Resource Therapy
How can resource therapy nourish you?
This unique psychotherapy system is based on the belief that various states of consciousness[1] and personality parts need to be addressed for enduring emotional health. Resource Therapy works with the personality part[2] that is involved in the issue, hence it is also known as ‘strength based parts psychotherapy.’ This modality seeks to address the subconscious cause of an issue, as it understands that the part presenting with the problem is seldom the one that requires change.
Resource therapists are trained to work directly with personality states such as pain, fear, abandonment, rejection, neglect, hurt, guilt, trauma, resentment, anger and shame. These ‘resources’ are the internal personality parts[3] that people draw on to handle their life situations.
Resource therapy was named after the premise that our personality parts are our coping resources. American-born, Australia-based Psychologist Professor Gordon Emmerson[4] developed resource personality therapy based on his experiences with Ego State Therapy,[5] Cognitive Psychology[6] and his clients. Resource therapy differs from ego state therapy in that hypnosis is no longer required and results may be more rapid. Prof. Emmerson has authored books including Resource Therapy,[7] numerous refereed articles and experimental clinical research.
In 2014, Prof. Emmerson and his wife, Anna Emmerson, co-founded Resource Therapy International (RTI),[8] the association for resource therapy, in order to provide accreditation and ongoing support to students, graduates and clients. RTI currently provides Foundation Training, the practitioner qualification in resource therapy, an advanced clinical course and a train the trainer program in resource therapy.
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Practitioner offering Resource Therapy
Benefits of resource therapy
Resource therapy asserts that because of the ability of the brain to adapt, also known as neuroplasticity,[9] we can rewire the brain through emotional processing. This suggests broad application for resource therapy in the realm of mental healthcare, and allows it to be of use in the treatment of conditions such as addiction, anxiety, complex trauma, depression, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder.[10]
Resource therapy can be a particularly powerful method that allows people to disassociate from past trauma and address issues from a calm, confident mindset. It directs a participant’s attention to the exact part of the personality that needs help, and the problem may be labelled but never the person. This empowers[11] the person to see all sides to themselves rather than getting stuck in a helpless state.
Resource therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a resource therapy session
Your resource therapist is trained to help you to process your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and reactions by getting to the heart of the issue. By working directly with the part associated with the unwanted feelings or problem behaviour, patients may experience shifts in one session.
A session typically lasts for one hour. With resource therapy, a lengthy history taking isn’t deemed necessary. The therapist often commences by asking, “What are you ready to change today?”
Resource therapy offers a fifteen-step process[12] of which the last three actions are optional. The resource therapy actions provide distinct guidelines and steps starting with diagnosis and ending with anchoring. If you are interested, RTI provides some session demonstration and testimonial.
As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing resource therapy. If you have any concerns at all, also speak to your resource therapy practitioner, who will be happy to address these and evaluate whether resource therapy is a suitable treatment for you.
References
- What are different states of Consciousness? | verywellmind.com
- What is Resource Therapy? | resourcetherapyinternational.com
- For the Caring Mental Health Professional | resourcetherapy.com.au
- Gordon Emmerson | Mentors in Hypnosis
- Australasian Ego State Therapy Association | aesta.com
- Cognitive Psychology | simplypsychology.org
- Resource Therapy | books.google.com.au
- Welcome to Resource Therapy International | resourcetherapyinternational.com
- What is Neuroplasticity? | positivepsychology.com
- Advanced Clinical Resource Therapist | Australian School of Holistic Counselling
- 7 Benefits of Resource Therapy for Your Private Practice Clientele | resourcetherapy.com.au
- Resource Therapy Treatment | Resource Therapy International