READY TO ATTEND FOR Af-x THERAPY?
READY FOR A POSITIVE LIFE CHANGE?
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_ We all think we want change for the better; who wouldn't? But before you proceed, it may be wise to have a read of what appears below. These are a few questions that have been asked from time to time by people wanting to do the therapy but are still expecting Af-x to be similar to mainstream talk therapy and counseling. So we'd like to make sure that you are aware of the many differences before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: "What are the ideal time intervals between sessions?" The usual time scheduling is either two visits on consecutive days (session one in the first day, and sessions two and three during the second day's visit) OR the entire program conducted in one day (4 - 5 hours). The one-day-only treatment program is favored by practitioners because of its convenience for clients and its successful outcomes, paralleling those of extended sessions. Q: "How long are the sessions?" Your first session may take anything between 2 and 3 hours with subsequent sessions taking 45 to 50 minutes each. Q: "How does Af-x compare to hypnotherapy?" Clinical hypnotherapy relies almost entirely on a therapist's assessment of a client's symptoms and subsequent "re-programming" of the sub-conscious in an commanding and authoritative way that leads AWAY from those important human innate re-balancing abilities that Af-x reveres. In fact, Af-x strives for the direct opposite. The experience of subconscious re-framing is one of gentle guidance to allow, rather than insist on selective attention to affect states: - not unlike selective meditation, mindfulness, prayer, or even daydreaming. Simple and gentle, yet effective. The architect of Af-x, Ian White, calls this "self-attention," and self attention should be taken in its literal definition. Q: "Some other therapies claim that the "emotional release" in THEIR therapy is what is required for change. What makes your approach different?" Af-x is VERY different. True, there exist some similarities in CONTENT, but vast differences in the CONTEXT of approach to the therapy. All successful therapy relies on a client taking back responsibility and empowerment, and the reflective, non-narrative nature of this work ensures that like no other. A 'catalytic release' as described by more demonstrative therapeutic approaches is unnecessary and may even be counter-productive in Af-x work. Concerns about 'success-immediacy' should be offset by reading of this page. Q: "Can I stop my medication?" That's entirely up to how YOU eventually feel about that, after consultation with your (or other) medical doctor. A responsible registered and licensed Af-x Practitioner will not interfere with the relationship between you and your medico, but always be aware that if you seek clarification from the same doctor that prescribed that medication for you, it is not in his or her best interests to admit that your medication will no longer be needed. Our advice is to seek out medical practitioners that respect your wishes. Q: "What do I have to do after the therapy?" Nothing. You will be encouraged to "let it happen" and be discouraged from trying to analyze the sessions' proceedings. Af-x asks that you, for once, trust your subconscious. Q: "What if I don't think I experience RELEASE during the sessions?" As expressed above, popular misconception in our therapeutic society is that 'release' must be experienced during session work. Af-x works on the basis that the unconscious learns its own private reframing and re-learning skills without necessarily focusing on any consciously-registered 'release'. In fact, it has been shown that the desire to consciously experience release has in some cases been the very thing that sabotages subtle and ongoing change at subconscious level. Q: "Will I have flashes of painful old memories?" Not necessarily, and in Af-x, is a rare occurrence. However, if you seem to, it may be the conscious awareness only of an aspect of self that wants to AVOID change. In any case, the encouragement for you to revive trauma - authentic or inauthentic - is an old psychoanalytic regressive method. We don't do that. In reality, most people proceed through this therapy experiencing little more than subtle feelings during session work. Q: "Is Af-x good for my ………?" If there is ANYTHING in your life about which you are uncomfortable, or you realize you are being prevented from reaching your full potential in any way, this can almost always be attributed to early learned emotional response patterns. Many people have been surprised at the changes experienced to areas of their life OTHER THAN what they originally sought therapy for. Sports people and other performers have "freed-up", executives have been able to make better stress-free decisions, and even those with true physically-generated symptoms and problems have found greater acceptance and peace. In short, the above question has no definitive answer other than, "who of us has not learned habitual responses in our lives that could do with re-learning?" Checklist For Therapy The "Mind Over Chatter" Way (Is This Approach For You?) People would not come to therapy if on some level they did not want to achieve a successful outcome. Af-x Practitioners are trained to respect the client's non-conscious desires as well as obvious, conscious needs. Your practitioner should not proceed unless certain imperatives are understood, and you are comfortable with them. So the following checklist is included to give you an idea of those imperatives, and perhaps gauge your suitability for this work and your desire to proceed. Remember, Af-x is about planting the seed of change at subconscious level. Question yourself on these points below, and honestly appraise your likelihood of being comfortable with the following ... ... Am I comfortable NOT talking about my woes? Conscious-level discussion about you and your problems will be kept to a bare minimum. This respects your ability to know about, and deal with, presenting issues at non- conscious level. This is an "affect-oriented" therapy, not a "word-oriented" therapy. Your practitioner will explain why this is important in view of the reflective, non-intrusive nature of this approach. Can I accept that my subconscious knows all? This is cause-oriented work, rather than symptom-oriented. Don't be surprised if your practitioner leads conversation AWAY from your symptoms and problems. This is NOT disrespect for you; rather, it is respect for your subconscious (affect-based) mind. Can I accept that any conscious memories I have may not be relevant? This is a "feeling" therapy, not a "fact" therapy; recalled memories, if they are evident, will be kept at your private level and not discussed with your practitioner. Will I be able to let go of the need to try to make things happen? You must be prepared to give up the effort of trying to "make change happen". Your practitioner is skilled at guiding and helping you to achieve a permissive "let it happen" level of operation. This is the appropriate way to allow for long-term subconscious change. Will I be able to accept that I will not be asked for any "on-the-spot verification" of any changes brought about during the session? After session work has been completed, your practitioner will not seek to immediately know about the outcome. This therapy introduces a new response learning at unconscious level; the results of this learning need to be observed over time. After all, "a new way of being" cannot be gauged until 'life' tests that way over time. Can I let go of the conditioned belief that therapy has to go on and on until a therapist says it's time to quit? This new learning through reframing is usually gentle, rapid and permanent. In almost all cases, this requires only three contact sessions. Will I be comfortable with the idea that the subconscious re-learns in its own way, and that I must trust my subconscious to bring about change? Your experience within the sessions may be profound and consciously recalled, or it may be subtle and below awareness, or somewhere in between. It is for this reason that immediate ratification is not sought, and why our client feedback studies are so important to the ongoing nature of the long-term success of this work. If you are comfortable with most, or all you've read above, then there is no reason why Af-x cannot be highly successful for you. If there are any of the above imperatives that you are not sure about, your practitioner will be happy to fully explain their importance. Or you might find your further questions answered in our blog. More detail about the therapy
If for any reason you wish to know more about Af-x therapy or affectology in general, you might want to check out a list of questions (and their answers) that have come to Ian White's desk over many years. If so, go here.
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" ...the Af-x method is impeccable, efficiently mirroring the sophisticated and elegant theory of Affectology..."
Elena Johansson MSs, LCP,, Dir Aspire Mind AB, Malmo, Sweden
Elena Johansson MSs, LCP,, Dir Aspire Mind AB, Malmo, Sweden
