Hello Ian
I can't remember if Arthur took part in the hypnosis experiments himself. Probably.
I have come to the conclusion that we think what we think until it is obsolete -that is if one can allow oneself to realize that one's thinking is obsolete to oneself.
Very many years ago I told a group of students to read the books, absorb the theory, get qualified then chuck the books and theory away, when they had incorporated it sufficiently to give them confidence to develop their own theory on a day to day basis.
I no longer agonize over whether what who said was right or wrong. This seems to me to be a mind numbing and desensitising pursuit. I think one must keep abreast of all things relevant to the profession one has entered - if only to be able to keep up with the babble that passes as verbal exchange between many therapists - Other than that deep respect for one's patients and the philosophy of 'First do no harm' should suffice.
Best
Gerald
-----Original Message-----
From: Ian <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 31 March 2003 21:30
Subject: Re: Challenging Beliefs
Gerald,
I think I may have read some of Arthur Guirdham's work - was he involved in the Cathar reincarnation hypnosis exercises? I have a difficulty accepting that the 'hearing voices' phenomena is linked to repressed psychic abilities, but therein is the crux of my dilemma. Psychic phenomena are a given part of your belief and world view; if I think your beliefs are not rooted in reality, should I consider them psychologically suspect?
I have a slightly different view of why theist belief is so widespread (for any Jungians out there, I have come accidentally stumbled over this question from five different sources in the last two weeks - synchronicity rules!).
Thought is best seen in terms of Gestalt Psychology: we seek patterns everywhere, we deduce and predict from patterns and we need to create them even if they are not there. Since the world is is manifestly unjust we have a deep need to balance this - somehow our loved dead are not lost to us, good is rewarded, evil is resolved, all aspirations are met, all love found. The need for this to be possible is deep and to give it up is heart-rending.
Ian
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