At the gracious invitation of psychotherapist, NJ Focusing trailblazer and teacher, Eleanor Buscher, MS, I'll be presenting in Pompton Plains, NJ on Sun. 10/12 from 11:00AM - 2:00PM. Eleanor attended my presentation at the Int'l. Focusing conference in May and as a result extended this lovely invitation. I'm looking forward to sharing some of what I've found to be so incredibly helpful in my personal life as well as with my clients.
The emphasis is on Mindfulness as used within the context of "Restoring Connection". Click on my blog entry "More about Restoring Connection" for a fuller description of the relationship between Mindfulness and Focusing as they're integrated into the model. A basic intro. to the Nervous System and Resourcing will be included as part of the framework of understanding.
All of what will be presented at this experiential workshop precedes the formal teaching of Focusing within the "Restoring Connection" model. Therefore you do not need to know Focusing in order to attend and benefit from the workshop. For those who do know Focusing, it will be a "Focusing and ..." experience. I think you'll find, as I have, that explicitly integrating the Nervous System, Resourcing and Mindfulness into Focusing will expand and enrich your Focusing process, however wonderful it may already be.
We have a few spaces left. If you're interested, contact Eleanor by ph: 973-839-5539, or e-mail: embuscher@hotmail.com.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Amazing Int'l Focusing Conference
The experience of presenting at the International Focusing Conference in Quebec, Canada far exceeded my expectations. Affirmation of the model was given in so many ways, from my presentation being well attended, to people individually telling me later just how inspired and deeply touched they were, to serendipitous occurences such as the one shared below.
For the conclusion of my presentation, "Restoring Connection: Experiencing True Joy", I had planned a guided experience, using a passage from "Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux". Black Elk's vision so beautifully reflects the conference theme of "Beyond Duality" and the "Restoring Connection" sensibility of being in relationship with all that is.
I had planned the Black Elk guided experience as the conclusion to my presentation before the conference. Parenthetically, Native American Spirituality is one of the spiritual traditions that resonates most deeply for me. We have a medicine wheel and sweat lodge on the land in back of our home. So to arrive at the conference & have the Montreal planning committee present "First Nation" tradition as "the frame" for the conference was beyond my wildest dreams. ("First Nation" is the term Canadians so respectfully use instead of "Native American".) It was this amazing experience of the outer world reflecting my inner world of connection to Native tradition.
In the closing ceremony of the conference, as the sacred Native directions (East, South, West, North, Below and Above) were once again so beautifully acknowledged and thanked, I had a strong sense of how we had energetically been held by them throughout the conference. I also totally loved the addition of the seventh direction, the direction Within. It feels so right.
It was a profoundly meaningful experience for me to present at the conference, one I'll hold in my heart forever. The Montreal planning committee headed by Marine de Freminville did a spectacular job & I am most grateful to them as well as the Focusing community at large for their open hearted reception. Thank you so much.
For the conclusion of my presentation, "Restoring Connection: Experiencing True Joy", I had planned a guided experience, using a passage from "Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux". Black Elk's vision so beautifully reflects the conference theme of "Beyond Duality" and the "Restoring Connection" sensibility of being in relationship with all that is.
I had planned the Black Elk guided experience as the conclusion to my presentation before the conference. Parenthetically, Native American Spirituality is one of the spiritual traditions that resonates most deeply for me. We have a medicine wheel and sweat lodge on the land in back of our home. So to arrive at the conference & have the Montreal planning committee present "First Nation" tradition as "the frame" for the conference was beyond my wildest dreams. ("First Nation" is the term Canadians so respectfully use instead of "Native American".) It was this amazing experience of the outer world reflecting my inner world of connection to Native tradition.
In the closing ceremony of the conference, as the sacred Native directions (East, South, West, North, Below and Above) were once again so beautifully acknowledged and thanked, I had a strong sense of how we had energetically been held by them throughout the conference. I also totally loved the addition of the seventh direction, the direction Within. It feels so right.
It was a profoundly meaningful experience for me to present at the conference, one I'll hold in my heart forever. The Montreal planning committee headed by Marine de Freminville did a spectacular job & I am most grateful to them as well as the Focusing community at large for their open hearted reception. Thank you so much.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Presenting @ the Int'l Focusing Conference
I am really pleased to be introducing "Restoring Connection" at the International Focusing Conference in Montreal on Thursday May 15th. Although I definitely consider myself to be an integrationist, Focusing serves as an underpinning for everything I do.
And as a practice it is one I come home to again and again and again. Given its central importance to "Restoring Connection", it is only right that the model should first be introduced within that community.
And as a practice it is one I come home to again and again and again. Given its central importance to "Restoring Connection", it is only right that the model should first be introduced within that community.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Body Wisdom
"Our own physical body possesses a wisdom which we who inhabit the body lack."-Henry Miller
"The body is God's messenger."-Erica Jong
"Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen to them"-Shakti Gawain
"The body is God's messenger."-Erica Jong
"Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen to them"-Shakti Gawain
Sunday, May 04, 2008
HeartMath & Self-Regulation
Given that nervous system resilience and self-regulation are such important aspects of the "Restoring Connection" model, I'm always looking for effective means of facilitating this. I'm finding HeartMath and their EmWave in particular to be excellent tools for self-regulation, enabling me to be more Present. HeartMath offers various techniques for doing this. Effectiveness is measured through one of their biofeedback mechanisms. You have to play around & see what works for you. What brings you into self-regulation may not do so for me and vice versa. Following the up & down blue lights on the EmWave while breathing deeply is extremely effective for me. I also enjoy their FREE Heart Quotes M-F, as well as their FREE weekly Inner Quality Tip. Check out www.HeartMath.com & let me know what you think.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Truly Inspiring
It's well worth taking a little over 15 minutes to watch this truly inspiring video featuring Harvard neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor as she shares "My Stroke of Insight": http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Hope For the Planet?!
Even as we're watching the Democratic candidates possibly doing themselves & the party in, & as Eliot Spitzer's become a living example of karma, I've been experiencing a strong sense of positive movement occurring around us.
For example, I've been enjoying Oprah's Free ongoing 10 wk. webcast interviews w/ Eckhart Tolle. I've had mixed feelings about her, but am really liking the way she's presenting him. What's amazing, is close to 1 million people/wk. are availing themselves to this opportunity. If you miss the Mon. live webcast, you can just go to www.Oprah.com anytime after noon the next day & view it. Going into its' 3rd wk., you can view anything that's happened to date, anytime you log on. What I especially like is people are asking fantastic real life questions about how to apply what he says, via skype, telephone & e-mail. And Oprah herself is asking great "yes but" questions that we all think when reading or listening to him, but no one asks out loud.
I've also recently watched a DVD of interviews w/ 3 leading yoga teachers, all talking about yoga taking you to the same place Tolle describes, being in the present moment. Truly wonderful. Maybe there's hope for the planet?!
For example, I've been enjoying Oprah's Free ongoing 10 wk. webcast interviews w/ Eckhart Tolle. I've had mixed feelings about her, but am really liking the way she's presenting him. What's amazing, is close to 1 million people/wk. are availing themselves to this opportunity. If you miss the Mon. live webcast, you can just go to www.Oprah.com anytime after noon the next day & view it. Going into its' 3rd wk., you can view anything that's happened to date, anytime you log on. What I especially like is people are asking fantastic real life questions about how to apply what he says, via skype, telephone & e-mail. And Oprah herself is asking great "yes but" questions that we all think when reading or listening to him, but no one asks out loud.
I've also recently watched a DVD of interviews w/ 3 leading yoga teachers, all talking about yoga taking you to the same place Tolle describes, being in the present moment. Truly wonderful. Maybe there's hope for the planet?!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Two Thumbs Up for Dreamworks' "Over The Hedge"
An animated movie by the creators of "Shrek", "Over The Hedge" is a delightful DVD rental. Among other things, it's a satire on suburbia & American consumerism. OK, so it's an entertaining movie, why write about it here? The turtle, Vern, mentions throughout, how his tale is tingling when he's sensing that something's not right, or safe. He keeps experiencing his felt sense in his tale. When he doesn't listen to and overrides his felt sense, things go awry. Although we generally experience these kinds of felt sense warnings in our solar plexus, our gut, the same is true for us. "Over The Hedge" is an adorable depiction of the felt sense at work.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Not a Trauma Model
Although I have extensive specialized postgraduate training in the treatment of trauma, I do not consider "Restoring Connection" to be a trauma model per se. Yes my trauma training has impacted the model in its deep commitment to safety through development of the ability to manage nervous system activation and dysregulation. But this is not a trauma model like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, for example.
As a result of the human condition most of us have become disconnected from our bodies in a general, lack of awareness kind of way. This model is great for repairing this kind of disconnection. Everyone's embodied experience includes nervous system activation and dysregulation. Therefore all of us can greatly benefit from being mindful of and knowing how to work with the nervous system. It is one of the wonderful components of the "Restoring Connection" model.
However, for many people who have experienced repeated physical and sexual abuse as well as early attachment trauma, they've often unconsciously developed a deep belief that the body is an unsafe place to be. And understandably so. Chronic nervous system dysregulation with difficulty self-soothing commonly results.
If this is the case, psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional who has extensive specialized training in the treatment of early trauma would be more appropriate. Fortunately there are some excellent clinicians doing this kind of work. In my professional opinion, both parts of what I said are important: 1) licensed mental health professional and 2) specialized training in the treatment of early trauma. I'm sorry to say that just because a person has one of these credentials, doesn't mean they necessarily have the other. E-mail me if you need help in finding such a qualified professional.
As a result of the human condition most of us have become disconnected from our bodies in a general, lack of awareness kind of way. This model is great for repairing this kind of disconnection. Everyone's embodied experience includes nervous system activation and dysregulation. Therefore all of us can greatly benefit from being mindful of and knowing how to work with the nervous system. It is one of the wonderful components of the "Restoring Connection" model.
However, for many people who have experienced repeated physical and sexual abuse as well as early attachment trauma, they've often unconsciously developed a deep belief that the body is an unsafe place to be. And understandably so. Chronic nervous system dysregulation with difficulty self-soothing commonly results.
If this is the case, psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional who has extensive specialized training in the treatment of early trauma would be more appropriate. Fortunately there are some excellent clinicians doing this kind of work. In my professional opinion, both parts of what I said are important: 1) licensed mental health professional and 2) specialized training in the treatment of early trauma. I'm sorry to say that just because a person has one of these credentials, doesn't mean they necessarily have the other. E-mail me if you need help in finding such a qualified professional.
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Center of Your Being
"At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want." Lao Tzu
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Iyengar Yoga
I first heard of the Iyengar method of yoga from Frank Lipman, M.D. He is the founder & director of the "Eleven Eleven Wellness Center" in NYC, where he practices Integrative Medicine & is the author of TOTAL RENEWAL: 7 KEY STEPS TO RESILIENCE, VITALITY & LONG-TERM HEALTH. Frank told me that he prefers the Iyengar method for many reasons, some of which are stringent certification requirements & in his medical opinion, least likelihood of injury. In my first visit Frank actually put me in a pose that felt so good & provided such release that I cried. That was several years ago. I couldn't find an Iyengar teacher where we live in the country, because it's a less common form of yoga.
Meantime I tried yet another yoga class, which was another style of hatha yoga. Although the teacher & students were truly lovely people, I had a lot of trouble with it. It got to the point where I dreaded going & eventually quit. I felt like a looser for not being into yoga. So many people, including my chirpractor, had told me it would be good for me. It made sense that yoga would be very helpful, but I had never been able to take to yoga in my various attempts throughout the years.
OK, so here's a 6 degrees from separation story. Down the street from my office in NYC, at the corner of 98th St. & Broadway, there's a couple, Nancy & Maurice, who are jewelry vendors. Of course when I go out for lunch I can't pass by their jewelry table w/ out stopping & perusing their wares. They're very warm, open people. With more visits, over time we get to know one another better & better.
Somehow I end up mentioning that I used to live on the Upper West Side, but now live in NW New Jersey. They ask me where, & because few people have heard of where I live, I give my usual general description "Sussex County, NY borders to the north & PA borders to the west". They say "Oh really, where?". This goes back & forth a few times, until I finally tell them exactly where I live. It turns out that Nancy's family has a house in my lake community, where she spent her summers growing up. And some of her family still lives not far from me. In fact her brother-in-law is the president of our lake association.
Months later I find out that Nancy's a serious student of Iyengar yoga, & has been to India a few times. Months later I discover that she's becoming certified in Iyengar. And months after that I learn that her teacher's encouraging her to start offering her own classes. And guess what she's doing now? Offering Iyengar yoga classes at our clubhouse, directly across the lake from our house!
I never thought I'd be saying this, but now I love Yoga! One of the great things about Iyengar yoga is that every pose is done w/ support. For example, many poses traditionally done standing, are done on the floor. And lots of props are used. What I'm finding is that w/ the given support, I'm finally, after all these years, able to release! Yes, that's right, RELEASE! Interestingly enough, it perfectly coincides w/ what I've learnded in Somatic Experiencing. By supporting ones'self through Resourcing, I'm then able to discharge activated energy from the nervous system. And it also coincides w/ "Restoring Connection". By providing a warm, welcoming Presence & compassionately being with all that is, shifts occur.
Nancy Preston teaches in NYC & will give you an on location private session for the more than reasonable price of $65. Ph. 917-596-0447 e-mail: npreston1@nyc.rr.com
Meantime I tried yet another yoga class, which was another style of hatha yoga. Although the teacher & students were truly lovely people, I had a lot of trouble with it. It got to the point where I dreaded going & eventually quit. I felt like a looser for not being into yoga. So many people, including my chirpractor, had told me it would be good for me. It made sense that yoga would be very helpful, but I had never been able to take to yoga in my various attempts throughout the years.
OK, so here's a 6 degrees from separation story. Down the street from my office in NYC, at the corner of 98th St. & Broadway, there's a couple, Nancy & Maurice, who are jewelry vendors. Of course when I go out for lunch I can't pass by their jewelry table w/ out stopping & perusing their wares. They're very warm, open people. With more visits, over time we get to know one another better & better.
Somehow I end up mentioning that I used to live on the Upper West Side, but now live in NW New Jersey. They ask me where, & because few people have heard of where I live, I give my usual general description "Sussex County, NY borders to the north & PA borders to the west". They say "Oh really, where?". This goes back & forth a few times, until I finally tell them exactly where I live. It turns out that Nancy's family has a house in my lake community, where she spent her summers growing up. And some of her family still lives not far from me. In fact her brother-in-law is the president of our lake association.
Months later I find out that Nancy's a serious student of Iyengar yoga, & has been to India a few times. Months later I discover that she's becoming certified in Iyengar. And months after that I learn that her teacher's encouraging her to start offering her own classes. And guess what she's doing now? Offering Iyengar yoga classes at our clubhouse, directly across the lake from our house!
I never thought I'd be saying this, but now I love Yoga! One of the great things about Iyengar yoga is that every pose is done w/ support. For example, many poses traditionally done standing, are done on the floor. And lots of props are used. What I'm finding is that w/ the given support, I'm finally, after all these years, able to release! Yes, that's right, RELEASE! Interestingly enough, it perfectly coincides w/ what I've learnded in Somatic Experiencing. By supporting ones'self through Resourcing, I'm then able to discharge activated energy from the nervous system. And it also coincides w/ "Restoring Connection". By providing a warm, welcoming Presence & compassionately being with all that is, shifts occur.
Nancy Preston teaches in NYC & will give you an on location private session for the more than reasonable price of $65. Ph. 917-596-0447 e-mail: npreston1@nyc.rr.com
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
"Eat, Pray, Love"
I Highly recommend Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, "Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia". Quite honestly, this is one of the best books I've ever read. The depth & breadth of this book is truly amazing. Gilbert is such a talented writer that it's artistically as well as emotionally & spiritually gratifying. Such a beautiful example of someone's journey to find & honor her bodily felt sense, as well as her Core. "If a more likable writer than Gilbert is currently in print, I haven't found him or her ... Gilbert's prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit, and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible" (New York Times Book Review). I wholeheartedly agree.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
People Are Saying ....
“I have had the privilege of experiencing the richness of the Restoring Connection model; astonishingly profound experiences have occurred in the process. This model truly offers a path to mind, body, spirit integration. Elizabeth sensitively and skillfully facilitates experiential discovery and connection to our most essential dimensions.”
Kate Waldron, Ph.D., R. N.
"As a therapist and personally, it has gotten to places that talk therapy can not even touch, to much deeper levels."Mary C. Howard, LCSW
"It's hard to put into words the amazing impact this work has had on all areas of my life." Melissa Maxwell, LCSW
"This practice has made me a better more mindful therapist, mother, wife and friend. Ultimately this model has brought me back to myself in the deepest knowing way." Kate Lawton, MS, CA, SAC
Kate Waldron, Ph.D., R. N.
"As a therapist and personally, it has gotten to places that talk therapy can not even touch, to much deeper levels."Mary C. Howard, LCSW
"It's hard to put into words the amazing impact this work has had on all areas of my life." Melissa Maxwell, LCSW
"This practice has made me a better more mindful therapist, mother, wife and friend. Ultimately this model has brought me back to myself in the deepest knowing way." Kate Lawton, MS, CA, SAC
About Elizabeth, et al
Last updated 2/16/09
Elizabeth Lehmann, MA, MSW, LCSW
I intentionally refer to myself as "the co-creator" of "Restoring Connection: Experiencing True Joy" for a few reasons. “Restoring Connection” organically emerged from within an ongoing experiential study group of psychotherapists that I lead in New York City. The group consists of: Mary Celeste Howard, LCSW; Kate Lawton, MS, CA, SAC; Melissa Maxwell, LCSW, Virginia Parker, LCSW and Kate Waldron, PhD, RN. Without this original "Restoring Connection" group there would be no model. (My 4/19/07 blog entry "More About 'Restoring Connection'" further describes the birth of the model within the group.)
Years of training in various healing modalities as well as my experience is undoubtedly brought to the group and to the model. Yet everyone in the group wholeheartedly agrees there's a very strong sense of something much bigger than us at work here.
"Restoring Connection" with its carefully chosen, well developed components, and how they've come to be woven together, forming an exquisite tapestry, has felt truly inspired. More than once has something spontaneously occurred within an experiential process that we didn't understand at the time, to later encounter an article or book speaking directly to what happened. We're clearly tapping into a larger knowingness. So it feels only right to also acknowledge the "something much bigger than us" in the word "co-creator".
In addition to bringing "Restoring Connection" to others, I'm a licensed psychotherapist and a seasoned group facilitator, known for creating a warm and safe environment. As well as leading experiential groups via teleclasses and in person, I maintain a private practice in NYC. My office is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Focusing, originally developed by Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D. at the University of Chicago, is an essential underpinning for this model and everything I do. While forever grateful for what Focusing brings to me personally and professionally, I consider myself to be an integrationist, greatly appreciating the "Focusing and ..." perspective held by Gene and others within the Focusing community.
As well as Focusing, I also have post-graduate training in psychodynamically-based (family of origin) psychotherapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, Reiki, Somatic Experiencing, and other modalities. The "Restoring Connection" model reflects not only my training in these healing modalities, but also my connection to Spirit and heart-centered spiritual practices.
No one modality alone has proven powerful enough to effect the kind of transformation I've been seeking personally and professionally. It's through the specific integration of modalities and the revelations that continue to occur that I feel most empowered and best able to help others. This is a burgeoning continuously unfolding process that becomes richer and richer each day. What a time to be alive, to be experiencing this with others and to be able to share it with you!
Through the Focusing Institute I've had the privilege of teaching these workshops: “Introduction to Focusing”, “Expanding Your Focusing Experience”, “Focusing As An Underpinning for EMDR” and “Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Therapy”. It was at the International Focusing Conference last year that I had the pleasure of first presenting the "Restoring Connection" model. (My 7/31/08 blog entry describes this amazing experience.)
Elizabeth Lehmann, MA, MSW, LCSW
I intentionally refer to myself as "the co-creator" of "Restoring Connection: Experiencing True Joy" for a few reasons. “Restoring Connection” organically emerged from within an ongoing experiential study group of psychotherapists that I lead in New York City. The group consists of: Mary Celeste Howard, LCSW; Kate Lawton, MS, CA, SAC; Melissa Maxwell, LCSW, Virginia Parker, LCSW and Kate Waldron, PhD, RN. Without this original "Restoring Connection" group there would be no model. (My 4/19/07 blog entry "More About 'Restoring Connection'" further describes the birth of the model within the group.)
Years of training in various healing modalities as well as my experience is undoubtedly brought to the group and to the model. Yet everyone in the group wholeheartedly agrees there's a very strong sense of something much bigger than us at work here.
"Restoring Connection" with its carefully chosen, well developed components, and how they've come to be woven together, forming an exquisite tapestry, has felt truly inspired. More than once has something spontaneously occurred within an experiential process that we didn't understand at the time, to later encounter an article or book speaking directly to what happened. We're clearly tapping into a larger knowingness. So it feels only right to also acknowledge the "something much bigger than us" in the word "co-creator".
In addition to bringing "Restoring Connection" to others, I'm a licensed psychotherapist and a seasoned group facilitator, known for creating a warm and safe environment. As well as leading experiential groups via teleclasses and in person, I maintain a private practice in NYC. My office is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Focusing, originally developed by Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D. at the University of Chicago, is an essential underpinning for this model and everything I do. While forever grateful for what Focusing brings to me personally and professionally, I consider myself to be an integrationist, greatly appreciating the "Focusing and ..." perspective held by Gene and others within the Focusing community.
As well as Focusing, I also have post-graduate training in psychodynamically-based (family of origin) psychotherapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, Reiki, Somatic Experiencing, and other modalities. The "Restoring Connection" model reflects not only my training in these healing modalities, but also my connection to Spirit and heart-centered spiritual practices.
No one modality alone has proven powerful enough to effect the kind of transformation I've been seeking personally and professionally. It's through the specific integration of modalities and the revelations that continue to occur that I feel most empowered and best able to help others. This is a burgeoning continuously unfolding process that becomes richer and richer each day. What a time to be alive, to be experiencing this with others and to be able to share it with you!
Through the Focusing Institute I've had the privilege of teaching these workshops: “Introduction to Focusing”, “Expanding Your Focusing Experience”, “Focusing As An Underpinning for EMDR” and “Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Therapy”. It was at the International Focusing Conference last year that I had the pleasure of first presenting the "Restoring Connection" model. (My 7/31/08 blog entry describes this amazing experience.)
Experience It!
(Last updated 2/16/09.)
How can you experience "Restoring Connection"? Here are some of the possible ways.
You might like to attend a FREE 90 minute introduction to the model via a teleclass/teleconference, in my office on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, or on-location when I'm invited. Contact me to find out when the next one is being offered, including more details.
If during the FREE 90 minute introduction something resonates for you and you want to further explore "Restoring Connection", perhaps you'd like to contact me about signing up for Module 1 of the Basic Model. By taking the first module of "Restoring Connection" you'll get a good sense of what it's like to learn the model in an experiential study group as well as whether or not you'd like to embark on this incredible journey together. Module 1 is offered via teleclass, in my office, or on-location when I'm invited.
You might also like to experience the "Restoring Connection" process firsthand by scheduling an individual session or sessions with me by phone or in my office. Some people prefer experiencing the model individually. Others like doing so before considering being in a group, and some people like to do both.
We can also create something else that is more specifically tailored to your or your group's needs, incorporating applicable aspects of the "Restoring Connection" model.
To discuss any of these possibilities further, e-mail me: elpsych@ymail.com, or call me at my office, 212-864-0684. I look forward to hearing from you.
How can you experience "Restoring Connection"? Here are some of the possible ways.
You might like to attend a FREE 90 minute introduction to the model via a teleclass/teleconference, in my office on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, or on-location when I'm invited. Contact me to find out when the next one is being offered, including more details.
If during the FREE 90 minute introduction something resonates for you and you want to further explore "Restoring Connection", perhaps you'd like to contact me about signing up for Module 1 of the Basic Model. By taking the first module of "Restoring Connection" you'll get a good sense of what it's like to learn the model in an experiential study group as well as whether or not you'd like to embark on this incredible journey together. Module 1 is offered via teleclass, in my office, or on-location when I'm invited.
You might also like to experience the "Restoring Connection" process firsthand by scheduling an individual session or sessions with me by phone or in my office. Some people prefer experiencing the model individually. Others like doing so before considering being in a group, and some people like to do both.
We can also create something else that is more specifically tailored to your or your group's needs, incorporating applicable aspects of the "Restoring Connection" model.
To discuss any of these possibilities further, e-mail me: elpsych@ymail.com, or call me at my office, 212-864-0684. I look forward to hearing from you.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
More About Restoring Connection
(Last updated 2/16/09)
“I have had the privilege of experiencing the richness of the 'Restoring Connection' model; astonishingly profound experiences have occurred in the process. This model truly offers a path to mind, body, spirit integration. Elizabeth sensitively and skillfully facilitates experiential discovery and connection to our most essential dimensions.”
Kate Waldron, Ph.D., R. N.
“Restoring Connection” is based on the belief that inherent in the human condition is disconnection from: our bodies, our felt sense, our True Self, our Core, the Divine, the spiritual realm and others. A sense of separateness, isolation and alienation ensues, often coupled with anxiety, fear and despair. This inspiring approach offers a means of experientially restoring connection: consolidating and establishing the bonds between all these aspects, which results in a profound feeling of integration of our BodyMindSpirit as well as being in relationship with all that is. The new headline becomes "we are not alone", and from this knowingness comes a true sense of Joy.
THE CONTEXT
“Restoring Connection” organically emerged from within an experiential study group of psychotherapists lead by Elizabeth Lehmann, MA, MSW, LCSW in New York City. Initially the group was devoted to the experiential process of focusing as developed by Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D. at the University of Chicago in the 1960’s. Over time its scope naturally broadened. More recent developments from psychology, neurobiology, body based therapies and spirituality started being explicated, included and integrated into focusing.
As participants surprisingly began having “beyond focusing” transpersonal experiences, it was clear something truly new and extremely profound was emerging. One of the group members, Ginny Parker, so beautifully expressed, “It gives me the shivers. It’s like realizing something that I’ve always hoped to be true, really is true and real.” In response to the group’s experiences, “Restoring Connection”, a multi-dimensional model was born and continues to unfold.
THE PROCESS
Central to the “Restoring Connection” model is a specified process. In many respects the process resembles the growth of a tree. The roots develop first, spreading deeply into the Earth; bodily grounding is essential. Then the trunk of the tree grows, wherein reconnection with the bodily felt sense occurs, and all the meaning therein. Eventually the branches reach into the heavens towards the sky, opening to transpersonal experience, while remaining fully grounded and integrating what is experienced into the body. A deeply rooted blossoming tree beautifully symbolizes a restored and reconnected Self: alive, vibrant, totally in the NOW and fully connected to all that is.
This restorative experiential model is multi-dimensional. It is not linear, and its components are not discrete. Yet it is presented as such for learning purposes. In reality everything is interrelated, and once all aspects are learned and integrated, an incredibly rich cohesive whole results.
We start with experientially getting an overall sense of the model and then we go through the components together. The components are briefly introduced at certain points & then gone back to later, in more depth.
First we go to the nervous system, to understand and track the ways in which it is activated and to facilitate its regulation, while increasing its range of resilience.(Levine) We know that if we are not within our range of resilience, we are physiologically unable to truly be curious, open or present to our inner experiencing and others. So we take the time to establish resources people can call on to soothe and calm the nervous system, and we use the bodily felt sense (Gendlin) to help them identify what their specific resources might be. This process, called resourcing (Frederick & McNeal, Heller, Napier) is not only the key to developing self regulation and increasing the range of resilience in the nervous system, but it also enables us to go deeper into our inner experience, while maintaining regulation and safety, and be present to others.
“Part of the beauty of the ‘Restoring Connection’ model is its acute sensitivity to the nervous system and its primary commitment to supporting a feeling of safety. Elizabeth has achieved this by integrating her many years of experience with varied modalities to create a style of working with others that empowers them to safely connect with places that often are not possible to reach otherwise.” (Mary C. Howard, group member)
Then we come into "the delicate flower of presence", (Tolle) and this is the overriding stance from which all else emanates. It includes also coming from a place of "unconditional positive regard". (Rogers) We bear witness without judgment, to our own and to the inner experience of the other. We welcome what is expressed with "a tiny bud of a smile on our lips" (Hahn) and "unconditional friendliness" (Brach).
Fundamental to resourcing as well as a wonderful introduction to presence is mindfulness : bringing gentle awareness to something external or internal and simply noticing.(Hahn, Kabat-Zinn, Mingyur) This very act of awareness in turn changes our experience, which change can then also be tracked and noticed, facilitating cohesion and leading safely to deeper opening and deeper awareness. The act of gently bringing awareness to something and simply noticing also provides an island of safety that can be returned to time and again throughout a process.
The ultimate resource in the model is reconnection with the True Self, our pure unwounded essence. The True Self may present as embodied parts, places, or even expanded states of consciousness, depending upon the person. This reconnection is facilitated through grounded guided experiences. Some of the parts encountered may include the core child (Mota), the wise self, the future self (Napier), and these parts in turn then become potential resources to support us. In this part of the process it is also not uncommon to encounter the transpersonal. Some people may find themselves opening to Oneness, to the Infinite, while others experience it as an opening into the mystical realm.
Similarly, it is from a place of restored connection to this part of ourselves, our True Self, that one is best able to be with the more wounded parts of ourselves, and process any undigested pockets of earlier experience we may encounter that need integration.
Another major component of the model is the use of the traditional focusing process, (Gendlin, Cornell, Mc Gavin, et al) with its reliance on the bodily felt sense to guide us throughout all the different layers. While we track nervous system activation, we are simultaneously following the unfolding of the bodily felt sense, using active resourcing as needed. Also as natural spontaneous moments of resourcing occur, they are highlighted and slowed down and awareness brought to them through the felt sense. Similarly, time is taken to securely anchor in the body any shifts that occur there to facilitate full integration.
Resonance within the energetic relational field continues to provide the optimal holding environment.
Wounded child parts are also accessed through the bodily felt sense and attended to in this way using an integration of focusing and parts work (Napier). Again it is the combination of the nervous system work, resourcing and focusing which enables the deep healing of these parts of ourselves to take place.
The most recent aspect to emerge from within the group’s process, is being in direct relationship with the heart center. This is a deeper level of experiencing than the usual felt sense level of tightness in the chest in relation to a particular something in one’s life. Because of the intensity often experienced when directly sensing into the heart center, it is wise to have experiences processing on the other levels beforehand.
It feels completely right that we are ultimately led to the heart center. For it is there that true integration, transmutation and transformation ultimately occurs. And it is through the door of the heart that we pass from judgment into compassion, from fear into love, and from separation into oneness.
“Restoring Connection” is more than just a specified process. It is a way of compassionately being in relationship with all that is. The results are wonderfully expressed by group member Kate Lawton, “This practice has made me a better, more mindful therapist, mother, wife and friend. Ultimately this model has brought me back to myself in the deepest knowing way.” Melissa Maxwell, another group member adds, “It’s hard to put into words the amazing impact this work has had on all areas of my life."
All of this occurs within the context of relationship. The sacred circle of the group is created and facilitated by Elizabeth. The process is learned through experiential practices done in partnership with other group members. This is key. For it is in relationship that we are wounded, and it is in relationship that we are healed.
Furthermore, the group becomes a welcome harbor from tumultuous waters, an invaluable resource. We instinctually sense this is not a time to go it alone. Because of what’s happening in the world it’s almost as if we’re being nudged to caringly turn to each other and collectively attend to what’s been neglected globally, nationally and personally. We’re being called to recognize and embrace the interconnectedness of all life. We need a safe place to encourage and support each other as we do this. A “Restoring Connection” group has the potential to provide you with such a place.
We’re poised for transformation. Albeit challenging, it is also an exciting time to be alive. We’re gratefully being given so much to help us move forward personally and collectively. To quote Gandhi, "you must be the change you want to see in the world." May the healing that occurs through "Restoring Connection" have a far reaching ripple effect, positively impacting the lives of many and the planet.
You can read and talk about it, but you have to experience it in order to truly get it. To learn how, go to my blog entry "Experience It!".
Brach, T. (2003). Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With The Heart Of a Buddha.
NY, NY: Bantam Dell.
Cornell, A. W. & McGavin, B. (2002). The Focusing Student’s and Companion’s Manual.:
Parts 1 & 2. Berkeley, CA: Calluna Press.
Cornell, A. W. (1996) The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional
Self-Healing. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Cornell, A. W. (2005). The Radical Acceptance of Everything: Living a Focusing Life.
Berkeley, CA: Calluna Press.
Frederick, C. & McNeal, S.A. (1998). Inner Strengths: Contemporary Psychotherapy &
Hypnosis for Ego-Strengthening. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Gendlin, E. (1981) Focusing. New York: Bantam.
Gendlin, E. (1996). Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy: A Manual of the Experiential
Method. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Gendlin, E. (1986). Let Your Body Interpret Your Dreams. Wilmette, IL: Chiron
Publications.
Hanh, T. N. (1991). Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life.
Berkeley: Parallax.
Heller, D.P. (2001). Crash Course: A Self-Healing Guide to Auto Accident Trauma &
Recovery. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation In
Everyday Life. NY, NY: Hyperion.
Lehmann, E. Restoring Connection: Experiencing True Joy. (Coming down the pipe.)
Levine, P. A. (2005). Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of
Your Body. Boulder, CO: Sounds True. Book w/ CD.
Mota, G. (2007). Verbally conveyed “the core child” to Elizabeth.
Mingyur, Y.R. (2007). The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret & Science of Happiness.
New York, NY: Harmony Books.
Napier, N. J. (1993). Getting Through the Day: Strategies for Adults Hurt as Children.
New York, NY: Norton.
Napier, N. J. (1990) Recreating Your Self: Building Self-Esteem through Imaging and
Self-Hypnosis. New York, NY: W.W.Norton & Co.
Rogers, C.R. (1959). “A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal
relationships as developed in the client-centered framework.” Reprinted in H.
Kirschenbaum and V. Henderson (Eds.) The Carl Rogers Reader (1989). Boston:
Houghton MIflin.
Tolle, E. (1999). The Power Of Now: A Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment.
Novato, CA: New World Library.
“I have had the privilege of experiencing the richness of the 'Restoring Connection' model; astonishingly profound experiences have occurred in the process. This model truly offers a path to mind, body, spirit integration. Elizabeth sensitively and skillfully facilitates experiential discovery and connection to our most essential dimensions.”
Kate Waldron, Ph.D., R. N.
“Restoring Connection” is based on the belief that inherent in the human condition is disconnection from: our bodies, our felt sense, our True Self, our Core, the Divine, the spiritual realm and others. A sense of separateness, isolation and alienation ensues, often coupled with anxiety, fear and despair. This inspiring approach offers a means of experientially restoring connection: consolidating and establishing the bonds between all these aspects, which results in a profound feeling of integration of our BodyMindSpirit as well as being in relationship with all that is. The new headline becomes "we are not alone", and from this knowingness comes a true sense of Joy.
THE CONTEXT
“Restoring Connection” organically emerged from within an experiential study group of psychotherapists lead by Elizabeth Lehmann, MA, MSW, LCSW in New York City. Initially the group was devoted to the experiential process of focusing as developed by Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D. at the University of Chicago in the 1960’s. Over time its scope naturally broadened. More recent developments from psychology, neurobiology, body based therapies and spirituality started being explicated, included and integrated into focusing.
As participants surprisingly began having “beyond focusing” transpersonal experiences, it was clear something truly new and extremely profound was emerging. One of the group members, Ginny Parker, so beautifully expressed, “It gives me the shivers. It’s like realizing something that I’ve always hoped to be true, really is true and real.” In response to the group’s experiences, “Restoring Connection”, a multi-dimensional model was born and continues to unfold.
THE PROCESS
Central to the “Restoring Connection” model is a specified process. In many respects the process resembles the growth of a tree. The roots develop first, spreading deeply into the Earth; bodily grounding is essential. Then the trunk of the tree grows, wherein reconnection with the bodily felt sense occurs, and all the meaning therein. Eventually the branches reach into the heavens towards the sky, opening to transpersonal experience, while remaining fully grounded and integrating what is experienced into the body. A deeply rooted blossoming tree beautifully symbolizes a restored and reconnected Self: alive, vibrant, totally in the NOW and fully connected to all that is.
This restorative experiential model is multi-dimensional. It is not linear, and its components are not discrete. Yet it is presented as such for learning purposes. In reality everything is interrelated, and once all aspects are learned and integrated, an incredibly rich cohesive whole results.
We start with experientially getting an overall sense of the model and then we go through the components together. The components are briefly introduced at certain points & then gone back to later, in more depth.
First we go to the nervous system, to understand and track the ways in which it is activated and to facilitate its regulation, while increasing its range of resilience.(Levine) We know that if we are not within our range of resilience, we are physiologically unable to truly be curious, open or present to our inner experiencing and others. So we take the time to establish resources people can call on to soothe and calm the nervous system, and we use the bodily felt sense (Gendlin) to help them identify what their specific resources might be. This process, called resourcing (Frederick & McNeal, Heller, Napier) is not only the key to developing self regulation and increasing the range of resilience in the nervous system, but it also enables us to go deeper into our inner experience, while maintaining regulation and safety, and be present to others.
“Part of the beauty of the ‘Restoring Connection’ model is its acute sensitivity to the nervous system and its primary commitment to supporting a feeling of safety. Elizabeth has achieved this by integrating her many years of experience with varied modalities to create a style of working with others that empowers them to safely connect with places that often are not possible to reach otherwise.” (Mary C. Howard, group member)
Then we come into "the delicate flower of presence", (Tolle) and this is the overriding stance from which all else emanates. It includes also coming from a place of "unconditional positive regard". (Rogers) We bear witness without judgment, to our own and to the inner experience of the other. We welcome what is expressed with "a tiny bud of a smile on our lips" (Hahn) and "unconditional friendliness" (Brach).
Fundamental to resourcing as well as a wonderful introduction to presence is mindfulness : bringing gentle awareness to something external or internal and simply noticing.(Hahn, Kabat-Zinn, Mingyur) This very act of awareness in turn changes our experience, which change can then also be tracked and noticed, facilitating cohesion and leading safely to deeper opening and deeper awareness. The act of gently bringing awareness to something and simply noticing also provides an island of safety that can be returned to time and again throughout a process.
The ultimate resource in the model is reconnection with the True Self, our pure unwounded essence. The True Self may present as embodied parts, places, or even expanded states of consciousness, depending upon the person. This reconnection is facilitated through grounded guided experiences. Some of the parts encountered may include the core child (Mota), the wise self, the future self (Napier), and these parts in turn then become potential resources to support us. In this part of the process it is also not uncommon to encounter the transpersonal. Some people may find themselves opening to Oneness, to the Infinite, while others experience it as an opening into the mystical realm.
Similarly, it is from a place of restored connection to this part of ourselves, our True Self, that one is best able to be with the more wounded parts of ourselves, and process any undigested pockets of earlier experience we may encounter that need integration.
Another major component of the model is the use of the traditional focusing process, (Gendlin, Cornell, Mc Gavin, et al) with its reliance on the bodily felt sense to guide us throughout all the different layers. While we track nervous system activation, we are simultaneously following the unfolding of the bodily felt sense, using active resourcing as needed. Also as natural spontaneous moments of resourcing occur, they are highlighted and slowed down and awareness brought to them through the felt sense. Similarly, time is taken to securely anchor in the body any shifts that occur there to facilitate full integration.
Resonance within the energetic relational field continues to provide the optimal holding environment.
Wounded child parts are also accessed through the bodily felt sense and attended to in this way using an integration of focusing and parts work (Napier). Again it is the combination of the nervous system work, resourcing and focusing which enables the deep healing of these parts of ourselves to take place.
The most recent aspect to emerge from within the group’s process, is being in direct relationship with the heart center. This is a deeper level of experiencing than the usual felt sense level of tightness in the chest in relation to a particular something in one’s life. Because of the intensity often experienced when directly sensing into the heart center, it is wise to have experiences processing on the other levels beforehand.
It feels completely right that we are ultimately led to the heart center. For it is there that true integration, transmutation and transformation ultimately occurs. And it is through the door of the heart that we pass from judgment into compassion, from fear into love, and from separation into oneness.
“Restoring Connection” is more than just a specified process. It is a way of compassionately being in relationship with all that is. The results are wonderfully expressed by group member Kate Lawton, “This practice has made me a better, more mindful therapist, mother, wife and friend. Ultimately this model has brought me back to myself in the deepest knowing way.” Melissa Maxwell, another group member adds, “It’s hard to put into words the amazing impact this work has had on all areas of my life."
All of this occurs within the context of relationship. The sacred circle of the group is created and facilitated by Elizabeth. The process is learned through experiential practices done in partnership with other group members. This is key. For it is in relationship that we are wounded, and it is in relationship that we are healed.
Furthermore, the group becomes a welcome harbor from tumultuous waters, an invaluable resource. We instinctually sense this is not a time to go it alone. Because of what’s happening in the world it’s almost as if we’re being nudged to caringly turn to each other and collectively attend to what’s been neglected globally, nationally and personally. We’re being called to recognize and embrace the interconnectedness of all life. We need a safe place to encourage and support each other as we do this. A “Restoring Connection” group has the potential to provide you with such a place.
We’re poised for transformation. Albeit challenging, it is also an exciting time to be alive. We’re gratefully being given so much to help us move forward personally and collectively. To quote Gandhi, "you must be the change you want to see in the world." May the healing that occurs through "Restoring Connection" have a far reaching ripple effect, positively impacting the lives of many and the planet.
You can read and talk about it, but you have to experience it in order to truly get it. To learn how, go to my blog entry "Experience It!".
Brach, T. (2003). Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With The Heart Of a Buddha.
NY, NY: Bantam Dell.
Cornell, A. W. & McGavin, B. (2002). The Focusing Student’s and Companion’s Manual.:
Parts 1 & 2. Berkeley, CA: Calluna Press.
Cornell, A. W. (1996) The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional
Self-Healing. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Cornell, A. W. (2005). The Radical Acceptance of Everything: Living a Focusing Life.
Berkeley, CA: Calluna Press.
Frederick, C. & McNeal, S.A. (1998). Inner Strengths: Contemporary Psychotherapy &
Hypnosis for Ego-Strengthening. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Gendlin, E. (1981) Focusing. New York: Bantam.
Gendlin, E. (1996). Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy: A Manual of the Experiential
Method. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Gendlin, E. (1986). Let Your Body Interpret Your Dreams. Wilmette, IL: Chiron
Publications.
Hanh, T. N. (1991). Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life.
Berkeley: Parallax.
Heller, D.P. (2001). Crash Course: A Self-Healing Guide to Auto Accident Trauma &
Recovery. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation In
Everyday Life. NY, NY: Hyperion.
Lehmann, E. Restoring Connection: Experiencing True Joy. (Coming down the pipe.)
Levine, P. A. (2005). Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of
Your Body. Boulder, CO: Sounds True. Book w/ CD.
Mota, G. (2007). Verbally conveyed “the core child” to Elizabeth.
Mingyur, Y.R. (2007). The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret & Science of Happiness.
New York, NY: Harmony Books.
Napier, N. J. (1993). Getting Through the Day: Strategies for Adults Hurt as Children.
New York, NY: Norton.
Napier, N. J. (1990) Recreating Your Self: Building Self-Esteem through Imaging and
Self-Hypnosis. New York, NY: W.W.Norton & Co.
Rogers, C.R. (1959). “A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal
relationships as developed in the client-centered framework.” Reprinted in H.
Kirschenbaum and V. Henderson (Eds.) The Carl Rogers Reader (1989). Boston:
Houghton MIflin.
Tolle, E. (1999). The Power Of Now: A Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment.
Novato, CA: New World Library.
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