Self Psychotherapy

Self psychotherapy is not a modality of therapy treatment as far as I know. There has been vast amounts written about self relations in psychotherapy however in this instance – self psychotherapy refers to a do it yourself plan using Astrology.

In my view it is unreasonable to make generalisations about whether psychotherapy helps or not. There are many people who say they benefit from counselling and others who say they do not. There are some people who never consult the counsellor or enter into therapeutic contracts. The reasons can be numerous and specific to the individual.

The reasons for such a divide between pro therapy experiences and negative responses for therapy are enormous. It would be safe to say that each individual will have reasons for or against doing therapy and whether or not – the therapy has “worked for them”. Its obviously a subjective qualification by persons with or without degrees of pathological (neurotic) consideration. Lets face it we all get fucked up at some point in life.

Do we find ways to help ourselves?

An extreme case of self survival might involve the non conforming person who has paranoid perspectives about counsellors and the mental health system in general. The person may be inflexible and refuses to access help. The person may limit their social interaction and stay away from anything or anyone who reflects elements of their pathology. Perhaps the closest people to such non conforming persons (family and partners) will suffer the most with respects to controlling behaviour. In the end when family and partners find ways to get on with their lives outside of  controlling and pathological behaviours – the extreme non conformist person commits suicide rather than accessing psychiatric help.

At some point in the processes of gaining self awareness there may be an uncomfortable experience which reinforces a persons inwardly directed shame. Perhaps in the early cognitive approaches of mental health work or in the person’s social settings there is something suggesting to the person that he or she is flawed. No one really likes to reflect on their negative behaviours and thoughts especially when the indications suggest “room for improvement”. Perhaps at this early point in the process of accepting elements of self awareness depends on the current stressors in life?

I can remember about thirty years ago when it appeared to me that my relationship issues followed the same negative and repetitive patterns. At the time I was pretending not to experience any grief or anger by repressing my feelings. Unfortunately the old methods of handling things were not working for me anymore. I found it difficult to control my feelings back then – and whilst experiencing so many ‘alien’ like feelings – I was overwhelmed. This is when Psychologists refer to adjustment disorders and high stressor ratings in a client’s life. I needed help that is for sure!

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In my own family heritage there were misconstrued beliefs whereby attending a psychologists office also implicated mental health issues for the person. So you see I had to go against some quite embedded generational family beliefs before making an appointment with the good counsellor. It pays to be rebellious in some instances.

I did six sessions with a counsellor that a good friend referred me to.

Perhaps I expected too much or had little idea in the the way “counselling worked” because in the end I was even more confused. The counsellor said she had finished working with me. What the hell? I can remember there being a “Lilith” presence in our official relationship – perhaps I set things up to fail – was she supposed to rescue me? Was I evil? Counselling was not much good for me back then.

I certainly couldn’t go through life in the same ways I had been experiencing back then. I had to find a way to “do it myself” – my survival depended on this.

Do it yourself

The most important aspect in accepting some form of help is proving to oneself that the “help” feels good and its Ok!  Astrology seemed the most convenient method available to me in those days. I had already proved to myself the benefits in astrology information. My curiosity in the subject had peaked after having a reading with a local Astrologer.  I was primed to learn more about the subject and therefore learn about myself. My own self psychotherapy began. All I had to do was learn about Astrology.

There are eight planets and two luminaries in my natal chart – each of which reflect different elements of my psyche. The planets and luminaries are situated in particular zodiacal signs and then located in one of the astrological Houses. The personality descriptions of these planetary placements seemed accurate to me and thus inspired me to read astrology books for months on end. I had found a way to understand myself through learning about Astrology. I was open to a self awareness process and I was absorbing deeply symbolic meanings that Natal Astrology can offer.

Self Psychotherapy is about changing ones life through self awareness work and its not easy doing it alone. In the early stages of self help work – finding a modality that one can identify with takes some shopping around. At some point in time outside lessons or help will probably be required.

Later in my life I became open to the idea of training as a Therapist. I embraced further awareness work involving intensive cognitive – emotional and behavioural therapy work. Its not easy becoming a counsellor or to start the process of accepting “outside” help. Perhaps one needs to find a good reason to do so – to go to counselling – to find something “in it” for oneself otherwise counselling is not going to work.

kingsley

Saying “I do”

In the next few weeks the energy within the cosmos is apparently focusing on commitment issues. Commitment is not necessarily about relationship issues. As you know there are many aspects of life which require decision making and commitments. Venus and Mars for the month of June remain conjunct in Taurus.

Leading up to the first New Moon this month the planet Saturn “allows” Venus and Mars to make an important commitment for better or worse.

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Commitment to a Mental Hospital?

Venus and Mars in Taurus will form a trine aspect with Saturn on the twenty third of June. The sign of Taurus embodies a practical and grounding influence. Taurus represents the tactile and sensual area of life where developing routines and security thrive. Saturn is the planet of commitment and represents responsibility and maturity in the astrology chart.

This month – the potential is to make creative commitments that may actually stick. Perhaps my interpretation of the planets Venus Mars and Saturn might read “a working relationship” or  “in view of the alternatives – I will have to”.

The first New Moon in Cancer will make a striking opposition aspect to PLuto. Pluto brings a certain intensity and transformational grounds with making commitments this month.   

New Moon and Vesta opposite Pluto

Pluto opposite Moon and Sun is a very strong aspect indeed. Pluto may raise the stakes somewhat and is often felt as controlling element in ones environment. Pressure and control might not be such a bad thing when making a commitment this month. Perhaps a forced situation makes it somewhat easier to say “I do” or “I don’t”.

Pluto is symbolising a coercive element to the way new projects start this month. Expect emotional times which involves conforming to rules and limitations. If one does not feel in control this month – then who is in control? Going along with and accepting situations for what they are – seems to be more about ones practical considerations. The fates or the idea of Ananke and fate is how “necessity” can shape our destiny. In other words – out of some necessity this month our fate unfolds in new directions.

Pluto sounds a bit emotionally intense to me – to want so much power in the astrological equation. Perhaps a more practical outcome for this new moon simply involves buying a new washing machine – while the cost of repairing the item doesn’t make good financial sense.  Can you grasp the idea of a “forced situation” which involves some kind of value?

The astrological patterns show a “convergence to the dutiful” at the first new moon in Cancer. Of course there is another New Moon in the sign of Cancer in mid July. Two consecutive new moons in the same sign is not rare but quite unusual. I remember an astrologer calling this phenomena the “Blue Moon” – the once in a blue moon – New Moon. I am not sure of the validity of such a statement though.

The second New Moon in Cancer around the 22nd July is a Solar Eclipse. Lets not get too ahead of ourselves because right now its more important to identify and contemplate the nature of our practical yet dutiful commitments in life.

It’s ok to say no out of necessity too.

Kingsley