Primal Therapy works on the understanding that the brain has three distinctly different levels of functioning. They are as follows:
THIRD LEVEL
The thinking mind. Also known as the cognitive mind, is situated within the prefrontal cortex, and its communication method is language (e.g. English, French, Mandarin, Arabic)
SECOND LEVEL
The feeling mind. Situated within the limbic system of the brain, its communication method is through the feelings it produces. The concept that the feelings have an intelligence of their own is something that has only become known in the last twenty years. Emotional Intelligence, written by Daniel Goleman in 1995, was one of the first books to suggest humans had an EQ as well as an IQ.
FIRST LEVEL
The sensing mind. Situated within the brainstem its language of communication is sensation. Primal theory suggests that brainstem sensations have a very extensive and powerful intelligence of their own.
Understanding these three levels and how they operate within a three-tiered hierarchy is the key to knowing where mental disorders originate, and how Primal Therapy holds the promise of a cure.
The current psych industry only discusses the two top levels, which are thinking and feeling. They believe that the thinking level is the strongest and most influential level of brain functioning. This view has given rise to a multitude of interventions that are cognitive in nature. Examples are cognitive behavioural therapies, reframing, EMDR and mindfulness.
Primal theory says that this is a ‘top down’ approach, and works against the natural flow of the brains energy circuits. For example treating anxiety or depression with positive thinking is the top down approach of trying to change feelings with thinking.
Primal Theory states that there are three levels of functioning, and that the root cause of most mental disorders, irrational belief systems and even physical disease have their origins in imprinted Primal Pain at the level of brainstem sensations. Furthermore this level is the strongest and most influential within the hierarchy of the brain. It is the level at which anxiety and depression have their powerful origins.
Primal therapy is a process that aims to take a person deep into the brainstem sensations and heal the traumatic imprints at this level. When this level is dealt with during therapy, the traumatic feelings/emotions on the second level and the negative thinking on the third level will automatically correct.
This is the ‘bottom up’ approach that works with the natural flow of energy within the brain. That is – sensations give rise to feelings and feelings drive our thoughts.
Science does not yet understand this process because learning to become a scientist involves the level of thinking only. Sensations have an intelligence of their own, and this intelligence can only be gained by experiencing them directly.
I have written several books on the concepts that Primal Theory and Therapy embrace. (see book page).
Primal Therapy
The therapy starts with a three week intensive, consisting of fifteen open ended sessions. In order to allow feelings to arise, the patient is required to maintain a level of isolation from outside influences. In addition they are also required to stop neurotic behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol, overeating and watching television. The initial three weeks is designed to help the patient out of his thinking mind and into his feelings. That may sound simple but it is a difficult process for many.
This process of directing a patient to his/her feelings and ultimately to their imprinted pain is what sets primal therapy apart from all other approaches.
After the three week intensive, follow up therapy is necessary, usually at least one session a week. For those not able to attend in person after the first fifteen sessions, skype and phone sessions are available.
For some, therapy may need to continue for several years, depending on how large the pool of primal pain is, and how much each individual wants to reduce it. The need for ongoing therapy will wax and wane as time goes by. There will come a time when you will be able to recognize your own need to feel.
Primal therapy does not target specific disorders, such as depression, anger or anxiety. These so called disorders, and many others, could be thought of as simply symptoms of a much deeper issue; childhood trauma or put another way ‘unmet need’. Primal theory states that not having needs met early in life causes primal pain and it is primal pain that causes most mental disorders. Primal therapy releases this pain in small doses, and as it does, symptoms will reduce or disappear.