Understanding Doubt in Healing Processes

Let's talk about doubt. If you harbor doubt when approaching a program like this, or engaging with a MAP practitioner, therapist, or physical therapist, it's understandable. Especially if you’ve faced disappointments or feel like you've tried every available option, doubt naturally seeps in. It’s worthwhile to feel the energy of doubt for a moment and notice how it feels and looks. While doubt may seem like it’s attempting to protect us by implementing a "wait and see" approach, it actually establishes an energetic barrier, preventing you from fully benefiting from a session.

Client Experiences and The Impact of Doubt

I have encountered clients over the years who have approached our sessions with doubt. One particular client constantly wondered, “What if these negative feelings come back?” Initially, I was puzzled, but as humans, experiencing negative feelings again- another layer of an old situation or a new situation in life upsetting us; we just release them again when they do. This client utilized doubt as a shield to insulate and safeguard herself, underlying the doubt was actually fear to genuinely feel her emotions.

Childhood Experiences and Emotional Management

Some individuals might have experienced physical or emotional abandonment during childhood, without the necessary support or means to handle their emotions. A multitude of emotions and a lack of someone to offer comfort, hold us, or calm our nervous system can be incredibly challenging. Currently, we discuss regulating the nervous system by encouraging your child or any adult to simply breathe with you and stay close to your chest. However, when that support is missing during childhood, the inability to pacify the nervous system can foster further anxiety, which in turn, can also generate doubt.

Identifying and Releasing Doubt

Doubt is indeed a thief. Thus, let’s identify doubt, call it out, and create a space to clear it and let it go. While some doubts may be easier to release than others, many place a substantial energetic barrier between you and your desired outcomes. So, let's explore that together for a moment. Within the context of this chronic pain program, explore any doubts about my expertise or whether this program may unveil a new perspective or solution for you. Is there doubt about your future physical capability or living the life you desire? Address these doubts, breathe into them, and genuinely feel them.

Case Study: Moving Beyond Mental Barriers

A paraplegic client I once worked with feared the possibility of moving into a nursing home as his parents aged. His experiences visiting his grandmother in a nursing home, filled with unfavorable conditions and sickly individuals, fostered a strong aversion towards such facilities and a mental block that hindered his mental outlook on life. However, when we explored these feelings more deeply, he began to feel hopeful about his potential and what was possible for him. It’s crucial that we delve deeper instead of skimming the surface, inviting those fears and doubts to the forefront, addressing them directly, and examining the fears and concerns they conceal.

Working Through Disappointment and Acknowledging Progress

Many people in a chronic pain program have likely tried numerous approaches. When nothing seems to work, it's tempting to think, “I don't want to get my hopes up because I don't want to be disappointed.” Then you investigate that sentiment. Can you endure one more disappointment? How does it feel to be disappointed? Does it trigger visceral, even life-threatening emotions rooted in childhood experiences? Addressing doubt, clearing the space, and opening the possibility is imperative before starting any program.

Creating a Positive Mindset

If the door of your mind is closed, adopting an "I doubt it, it probably won’t happen, nothing will work" mentality shuts out positivity and potential success. However, maintaining an open mindset and believing in the possibility of success, or at least being willing to give it a try, invites positivity in. Make friends with doubt, and transform it. Feel the differences between fear, worry, and doubt, each of which carries a distinct energy. As we navigate life, fear, worry, and concern will naturally arise as part of growth and learning. We need to adopt a growthful mindset, seek resources, ask for more support when needed, and tackle problems with various approaches to effectively address and clear doubt. Remember, persistence and effort are vital in challenging the mind. Celebrate your successes along the way, acknowledge progress, and adopt as positive a mindset as possible. Looking forward to hearing how you navigate through doubt and open your mind.

Wishing you a good day.