“Among the alchemists of old were metalworkers who “magically” extracted metals from rock, and physicians who prepared extracts and essences from plants for healing the body and mind. Some alchemists sought the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance said to facilitate transformation of common metals such as iron and lead into precious metals such as gold or silver. But some say this is only part of the alchemical story, perhaps even the lesser part. Most importantly, there was also an esoteric or occult aspect of alchemy that was concerned with investigations of the psyche, and with transformation of one’s self and the human psychological condition–a kind of psychotherapy or vision quest. In this context the Philosopher’s Stone is understood as a vehicle for self-transformation–the method by which the alchemical practitioner achieves an integrated wholeness.” (Foundational Concepts in Neuroscience; a Brain and Mind Odyssey, David E, Presti)
Imagine therapy as an alchemical process, a magical transformation, if you will. Everything I learned in school about the therapeutic process involved left brain thinking; all of it very important information, but it all involves logical, sequential linear thinking. I learned about theories of personality, I learned about the ethics of the profession, documenting., and various counseling modalities. The actual process of therapy is intuitive, fluid and impossible to teach to someone else. The principals can be taught, but the reality of it is only learned by engaging with clients and actually learning from them. A lot of mention is made of “the therapeutic alliance” in one’s training. It refers to the relationship between therapist and client, the relationship in which healing and connection occurs. Without it, therapy is not effective.
As a client enters the sanctuary of the counseling session, many times he/she is nervous and apprehensive. Perhaps they are doubtful that there can be any meaningful change. They might be concerned that they will have to talk about things that are too painful to even think about, let alone speak of. A great deal of skill is required to extract the painful and nearly forgotten memories that still hold all the energy of the original trauma but are often held outside of cognitive awareness. Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk says that the trauma story comes at the end of therapy; the client does not even have access to it in the beginning. So, this alchemical process involves bringing it to the surface, along with the process of learning to hold and tolerate the very painful and difficult body sensations; the anxiety, panic and depression that plagues them and ultimately brought them to therapy.
Other people question whether there is hope for their suffering. I go out on a limb and say that I guarantee them 100% that there is hope. How much help they can get depends on their level of commitment and how hard they are willing to work. I believe it is impossible for someone to not receive help if with everything in them they are seeking it and working towards it. In this process many interesting things take place. One of them is that the focus of the therapy often changes direction. If a client with concerns about relationships, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self harm, or even suicidal thoughts, before long the come to realize they are only symptoms.
The catalyst for change is within the alchemical process. It is impossible to describe, it is only experienced as it happens. Trust is essential. Compassion and absolutely no judgment are essential. Empathy and understanding are often a surprise to those wo are suffering from a lifetime of judgment from others and ultimately from themselves. Alchemy; transmuting lead into gold!