Improve your well-being through sophrology !
Sophrology, an approach that helps you return to a path of serenity
Sophrology is a mind-body therapeutic method that incorporates a number of different techniques to impact both body and mind, much like a sweet melody can soothe inner turmoil. A complement to traditional allopathic medicine, sophrology is particularly useful for better managing emotions and stress.
This approach, a true alliance of Eastern traditions and Western practices, brings together the scientific discoveries of neurology, hypnosis, and psychology. Along with ancestral wisdom found in Eastern philosophies or breathwork, meditation and “zenitude” come together in a harmonious dance.
Sophrology was developed by Dr Alfonso Caycedo, a neuropsychiatrist. He wanted to create a unique method that incorporated a set of exercises that were precisely standardized but that were capable of resonating with everyone. Much like wavelets along the seashore, these exercises of dynamic relaxation – gentle movements aligned with the breath – bring with them peace and clarity. The “sophro-meditations” are another tool used in sophrology – interior voyages to explore the landscapes of one’s consciousness, guided by the soft voice of the sophrologist.
Within the sophrology framework, mindfulness brings another dimension to the other tools of dynamic relaxation, positive visualization and breathwork. In this state of mindfulness, movement becomes lighter and emotions more fluid. The noise of the outside world diminishes, leaving room for inner wisdom to emerge. It is in this state that peace can be found, one breath at a time, one thought at a time, and liberates both body and mind from the world’s tumult.
What is a sophrologist ?
A sophrologist is a mental health professional who is specialized in relaxation techniques and the management of stress *.
(*Chambre Syndicale de Sophrologie)
Much like a guide, the sophrologist works with their client to establish or to reinforce a subtle harmony between the client’s emotions, thoughts, and body, to enable the client to live a life of serenity. These are the objectives of sophrology, a practice and a therapy which I am passionate about. This practice of personal development improves one’s relationship with oneself, bringing with it the keys to internal independence of spirit, which it is my goal to share with you.
Allying my university diploma in psychology and my work in the area of psychosomatic troubles (physical symptoms or ailments often linked to underlying psychological issues), I take a whole-person approach which includes the body, the emotions, the thoughts, and the behaviors of my clients. Much like a gardener cultivates his garden, my objective is to help you cultivate your own inner garden where you can develop yourself fully.
Sophrology allows you to explore the hidden treasures within you and to develop your own gifts: calm, body consciousness, self-confidence, love of self, balance between the mental and the physical… Above all, sophrology is a path that allows you to rediscover your well-being, where stress and anxiety disappear like the dew before the sunshine. And where your whole potential can be revealed.
It allows you to listen to your body as you would listen to the babbling of the brook in the quiet of the forest.
My primary goal is to contribute to the greater personal (and/or professional) development of my clients, through the methods and practices of sophrology. I propose that we work together on the issue most problematic for you, to break down the barriers on your path and to remove the obstacles holding you back.
As a sophrologist, I am profoundly inspired by humanity and ready to serve others. I’d like to help you release energy, focus on your strengths and regulate your emotions. You will be able to enjoy a better quality of life much as you savor a ripe piece of fruit while sitting in the sunshine – no matter what area of your life needs improvement.
Who can benefit from sophrology?
Anyone who is suffering from an excess of stress can find in sophrology a tool to regain their inner peace and increase their resilience. The benefits of sophrology can lead to a significant improvement in their quality of life, just like a soft spring shower can gently feed a thirsty garden.
Among the areas where sophrology can help:
- Dealing with a major life change (burnout, workplace, unemployment, moving, marriage, separation, divorce, health challenges, grief, loneliness, etc)
- Managing a stressful situation (exams, job interviews, job loss, retirement, public speaking, contests, competitions, etc)
- Students who need to improve their concentration and memorization
- Relieving and eliminating pain (stomachache, backache, contractions in labor, nausea linked to stress, migraines, etc)
- Improving sleep quality by fighting against insomnia and nightmares
- Pregnant women can enjoy the final months of their pregnancies by being more serene in the face of labor and delivery
- Accompanying a person living with cancer or other illnesses (if needed, during chemotherapy, and/or before and after surgery)
- Ending certain addictions, such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Babies, children, adolescents, adults, even senior citizens – all can benefit from these techniques which combine breathwork, relaxation and visualization. Sophrology awakens the client’s profound well-being which will continue to flourish gently, underlying daily life with serenity.
How does a sophrology session work?
Emotional harmony is developed during the course of several sessions, during which the client’s commitment and will play a major role. Here is what you will experience during our sessions together, where every moment will lead to improved, lasting well-being. These sessions can be either individual or group sessions.
Before starting the relaxation exercises, we will first spend some time getting to know each other. We will discuss why you have come, what problem or issue you are facing, what you would like to see change in you and in your life. This is your opportunity to explore your expectations and have your questions answered.
Once you are comfortably installed (you may choose to either sit in a chair or to lie down) with your eyes closed (if possible), we will begin with some breathwork. This is an efficient way to re-connect you with your body and to begin to gently relax. I will guide you throughout this exercise.
Next we will do a series of dynamic relaxation exercises, using body stimulation techniques allied with the breath. This is followed by a guided visualization, focusing on positive images. You will find yourself in a state of consciousness between sleeping and waking.
The final stage of the session is a wrap-up conversation – an opportunity for you to express what you might have felt or experienced during the session, during which time I will take notes. If it is a group session, each person will have the opportunity to express themselves (if they wish).
I welcome clients in my dedicated space near Annecy, in France, or near Geneva, in Switzerland – a tranquil environment, full of positive energy. However, I am also happy to work with clients online, and clients experience the same benefits whether in person or online.
As a general rule, each session takes about an hour. The number of sessions needed depends on your objective, in order to ensure that the change you are seeking is beneficial and long-lasting. Sessions are spread out over a period of weeks and possibly even several months. This allows changes and shifts to be integrated progressively and harmoniously, so that you see and experience the changes in your daily life.
PLEASE NOTE : IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT SOPHROLOGY IS AN APPROACH THAT IS COMPLEMENTARY TO TRADITIONAL ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE. IT IN NO WAY SUBSTITUTES FOR OR REPLACES CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT OFFERED BY YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER OR SPECIALIST.
My guided meditations
Testimonials
Before I met Nur, I lacked self-confidence and didn’t know how to deal with stress during my exams. She helped me work on myself, giving me exercises and small tasks to complete. As time went by, I could feel the progress, and I owe it all to her!
I was going through a period where everything was piling up and I couldn’t cope on my own. I came to you on a recommendation, and from the very first session I left with a smile on my face. Every session after that has brought me immense well-being!
As soon as you make contact with Nur, the process of relaxation and stress reduction begins. She creates such a comfortable, soothing environment, she listens so attentively, and she asks the right questions, that even problems thought to be immense and unsolvable are magically reduced.
