Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 1466

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Re: I did the Hoffman process » mywayorthehighway

Posted by Newcomer on October 27, 2003, at 9:44:51

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by mywayorthehighway on October 27, 2003, at 8:12:46

Thank you for your feedback, I’m glad you had a positive experience. Has it helped you over the last two years? I got the feeling that it might be the sort of thing that gets you all fired up at first, but that wears off and long term the benefits aren’t that great. It’s a big step for me to do it (financially as well as emotionally) so I’d like to feel that it could have long term improvements, perhaps coupled with more mainstream therapy. As you advise, I think that I could go into it with an open heart, but I’m not sure I can trust myself. There seems to be a lot of ‘letting go’ as part of the process and I’m worried that if I let go too much I’ll fall apart and they won’t be able to put me back together again in a matter of days.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by mywayorthehighway on October 27, 2003, at 10:08:20

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process » mywayorthehighway, posted by Newcomer on October 27, 2003, at 9:44:51

Hi - Yes it still works! Initially there is this fantastic euphoria and self-belief. In my case even after two years I know that I use The Process every day of my life. I am aware, I fall into a pattern and can see I am doing it. Yes there is a lot of "letting go" - but when I did my process I went thinking that my emotional baggage was so terrible and shocking that if I let go no one would help me rebuild. But the love and support of my group and the teachers guidance and faith in the real me soon made me appreciate that I was no worse or better than anyone else. The Process is "intense" but the effect is even more so - Have faith - its a very brave decision to decide to do it - the effect is empowering.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by mywayorthehighway on October 27, 2003, at 10:13:19

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process » mywayorthehighway, posted by Newcomer on October 27, 2003, at 9:44:51

If it helps and you want to chat use my e.mail pwilliams@psc.uk.com - I too am a retiring english person LOL

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by Staylor on November 4, 2003, at 15:16:37

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by kara lynne on September 4, 2003, at 11:05:47

It is interesting that you should mention EST. Raz Ingrasci is the President of Hoffman Institute, and was the Director of International Programs for EST in the seventies. As recently as 1990, he was Director of Corporate Affairs of Lifespring (an offspring of EST).

I have heard mixed things about the process. I would be careful before anyone puts their mental health in the hands of someone other than a trained professional.

> I do think you get energy from the group; that's the whole dynamic. And I do think you are supported throughout. That's part of what makes it an environment that doesn't really carry over--you don't have the intensity of the group dynamic following you around in your every day life. But I still question a few things that happened during the time I took it.
>
> I'm sorry if I seem to be contradicting myself. I don't think it compares to something like EST in terms of 'heavy handedness'. In fact, I wouldn't even let that be the deciding factor if I were you. I would try to determine how useful it might be in the long run. And it may be useful for you, I just don't think it's a substitute for therapy.
>
> And I don't know how they bottle all that radiance-- they must put something in the water.
>
> I'm sorry if I'm confusing you more! I would just hate to keep you from something you're that drawn to. There might be something in it for you.
>
> Take care.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by mywayorthehighway on November 5, 2003, at 4:45:04

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by Staylor on November 4, 2003, at 15:16:37

You say : "I have heard mixed things about the process. I would be careful before anyone puts their mental health in the hands of someone other than a trained professional."

That rather implies that the Hoffman teachers are "untrained amateurs" . My experience of The Process and it teachers was one of enormous professionalism and dedication.

You say that you have heard "mixed things" about the process - maybe you could be more specific.

I dont want to be rude here but it appears to me that a little knowledge could be a dangerous thing!!

Best wishes

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by Staylor on November 5, 2003, at 12:47:46

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by mywayorthehighway on November 5, 2003, at 4:45:04

Well you certainly sound defensive. Isn't that a negative trait that should have been bashed out?

According to the Hoffman Website, a majority of the Process Faculty do not have an advanced degree in Pyschology or Psychiatry. They even list Andy Milberg, a porn star, among their process teachers.

I'm not saying the process is entirely bad. I just think people should research it for themselves. They should know the backgrounds of the people to whom they entrust their mental health.

> You say : "I have heard mixed things about the process. I would be careful before anyone puts their mental health in the hands of someone other than a trained professional."
>
> That rather implies that the Hoffman teachers are "untrained amateurs" . My experience of The Process and it teachers was one of enormous professionalism and dedication.
>
> You say that you have heard "mixed things" about the process - maybe you could be more specific.
>
> I dont want to be rude here but it appears to me that a little knowledge could be a dangerous thing!!
>
> Best wishes

 

Re: please be civil » Staylor

Posted by Dr. Bob on November 5, 2003, at 19:21:56

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by Staylor on November 5, 2003, at 12:47:46

> Well you certainly sound defensive. Isn't that a negative trait that should have been bashed out?

Please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down, thanks.

Bob

PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.

 

Re: please be civil

Posted by Staylor on November 5, 2003, at 20:45:16

In reply to Re: please be civil » Staylor, posted by Dr. Bob on November 5, 2003, at 19:21:56

> > Well you certainly sound defensive. Isn't that a negative trait that should have been bashed out?
>
> Please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down, thanks.
>
> Bob


>
> PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.

Dr. Bob. I appreciate your forum, but why am I singled out? I was responding to a posting in which I was put down and felt accused. The direct quote was "I dont want to be rude here but it appears to me that a little knowledge could be a dangerous thing!!" Isn't that accusatory? Why didn't "mywayorthehighway" receive the same reprimand?

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by mywayorthehighway on November 6, 2003, at 8:33:38

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by Staylor on November 5, 2003, at 12:47:46

Hi - Thanks for the response - no offence was taken!

I do work on that pattern!!

I quess my experience of the process in the UK could have been different to the experiences others may have experienced in the US.

I was really not worried about what my teacher or the other teachers did when they were not teaching the process. I went in with my eyes open and an enquiring mind.

The process was the first therapy I had ever experienced. It was intense and demanding. I was also very rewarding. It changed my life.

Love

Piers

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by mywayorthehighway on November 6, 2003, at 8:44:57

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by Staylor on November 5, 2003, at 12:47:46

staylor - please accept my apologies

I had no intention of putting you down or accusing you - maybe I was just wanting to say - "I have done the process" "Have you?"

Love

Piers

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by Newcomer on November 6, 2003, at 8:55:39

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by mywayorthehighway on November 6, 2003, at 8:33:38

Because I've been pondering on whether to do the Process, I love to hear anyone's opinion of it - good or bad. It seems to provoke strong reactions, probably because it's relatively extreme and unconventional.

It's been tough making my mind up because unlike mainstream therapy you can't try it out with the proviso that you can quit after a couple of sessions if it doesn't suit you. So everyone's view is worth considering. I have to say I had misgivings that the teachers aren't necessarily qualified psychotherapists, but to echo Piers, I guess you need an open mind (and a degree of trust) to allow it to work for you.

 

Redirect: responding to a posting » Staylor

Posted by Dr. Bob on November 7, 2003, at 2:25:44

In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by Staylor on November 5, 2003, at 20:45:16

> I was responding to a posting in which I was put down and felt accused. The direct quote was "I dont want to be rude here but it appears to me that a little knowledge could be a dangerous thing!!" Isn't that accusatory? Why didn't "mywayorthehighway" receive the same reprimand?

I replied over at PBA:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20031008/msgs/277380.html

Bob

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by kara lynne on November 7, 2003, at 13:40:17

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by mywayorthehighway on November 6, 2003, at 8:33:38

--The process was the first therapy I had ever experienced---

Just a thought: maybe this lended itself to the experience being so effective for you.

Maybe not, but just a thought.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by Staylor on November 7, 2003, at 16:52:17

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by mywayorthehighway on November 6, 2003, at 8:44:57

I’m glad the process worked for you. You seem to be very committed to it, and I do not want to take that away from you or anyone else. I do want people to sign up for The Process with their eyes wide open. The Hoffman Institute is very secretive as to what happens during that week, and who is going to train you.

I am a little bit more conservative. If I am going to turn my mental health over to some one for eight days and seven nights without any contact with the outside world including my support system, I would want to make sure that it is to a trained and licensed mental health care professional. With a licensed professional, one can usually expect that certain ethics and standards will apply.

My other concern is that the Hoffman website lists three research finds on The Process. The first one is an independent study that has not been published yet, the second one was written by a Hoffman Graduate, and the last one was written by a Hoffman board member. I would be interested to read the first study once it has finally been published.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by mywayorthehighway on November 7, 2003, at 17:23:53

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by Staylor on November 7, 2003, at 16:52:17

Why?

I just do not understand why you feel the need to protect people from something you have no real knowledge of! I would love to know why!!! You say that you want them to sign up "with their eyes wide open" - Why?

The secrecy is something you would understand if you had done the process. Its part of the brilliance of the process.

Do I detect that you feel excluded by the secrecy? and because of that exclusion have pre-judged the process?

Of course I could be wrong - and please do not feel I am attacking you here - I do genuinely believe that the process is right for some and not for others - but only they can decide that!!

If it helps why not look at

http://www.hoffmaninstitute.co.uk/articles/results.htm

The Windhausen Study
The Caldwell Report
The Candate Report
The Professionals Speak

That might help

Love

Piers

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by Staylor on November 7, 2003, at 18:58:09

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by mywayorthehighway on November 7, 2003, at 17:23:53

The Windhausen Study - Was written by Christiane Windhausen of Hoffman Institute Dusseldorf

The Caldwell Report - Isn't a research finding. This is the psychological profiling questionnaire that you complete before you take The Process. The questionnaire/ report was developed in the Alex Caldwell in the late sixties. According to their website www.caldwellreport.com, the report profiles an individual and "specifies characteristics and predictions".

The Candate Report - Was written by Alison Candate, Hoffman Graduate. This was her thesis for her degree from JFK University. She is also employeed by Hoffman Canada.

> Why?
>
> I just do not understand why you feel the need to protect people from something you have no real knowledge of! I would love to know why!!! You say that you want them to sign up "with their eyes wide open" - Why?
>
> The secrecy is something you would understand if you had done the process. Its part of the brilliance of the process.
>
> Do I detect that you feel excluded by the secrecy? and because of that exclusion have pre-judged the process?
>
> Of course I could be wrong - and please do not feel I am attacking you here - I do genuinely believe that the process is right for some and not for others - but only they can decide that!!
>
> If it helps why not look at
>
> http://www.hoffmaninstitute.co.uk/articles/results.htm
>
> The Windhausen Study
> The Caldwell Report
> The Candate Report
> The Professionals Speak
>
> That might help
>
>
>
> Love
>
> Piers
>

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process » mywayorthehighway

Posted by Dinah on November 7, 2003, at 19:01:39

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by mywayorthehighway on November 7, 2003, at 17:23:53

My only concern would be the potential for decompensation that sometimes occurs with intensive programs. It's not unheard of for people to have a psychotic break.

I think I'd rather have trained professionals on hand to keep an eye out for that sort of thing.

Just my thoughts. Never have done the Process.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by marshak on August 3, 2004, at 13:36:03

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process » mywayorthehighway, posted by Dinah on November 7, 2003, at 19:01:39

I did the process last year & was devastated by it. Now I know why we spent so much time filling out forms saying we would not sue! It tore away all my coping skills, I had to go on bi-polar meds, & could not function for several months afterwards...definitely not for everyone. I really regret doing it.

> My only concern would be the potential for decompensation that sometimes occurs with intensive programs. It's not unheard of for people to have a psychotic break.
>
> I think I'd rather have trained professionals on hand to keep an eye out for that sort of thing.
>
> Just my thoughts. Never have done the Process.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by Newcomer on August 3, 2004, at 15:08:36

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by marshak on August 3, 2004, at 13:36:03

That sounds like a real ordeal you went through. I was very keen to do the process last year but decided not to because it isn't something you can just try for a few hours then decide whether it's right for you. My worry was always that I would be overwhelmed by it and fall apart, in which case, would they be able to put me back together again?

I'm having some personal turmoil right now and strangely, was thinking today for the first time in ages that maybe I should have a rethink about doing it. I guess your posting is a sign for me not to. Can I ask you how it took away your coping skills?

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by marshak on August 3, 2004, at 15:33:21

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by Newcomer on August 3, 2004, at 15:08:36

It was quite an ordeal that I'm still digging my way out of. I'd be happy to tell you ALL about it, including all the activities we did. I do not feel protective about revealing their methods. That may be better to do off-list, but I am not sure how to write to someone off-list here.

The process seemed to tear away my ego (ie: coping skills) so violently there was nothing left to hang onto when I got back home. I couldn't work or function, and was a crying mess. BUT, my experience is VERY unusual I hear, & I would love to find some people who had a disastrous experience with the process like I had. They SAY they are putting you back together again, but it did not happen for me.

> That sounds like a real ordeal you went through. I was very keen to do the process last year but decided not to because it isn't something you can just try for a few hours then decide whether it's right for you. My worry was always that I would be overwhelmed by it and fall apart, in which case, would they be able to put me back together again?
>
> I'm having some personal turmoil right now and strangely, was thinking today for the first time in ages that maybe I should have a rethink about doing it. I guess your posting is a sign for me not to. Can I ask you how it took away your coping skills?

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process

Posted by Newcomer on August 4, 2004, at 6:28:02

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by marshak on August 3, 2004, at 15:33:21

That's awful, seems like you're doing your best to get through it. I can't remember where, but I heard of someone else who had similar problems, not as bad as you though. It's something I'll have to rule out for myself, even mainstream therapy had a profound negative effect on me when I first started it and I was barely able to function for a while.

Take care.

 

Re: I did the Hoffman process » marshak

Posted by HazelMae on November 17, 2004, at 8:17:24

In reply to Re: I did the Hoffman process, posted by marshak on August 3, 2004, at 13:36:03

Hello Marshak,
I am interested in the Hoffman Process but have some very serious misgivings. You indicated a willingness to speak more about your experience with it, and I was hoping you could help me see the possible shortcomings of the process. There seem to be a lot of people willing to talk about the benefits of the program.
Thanks.

 

Re: Love with therapist

Posted by alecar on May 20, 2005, at 9:43:55

In reply to Love with therapist « Stamper, posted by Dr. Bob on November 6, 2002, at 7:52:52

I am really, really, attracted to my therapist. He is smart, good-looking, and yes he does make me feel safe. I have told him how I feel, but he says he can't be with me because it would not be ethical. Shouldn't the choice of relationship be between us. I'm not a kid. I'm not a threat to him or myself. All we do is shoot the breeze.

It makes me mad I can't explore the possiblity of his being my soulmate because we met under the context of therapy. I wish we could do what we wanted!!!

 

Re: Love with therapist » alecar

Posted by pegasus on May 20, 2005, at 16:30:32

In reply to Re: Love with therapist, posted by alecar on May 20, 2005, at 9:43:55

Yes this is a common feeling around here. Keep in mind, though, that it's not just an arbitrary, external rule that therapists shouldn't get involved with their clients. It's because of the nature of the therapy relationship, which is not balanced like romantic relationships should be. You therapist has a lot more power in the relationship than you do, because you're the one talking about your life. Also, therapists do tend to inspire these types of feelings, because of their role in therapy, which is different than a role as a partner. If you developed a romantic relationship, that dynamic would almost inevitably be dragged in, creating a very unhealthy scenario for you. That's why it's considered unethical, in a nutshell.

I'd really recommend that you read "In Session", which is all about these types of longings and other issues that come up with therapist-client relationships. We're actually in the middle of a psychobabble book discussion on that book, if you'd like to check out that thread.

good luck
pegasus

 

Re: Love with therapist » alecar

Posted by Tamar on May 20, 2005, at 17:16:41

In reply to Re: Love with therapist, posted by alecar on May 20, 2005, at 9:43:55

I’m familiar with those feelings of attraction! I was very attracted to my therapist too (I still think he’s attractive, but I’ve finished therapy now).

The ethical prohibition on relationships between therapists and clients can feel harsh and unfair and paternalistic. But it’s necessary to prevent clients from getting seriously hurt. If therapy leads to romantic or sexual contact between the therapist and the client, it usually ends in tears because there are all sorts of complicated dynamics going on in therapy (like transference).

Can you keep talking about it with your T? It’s a horrible feeling to be so attracted with no hope of reciprocation, but it should get easier if you can talk it through.


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