restoring our power and autonomy.’
While the model of therapy I offer revolves around these four features, it also provides all-in-one therapy. One therapy model that integrates all models of conventional therapies to help clients look at the Self from different angles: psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, neurobiological, family systems, and narrative therapy.
When looking at healing from a psychodynamic perspective, you are encouraged to look at the adult-child relationship dynamic. By this you will be able to address thoughts and feelings repressed by the adult within. This is an early childhood learnt behavior that can be resolved through the accessing of a range of emotions connected to self-esteem. Thus, developing a model of personality that acknowledges its ability to let go of unfulfilled goals; to be in a vulnerable state; to show up authentically; and to demonstrate a high level of autonomy. This is encouraged for better health and relationships.
We can also look at healing from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. Through CBT, you are invited to reverse your perspective of who you are from looking at yourself from the spectacles of self-rejection to looking at yourself from the spectacles of your self-worth.
This is done through the practice of mindfulness techniques through which you are encouraged to work through feelings of shame and guilt experienced due to unhealthy beliefs about the Self. When you have become fully present in the moment, you will be asked to insert in the sub-conscious mind positive beliefs about the Self that were tinted due to traumatic experiences.
When looking at therapy from a neurobiological perspective, it is crucial to understand the functions of the limbic system in inhibiting long-term memory from storing positive experiences that allow us as humans to build on past positive experiences and achieve goals. It would be crucially important then to monitor ‘reactive emotions’ exhibited by the limbic system, responsible for fight, flee and freeze, and use intervention techniques or self-care strategies to process reactive responses to a stimulus (this can be external or physical) in such a way that allows for the engagement of the cognitive parts or what is called ‘the prefrontal lobes’ of the brain. This in turn helps improve long term memory and thus the integration of positive learning in relationships.
How I can help
Are you experiencing hardships due to being trapped in a relationship where it feels like you are compelled to fulfill the goals and needs of your partner and significant others within your family context? Have you considered the impact of these relationship dynamics on your health and wellbeing, and how they have shaped your sense of identity? My services can help you promote your health and make the change today. I can help you recognize unhealthy self-beliefs embedded in the subconscious mind prohibiting you from aligning your actions with your true sense of worth and your values.
