Soul-Full Journeys: What We Believe, Practice and Teach

by Carmen Dominguez

For over 35 years, I have devoted my career to the intersection of psychotherapy, education, and consultancy, nurturing transformational healing and societal well-being. My diverse background encompasses a broad array of therapeutic methodologies, including neuroscience, holistic medicine, yoga therapy, and expressive therapy. I am deeply committed to creating experiences that facilitate profound healing and transformation while upholding the importance of evidence-based treatment models. My work aims to enhance the understanding of these modalities, empowering individuals on their journeys of self-discovery and authentic alignment. With expertise in trauma, addiction, and social justice, I advocate for nurturing, relational therapeutic environments inspired by pivotal experiences early in my career, particularly the profound impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis.

In my role as an adjunct professor at Lesley University for over two decades, I have shared insights and knowledge through courses such as “Treating Addiction.” This essay draws inspiration from the transformative experience of teaching in that sacred classroom space, where we explored the concept of “self as instrument,” a foundational tenet of the Counseling Psychology Department. This idea exemplifies that therapy transcends mere profession; it is an intimate and soulful practice.

I recognize that readers may interpret the term “sacred” in various ways. For the purposes of this essay, “sacred” represents the intrinsic value within each person—an innate worth evident in a newborn and in our profound interconnectedness with nature. Honoring this sacred essence nurtures compassion and heartfelt awareness, not only in therapeutic work but in all human relationships. However, life’s adaptive protective patterns often obscure our connection to this sacred self, creating barriers to healing and wholeness. 

In this essay, the term “story,” developed in collaboration with Ian Iwanicki, a student in my class, encompasses a significant aspect of the sacred self, alongside one's intrinsic value. From our need for safety and connection, we develop adaptive protective patterns that internalize pathological and dehumanized views about our stories—those narratives that shape our identities and lived experiences. This disconnection can lead someone toward disengagement from their sacred self, other people’s sacred selves, and the sacredness of their environment (I. Iwanicki, personal communication, December 10, 2024).

In this essay, I delve into the essence of therapy, drawing on concepts from my manuscript titled “The Four Rs in Therapeutic Healing” (Dominguez, C., 2023), which is currently in preparation. This piece discusses key aspects of therapeutic practice through the framework of the Four Rs—Restoring Safety, Reclaiming Worth, Recovering Awareness, and Reconciling Belonging—offering guidance for the therapeutic process while illuminating what constitutes the soul of therapy.

Through this exploration, we illuminate how awakening the "sacred self" and nurturing the Collaborative Sacred Witness form the essence of therapeutic practice. Ian Iwanicki (as mentioned before) has been instrumental in emphasizing the essential nature of the sacred art of therapy. Together, we developed the idea of the Collaborative Sacred Witness, encapsulating the interpersonal neurobiological space that fosters healing through the sharing of one’s story (I. Iwanicki, personal communication, November 15, 2024). This concept aligns with the principles of interpersonal neurobiology, as articulated by Siegel (2010). We expand upon the Collaborative Sacred Witness in the section titled “The Four R’s of Healing” as a way to highlight the transformative power of relationships in therapeutic settings. We seek to understand how therapists and clients can create environments conducive to profound transformation, moving from wounds toward integration, safety, awareness, and belonging.

The Soul of Therapy: A Sacred Tradition

At its core, therapy is a soulful practice that transcends techniques and methodologies. It embodies a sacred tradition, rooted in connection, healing, and transformation. In an age dominated by quick fixes and ambiguous narratives surrounding self-identity, therapy stands as a profound reminder of the importance of presence and authenticity in human growth. This essay invites reflection on the sacred dimensions of therapy, asking poignant questions that have historically inspired practitioners: What is the essence of therapy? Why is it considered a sacred tradition? And how can these timeless truths guide us through the challenges of modern life?

Evolving Our Relationship with the Medical Model

Historically, therapy has been framed within a medical model that emphasizes diagnosis and treatment, providing a structured understanding of mental health. While this approach has enriched our comprehension of psychological conditions, there is a growing recognition of its limitations, particularly in addressing the complexities of the human experience. Pioneering figures like Carl Rogers, along with contemporary therapeutic practices, advocate for a more holistic perspective that transcends a purely “fixing” mindset.

This shift is exemplified by Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), which underscores the importance of authentic connection in the healing process. RCT posits that psychological wounds often stem from relational disconnection, asserting that healing occurs within supportive relationships. As Miller (1986) suggests, fostering genuine connections can transform traditional power dynamics, enhancing collaboration and creativity (Jordan, 2010).

Furthermore, the teachings of Ron Kurtz, founder of the Hakomi Method, stress the intrinsic wisdom present within each individual, accessible through mindfulness and bodily awareness (Kurtz, 1990). Somatic psychology further supports this notion, affirming the body's wisdom as an essential pathway to transformation. Contemporary modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) build on these insights, focusing on the observing self. Richard Schwartz's concept of "Self-Energy," characterized by qualities like compassion, curiosity, and courage, resonates deeply in this context. Schwartz (1995) asserts that when therapists embody self-acceptance and vulnerability, acting as sacred witnesses to themselves, they can facilitate clients' reconnection with their own sacred essence, promoting profound healing.

As we move away from the constraints of the medical model, we begin to recognize that the therapeutic relationship can become a sacred space, fostering a deeper exploration of one’s story. Within this context, the role of the Collaborative Sacred Witness emerges as a crucial element in allowing clients to confront and embrace the complexities of their narratives. By nurturing authentic connections, therapists can help clients engage with their lived experiences compassionately, revealing the transformative power that arises when personal stories are shared and understood.

Therapy as a Sacred Tradition

The sacredness of therapy lies in its ability to guide individuals back to an authentic experience of self. Practitioners serve as sacred witnesses, fostering safety, connection, and a sense of belonging. Through this attunement, clients can confront relational traumas that have steered them from their inherent worth. This transformative process requires therapists to honor both their own sacredness and that of their clients, creating an environment where change can unfold organically. Therapy, therefore, becomes not just a service, but a co-creative dance between souls—a journey that awakens intrinsic wisdom, worth, and belonging.

The Four Rs of Healing

The journey of healing can be understood through the framework of the Four Rs: Restoring Safety, Reclaiming Worth, Recovering Awareness, and Reconciling Belonging. This soulful journey emphasizes that therapy is not merely a collection of techniques but a transformative path leading to profound healing. Throughout the nonlinear process of the Four Rs, the Collaborative Sacred Witness continues to evolve simultaneously. 

Restoring Safety: Establishing a sense of safety is the foundational step in healing. This involves cultivating an intimate relationship with our bodies, as Dr. Stephen Porges emphasizes the importance of befriending our nervous systems (Porges, 2011). A therapist’s intimacy with their own sacred self serves as a catalyst in the Collaborative Sacred Witness which gradually promotes the awakening of a client’s sacred witness. 

Our breath has accompanied us since the beginning of time, holding within it a wisdom that has often been forgotten. By becoming aware of our breath, we can begin to value its profound insights and guidance. Engaging in practices such as breathwork and somatic therapy not only helps release trauma but also fosters deeper states of consciousness, facilitating a genuine connection to our authentic selves (Syndrome & Johnson, 2019; Brewster, 2013). Our breath serves as a steady anchor amidst the chaos. Establishing safety allows individuals to explore vulnerable emotions and experiences, leading to a richer understanding of their needs and desires.

Reclaiming Worth: The process of establishing safety is foundational; it lays the groundwork for the unfolding of the other Rs. The degree of safety in a therapist’s sacred witness communicates with a client that it is safe to engage as their own sacred witness. As clients begin to shift their focus inward, they recognize their inherent value and reclaim the meanings attached to their personal stories. This journey transcends simple cognitive shifts and evolves into a deeply soulful experience that nurtures self-esteem and mental health. By embracing their intrinsic worth, individuals liberate themselves from the constraints of external validation, coming to understand that their value exists simply because they are alive.

Recovering Awareness:  This vital aspect of the healing journey arises as the therapist’s sacred witness and the client’s sacred witness form the Collaborative Sacred Witness. This neurobiological energy state enables clients to recognize when they have abandoned their sacred selves in pursuit of social acceptance. As safety and intrinsic worth unfold, clients experience an awakening that restores their connection to their inherent value and sacredness.

During this transformative process, recovering awareness becomes essential for cultivating self-agency. Clients expand their perceptions, identifying protective patterns that obscure their sacred witness and no longer serve their well-being. This newfound awareness empowers them to make conscious choices that promote healing and authenticity. By fostering self-awareness, individuals can shift from living on autopilot—where choices are often influenced by external pressures—to a place of empowered agency.

Therapists, as sacred witnesses to the client’s story and their own, encourage clients to reconnect with their intrinsic wisdom. Through this process of recovering awareness, clients illuminate their paths to self-discovery, paving the way for a life of intention and authenticity.

When protective patterns rooted in fear bind and blind us, cultivating awareness allows a pivot from fear-based responses to the wisdom of our authentic selves. By igniting this awareness, clients can perceive greater truths, enabling them to embrace their genuine selves and navigate life with clarity and purpose.

Reconciling Belonging: As clients recover awareness and develop a stronger sense of self-agency, they begin to confront the deeper layers of their existence, including their connections to others. This brings us to the final step in our healing journey: Reconciling Our Sense of Belonging. Recognizing our intrinsic worth and living with intention leads to an exploration of our interconnectedness with all living beings. 

We belong.

This reconciliation is not just about acknowledging our place in the world; it also involves building a sense of community that reinforces the therapeutic mission of fostering relationships. In this context, we can nurture authenticity and encourage the full expression of the self. As individuals recognize their interconnectedness, they create a supportive network that enhances their healing process, allowing them to thrive within the rich tapestry of human experience.

As facilitators of healing, a therapist’s awareness of self-context within a system can either elevate or inhibit the transformational energy of the Collaborative Sacred Witness. It is crucial for therapists to navigate these dynamics wisely, recognizing that systemic definitions can also serve as barriers to accessing one’s inherent wisdom and worth. Stigmas, stereotypes, and political contexts can further complicate this landscape.

While the Collaborative Sacred Witness promotes equanimity on a smaller scale in therapy, the broader equity issues in our society still drive the relational dynamics of trauma that lead individuals to seek external validation or to experience dehumanization.

Core Truths in the Evolution of Therapy

Holistic Healing: Trauma impacts the whole person. True healing recognizes the importance of addressing the entire individual—body, mind, and spirit. The Four Rs offer a holistic framework that embraces the interconnectedness of human experience, guiding clients through the complex, non-linear journey of growth and illuminating how their experiences are interwoven. Holistic healing underscores that individuals cannot be isolated from their contexts, emphasizing the significance of mind-body practices, including breathwork and somatic techniques, in this process. By integrating these modalities, therapists empower clients to navigate the intricacies of their inner worlds, enabling them to find safety and connection within their psychological landscapes.

Relational Dynamics: The therapeutic relationship mirrors larger societal dynamics, creating a microcosm for exploring power imbalances and affirming each person’s intrinsic worth. Within the therapeutic space, therapists challenge prevailing narratives that may isolate individuals from their true selves, thereby establishing a safe haven for exploration and healing. This relational dynamic invites client to engage authentically and view their experiences through a lens of shared humanity. As individuals relate to their therapists and, by extension, to each other, they can begin to dismantle the defensive walls that protect them but also keep them isolated from connection and understanding. By fostering safety, connection, and relational attunement, therapists contribute significantly to the client's journey toward self-acceptance and belonging.

Transformational Insights: Therapy is not merely about symptom relief; it is a profound process of awakening. As clients engage with the therapeutic journey, they unlock their inner wisdom, embrace their wounds as sources of strength, and reconnect with their greater potential. The Four Rs facilitate this transformation by providing a roadmap that enables clients to explore their identities within a supportive environment. Through this process, they learn to recognize and honor their sacred selves, unlocking their capacity for resilience and personal agency. Researchers have observed that this transformation is significantly bolstered by the therapist's ability to cultivate an authentic energy state characterized by attunement, empathy, and curiosity (Dana, 2018). The healing dance between client and therapist reinforces the value of connection, emphasizing that change occurs in the relational space that is co-created.

Conclusion

The soul of therapy lies in its sacred tradition—a practice that nurtures connection, transformation, and belonging. By honoring the Four Rs, we illuminate pathways to healing that awaken the sacred self, fostering profound growth in both therapist and client. This pathway can be viewed as the Collaborative Sacred Witness, connecting a person’s deep authentic energy with promoting self-awareness in another. The concept of the Collaborative Sacred Witness further solidifies the idea of “self as instrument.”

In a world often disconnected from its deeper truths, therapy serves as a reminder that healing begins when we honor the sacredness within and between us. Together, we can co-create spaces where wounds are transformed into wisdom, allowing the soul to awaken and thrive.

As Plato poignantly expresses, “Every heart has a song to sing, incomplete until another heart hears its whisper.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of therapy—our innate need for connection, understanding, and the soulful exchanges that facilitate profound healing.

References

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