Taking it slow…

Amanda Munday (MA, UKCP, ACPP), psychotherapist at Shoreham Osteopathy Centre, explains a gentle and profound therapeutic process, linking mind and body. Core process psychotherapy (CPP) is a mindfulness-based approach to therapy and emphasises a deep, ongoing awareness of body and mind processes.

Developing this awareness involves learning how to cultivate a state of mindfulness, a sense of slowing down. This allows the client to gently attend to their internal world without judgment, so that they are more likely to notice their embodied experience - feelings, emotions and sensations. In learning to focus attention inward, they begin to recognise how things are for them in the moment.

Through this contemplative approach, clients can discover and explore the historical roots of their difficulties with an attitude of gentle curiosity and gain a clearer sense of who they are. As they process this information in the present, they can begin to let go of old and limiting habits and beliefs, and approach life with greater creativity and flexibility.

CPP draws heavily on Buddhist principles and practices, such as mindfulness, compassion, and unconditional acceptance – and is based on an assumption that at the core of every human being is an intrinsic state of health and freedom. This "core state" is unconditioned and ever-present, regardless of our life circumstances. However, as we grow and shape our personality from a young age, this inherent health and freedom can become obscured. As adults, we tend to relate to ourselves and the world in habitual ways, repeating learned patterns of behaviour, attitudes, and tendencies, many of which are influenced by our past experiences and relationships. These aspects of ourselves very often lie outside of our conscious awareness. This movement away from our "core state" toward our personality shape is referred to as our "core process”.

Some clients engage in CPP to learn more about themselves and enhance their potential for growth. However, CPP is also used to work with a wide range of specific conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, PTSD, anger issues and grief/loss.

For more information or an appointment, please contact Amanda at Shoreham

Osteopathy Centre on 01273 567654 www. shorehamosteo.co.uk