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House Rules

by Barbara Bryan

No food and drink (except water) in the primal room.

Remove jewelry, coins, glasses, pens, etc. and put in a safe place.

Everything that is revealed in the group is strictly confidential.

Respect other clients' vulnerability and treat them with loving support and consideration, not with judgment, analyzing, or advice.

Be responsible for yourself, don't hide, ask for what you need.

All expressions of feelings are welcome as long as you do not injure yourself or someone else and don't destroy property.

If you want to leave, be sure to first see the person in charge.

The most important rule is: "STOP, I MEAN IT!" This is said when a client ( or a facilitator) feels too frightened or maybe afraid of being physically hurt. It is absolutely respected and honored by all participants. Whatever is happening is immediately stopped.


How to Access and Deepen Feelings (on your own or as a client)

Lie down. Loosen all tight clothing and let your body relax. Become aware of your breathing.

Start with whatever you are feeling. Let the feelings flow freely. Do not stop to intellectualize (figure out what is happening). Verbalizing the feelings as they happen (not explaining) can often help intensify them.

Deep breathing will always intensify whatever you are feeling. Breathe slowly and easily from chest to belly. At the bottom of the exhale, hold for a moment and try to let whatever you are holding deep inside come forth.

If the feelings are not expressable in words, make sounds as you exhale. Let them become louder and more intense.

Take your time and let it flow. Nothing is expected of you. Primals are not something you can make happen. They are something you can only let happen.

Let your body do what it needs to do. Feel free to thrash about, cry, kick, scream, tremble, etc.

Be aware of, and pay attention to, any fleeting images or memories that come up. They are often leads into the deeper issues.

Feelings tend to bring themselves to a natural conclusion. By following your body's instincts, you will generally reach a point of closure with the feelings you are working with in a session. Your body is wise and will tell you when you have had enough.


At the end of each session, it is very important to integrate those feelings which you have explored. Only you can find the true meanings of your experiences. It is important to be aware of the following:

a. What feelings did you explore?

b. What does it mean to you in your present life? How are the past and the present connected?

c. What is your next step? (both primally and in your present life inside and outside the group).

It is really useful to keep a journal of your feeling experiences, connections and insights.

 

    Other Articles by Barbara Bryan
House Rules
Guidelines For Buddying
Guidelines For Peer Primal Groups
Types of Primals

Articles - Subject Index
Articles - Author Index
Primal Psychotherapy Articles - Title Index

 

 

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