How Can I Help?

As a clinical counsellor with extensive training in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Energy Psychology
& Integrative Psychology, I work with all ages and can help you:

√ Deal with difficult & painful events                   √ Effectively cope with stress
√ Heal the past & live in the present √ Figure out solutions to problems
√ Handle crises & unexpected changes √ Examine parts of your being to achieve optimal functioning & live wholly
√ Cope with loss & grief √ Deal with children and teen issues
√ Overcome anxiety & depression                       √ Explore meaning of life questions
√ Regulate unpleasant emotions √ Examine spiritual concerns
√ Enhance your self-confidence                       √ Overcome cross-cultural difficulties & marginalization
√ Effectively manage family problems           √ Practice mindfulness & meditation
√ Improve your relationships                                      √ Lead a more fulfilling & healthier life
√ Communicate more effectively √ Achieve personal & professional growth

Whether you seek out counselling for help with marital problems, everyday life stresses, anxiety, depression, personal issues, or simply to better understand yourself as a unique individual, counselling can help you to better cope with life’s demands. In essence, the ultimate purpose of therapy is to help individuals achieve their own definition of success and to lead healthy, balanced, and satisfying lives.

Individuals sometimes get stuck in patterns of painful experiences or repetitive behaviours and thinking that can keep them from moving forward. In collaboration with each other in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental and private space, we can explore your concerns to help you attain better understanding, process your emotions, gain insight, come up with solutions and co-create a positive transformation. Greater awareness of what is going on, acceptance and resolution often leads to growth and better emotional and mental health, which in turn can create a positive influence on other parts of our life and being, including our
physical health.

I am well-versed in many scientifically supported approaches, such as solution-oriented, emotion-focused, CBT, narrative therapy, strategic therapy, systems therapy, as well as expressive therapy (art, music, writing, drama, play) and other creative therapeutic techniques.

I offer an initial 15 minute phone consultation to answer questions and help you define what you are looking for. Counselling in English and Tagalog is available.

On your first visit, you'll fill out an information questionnaire. Your answers will help me to know more about your emotional, mental and physical health as well as the nature of your problem. We will set goals together.

As our collaborative work progresses, we will have a conversation to review progress and your desired outcome. Your honesty and feedback are important in this process.

Scientific research has proven over and over that counselling and psychotherapy works. Specific treatments may work better than others, but there are different types of treatments that a person can choose from with the help of the counsellor.

Fees

In the initial session, clients can briefly discuss their concerns and their hopes for change. It is also an opportunity for clients to “check out” Martina and to enquire about the counselling process in general. After this session, clients can then make an informed decision about engaging in therapy.

Fees for services provided are based upon the Fee schedule recommended by the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors.
Fee (per 55 minute session): $159 (no tax) - Individual session
$179 (no tax) - Couple's session $159 (no tax) - Clinical supervision
$199 (no tax) - Family session

There is no fee for writing one to two letters at a time. Fee for writing reports and assessments is based on the hourly rate of
$250 (no tax).

Many Employee and Family Assistance Programs or Extended Medical Plans cover the services provided by a
Registered Clinical Counsellor.

Fee (per 55 minute clinical supervision, case consultation or cross-cultural consultation): $169 (no tax)

Accepted Payment Methods:

In-person sessions: Cash, e-transfer, debit or credit card
Zoom or phone sessions: e-transfer to eesfinx@yahoo.ca OR Paypal at paypal.me/beaconlight
An official receipt is issued for every session.

Sessions are 55 minutes in length, including setting another appointment as needed. The number of sessions required differs depending on individual needs.

Information on Affordability:
Most working folks have extended health benefits through their company. Contact your employer or your human resources department to find out what your benefit package will cover.

In the initial session, clients can briefly discuss their concerns and their hopes for change. It is also an opportunity for clients to “check out” Martina and to enquire about the counselling process in general. After this session, clients can then make an informed decision about engaging in therapy.

Optional Value Packs:

3 prepaid Individual sessions: $453 (no tax)               3 prepaid Couple's sessions: $513 (no tax)
- savings of $24 or $8 per session                                    - savings of $24 or $8 per session

6 prepaid Individual sessions: $894 (no tax)               6 prepaid Couple's sessions: $1014 (no tax)
- savings of $60 or $10 per session - savings of $60 or $10 per session

3 prepaid Family sessions: $573 (no tax) 3 prepaid Supervision sessions: $453 (no tax)
- savings of $24 or $8 per session - savings of $24 or $8 per session

6 prepaid Family sessions: $1134 (no tax) 6 prepaid Supervision sessions: $894 (no tax)
- savings of $60 or $10 per session                               - savings of $60 or $10 per session

Wholeness Psychology

Our working philosophy comes from the Wholeness Psychology theory
(de los Santos, 2011; Johnston, 2014) that we are born as a whole being and that there is nothing broken in us until we start believing that physical challenges, psychological difficulties, moral challenges, relationship problems, social difficulties, academic problems, deviant behaviours, labels, lack of meaning in life and perceived physical flaws are who we truly are.

Wholeness Psychology sees us individuals as whole beings who are experiencing, learning, experimenting, struggling and working on our problems, issues and concerns which do not define who we really are.

Wholeness Psychology approaches the human being as a multidimensional being looking at all aspects of being: emotional, mental, behavioural, physical, cultural, spiritual... and encourages co-creation between individuals, such as between the counsellor and clients to re-claim personal power, harmonize fragmented aspects of being, re-wire consciousness and learn new things in order to become happier, healthier, move forward in life and remember who they really are.

CONTACT FORM

Take the first step towards rebuilding your life right now!

Name*

Email*

Phone

Message

Individual Counselling

Stress Management
Abuse & Trauma
Anxiety & Depression
Grief & Loss
Life Transitions
Meaning of Life
Psychospiritual Counselling
Mindfulness and Meditation for Adults & Children
Children & Teen Counselling
ADHD Management
Therapy for Sexually-acting out Children
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
Cross-cultural Difficulties

(CBT, Solution-oriented therapy, Emotion-focused, Strategic therapy, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Psychodynamic, Integrative therapy, Expressive therapy: art, play, music, writing, drama, Hypnosis with Narrative therapy, EMDR, Harmonization therapy, Consciousness re-wiring, Reiki stress reduction, Sound & Color therapy)

Relationship Coaching
Couples Therapy

Relationship Exploration
Effective Communication & Boundaries
Intimacy
Relationship Rebuilding
Separation or Divorce Planning

Whether you are searching for a committed relationship or are already in a relationship, relationship coaching can help you explore your innermost self, your strengths and areas of enhancement in relation to the outside world in order to attract the best long-term relationship that you deserve or to strengthen your existing relationship for good.

Family Therapy & Mediation

Family of Origin Issues
Family Conflict
Personal Boundaries
Blended Family Issues

Whether your family consists of two individuals or a large group, miscommunication and conflict arise due to different viewpoints and personalities, as well as a multitude of factors that influence family systems, patterns and interactions, Family counselling views family problems as patterns or systems that need adjusting, as opposed to viewing them as residing in one family member. Family counselling can provide a neutral space for each family member to be heard and validated. Psychoeducation, counselling and mediation are important components of family work.
(Systems therapy, Strategic therapy, Emotion-focused, Narrative therapy, Action-based family therapy)

Clinical Supervision
Case Consultation
Cross-cultural Consultation

In order to provide competent and ethical professional services, professional associations require completion of a number of supervised hours of clinical practice. For students and unlicensed practitioners, supervision is a requirement towards licensure or certification. Supervision can also provide support, help assess client risks, increase professional awareness, empower and
contribute to positive outcome.

Difficult cases may on occasion require outside consultation to overcome specific obstacles. Recommendations based on current scientific research and knowledge can sometimes be just what is needed to achieve a breakthrough in a case. A consultation can inform and create interventions to help an individual progress towards goals.

Our world consists of multicultural communities and changing political systems, so it is crucial for clinicians to have an understanding of cross-cultural differences in order to make a more accurate assessment and treatment plan, as well as avoid potential misdiagnosis.

L o c a t i o n s

Vancouver

Remote Sessions:

Over-the-phone and Zoom sessions are also available.
For telephone sessions, a headset that can be comfortably worn while reclining is recommended; otherwise, the phone speaker can be used.
For PC-to-PC sessions, I recommend using Zoom for best sound quality. It is best to have a webcam, but not required. Talk to you soon!

Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The Counsellor

Martina C. de los Santos, M.S., M.A., PhD. Candidate, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor | Integrative & Transformational Psychotherapist
Psychologist Candidate | Certified EMDR Therapist | Certified Hypnotherapist
Psychospiritual Counsellor | Expressive Arts Therapist | Sound & Color Therapist
Reiki Master Practitioner | Co-founder of Wholeness Psychology

My passion is empowering and educating individuals on how to tap into their own resources to heal,
de-stress, feel better and energize through merging scientifically proven approaches with creative techniques in order to facilitate individual and group wholeness. I offer effective strategies and programs to bring whole-being integration and balance so you may live your life to the fullest. I love working with both men and women, as well as with children and teens. I do provide clinical supervision, case consultation & cross-cultural consultation.

Education:
PhD Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate
Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California

Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology
Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California

Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology
City University, Seattle, Washington

Bachelors Degree in Psychology & Religious Studies
University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Ontario

Provincial Instructor Diploma Program
Vancouver Community College, Vancouver, British Columbia

Business Management Certificate & Professional Studies
Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario

Associate Degree in Administration
Southeastern University, Metro Manila

Licensure & Certification:
Registered Clinical Counsellor #1939
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

Certified Hypnotherapist
Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Certified EMDR Therapist, Level 1 & 2
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Institute

Reiki Master Practitioner, Level 1, 2 & 3
Canadian Reiki Association

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Become empowered, happier, healthier and balanced

“I saw Martina for depression and anxiety, and I was suicidal. A few sessions with her helped me understand what was going on with me, and I also learned to manage my symptoms and hopelessness overtime. I think that what’s most important is that I slowly regained clarity in knowing what to do and how to be proactive in handling suicidal thoughts. Martina has been really helpful, and I’m glad that I came to see her. I recommend her highly. Thanks again for your help, Martina.
You really got me on the road to learning.”

Ilona

53 year-old single woman

When I first went to see Martina,
I was feeling really down and not looking forward to waking up in the morning. My wife was not talking to me and took the kids with her. I didn’t have a clue what to do and couldn’t talk to anyone about what was happening. I had problems with my work because
I couldn’t concentrate. With Martina’s help, I was able to accept my feelings and reactions. She helped me see how relationships and interactions can be complex and how my own stuff in my own family can affect how I interact with my wife and kids–also for
my wife. Plenty of “light bulb moments” for me! Martina provided me with tools on how to be more compassionate and forgiving to myself and my family, how to deal with what she calls “unpleasant emotions” and how to go forward. She is skilled, warm and very knowledgeable on how to guide me through my difficult experience. I highly recommend her to anybody who is ready for some self-exploration and improving their relationships.
I regained my sanity during a very difficult time. Thanks!"

Peter

~ 29 year-old father of four

"Vancouver people – if you are looking for a counsellor – try Martina! 1. she is amazing, 2. cool! makes you smile… 3. I didn’t know that I can have fun hanging out with a counsellor. Martina, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I always knew, you were cool from the start!"

~ 16 year old teen

Resources

Trauma

Nearly all of us have experienced some form of trauma – a perceived or real threat to self or others combined with terror or helplessness. It's normal to wish to overcome the effects of trauma – anxiety, depression, hopelessness, isolation, and so on. Here are some resources on Trauma:

AnxietyBC: www.anxietycanada.com or get the app, Mindshift CBT from this website

BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information: www.heretohelp.bc.ca for info sheets and personal stories about illness. You’ll also find more information, tips and self-tests.

VictimLink: If your trauma is a result of crimes like domestic violence, assault, rape or burglary, call 1-800-563-0808 (toll-free in BC and Yukon) 24 hours a day. Learn more at www.victimlinkbc.ca.

What often helps with trauma are connecting with nature, walking your dog and mindfulness practice. You may also engage in any creative activity, such as colouring, drawing, doing crafts, singing or dancing.

A scientifically supported effective trauma treatment is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) - back-and-forth eye-movements or bilateral taps or clicks can unstick stuck neural networks and found to be more effective than Prozac in PTSD patients (Van Der Kolk, 2016). EMDR should only be done by a Certified EMDR Therapist to ensure efficacy and safety. See www.emdr.com.

General Mental Health

Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Canadian Women's Health Network: www.cwhn.ca
Youth Mental Health: www.teenmentalhealth.org

Website and blogs moderated by Registered Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Leonard Homes: www.mentalhealth.about.com

Universal quest for meaning & purpose: www.meaning.ca

Stress Management
Information, links and resources to help manage your stress

Help Guide: www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
Kids Stress Management: https://stressfreekids.com
Caring for the Ill or the Injured: https://www.caregiverstress.com

Abuse
BC Resources for women experiencing and impacted by abuse

Battered Women's Support Services: www.bwss.org
Emergency Shelters & Transition Houses: www.shelternet.ca
Women Against Violence Against Women: www.wavaw.ca

Addictions
Information, resources and tips for individuals impacted by addictions

Alcohol & Drug Education Service: www.ades.bc.ca
Online Recovery resources: www.soberrecovery.com

Couples and Relationships

Website focused on enhancing intimate relationships: www.sex-and-relationships.com

Loss and Grief
BC resources for individuals and families struggling with death, loss, separation, divorce

www.bcbereavementhelpline.com
www.griefworksbc.com

Mood Disorders

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: www.dbsalliance.org

Physical Health and Wellness

Health Link: www.healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/useful-websites/nutrition

Medline Plus: provies information and education on benefits of physical fitness and overall health
https://medlineplus.gov/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html

Nutrition Source: provides evidence-based diet & nutrition information for individuals, clinicians and health professionals: www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource

Taylor d'Bodies: provides health, nutrition, fitness, lifestyle education and training
www.taylordbodies.com

Sexual Health for Adults and Youth

Website administed by the Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada provides credible, up-to-date information and education on sexual health: www.sexualityandu.ca

Teen website administered by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA): www.planetahead.ca

Teen Sexual Health: www.yesmeansyes.com

Counselling and Government Organizations:

BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: www.bc-counsellors.org
BC Ministry for Children & Families: www.gov.bc.ca/mcf
Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP): http://www.victimsinfo.ca/en/services/financial-assistance/cvap-program

Free Legal advice and Services
www.probononet.bc.ca

Book a Session

How to book your session: Please call (604) 704-0172 or email beaconlightcan@yahoo.com. Please do not forget to indicate what format (in-person, phone, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Teams or Zoom) you would like for your session.

What happens next: Once you complete your booking, you will receive a notification confirming your appointment time. If your choice is to have a Skype session, an email asking for your Skype name will be sent to you prior to your session. If you prefer a telephone session, an email asking for your phone number will be sent to you.

In person payment method: Cash or credit card
Phone or virtual sessions: Bank e-transfer payment to beaconlightcan@yahoo.com or Paypal at paypal.me/beaconlight prior to a scheduled session.
An official receipt is issued for every session.

Cancellation: Please note that cancellation in less than 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment is subject to a full session charge. To cancel your scheduled session, please
do not email, but text, call or leave a message at (604) 704-0172. A canceled phone or Skype session can be re-scheduled up to three times and is non-refundable.

If you have questions, please send an email to beaconlightcan@yahoo.com.
Warm regards!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What types of issues can I come to counselling with?

All kinds of things! You may have a pressing problem or you may want some support with self-improvement. For example, counsellors see clients to talk about:

• Stress management
• Mood problems
• Hopelessness and helplessness
• Abuse or trauma
• Grief or loss
• Relationships
• Communication skills
• Adjustment to a recent change
• Behavioural challenges
• Social difficulties
• Academic concerns
• Career Decision
• Health and wellness
• Domestic violence
• Sexuality
• Lack of meaning in life
• And many other issues

2. How many sessions will I need?

The answer depends on the issue and whether the treatment is for an adult, child, couple or family. We will discuss counselling goals that you have and ways to make treatment as efficient and effective as possible. Our preferred duration of counselling is short-term (vs. the traditional years of therapy)—the earlier you heal, move forward and regain your personal power and proficiency in self-management, the better. You and your counsellor will discuss how many sessions might be useful for you.

There are also instances when the counsellor might refer you to other professionals, such as a psychiatrist, neurologist, registered nutritionist, social worker, housing officer, financial advisor and so on for specialized services.

3. Will anyone else know that I’m seeing a counsellor?

Not unless you want them to know. The counsellor is professionally and ethically obliged to keep all information you share with us in strictest confidence and brief session records are often kept in a locked filing cabinet.

Under the Privacy Act, the counsellor is unable to disclose any information without your signed consent. However, the counsellor is required by law to disclose any information in the following situations:

• When the counsellor becomes aware of children at risk of abuse or neglect

• When a client clearly presents danger to self or others

• When the counsellor is subpoenaed for records or testimony by the courts

• When the counsellor is supervised monthly by her clinical supervisor as required by the counselling regulatory board

4. Should I be able to work things out on my own?

We all have times that we have trouble dealing with challenges and problems or need support and guidance to grow and develop new skills. Faced with challenges, we may not know how to cope or our existing coping strategies may not work any longer. We may simply be so overwhelmed that we can’t sort things out.

By meeting with a counsellor, you are taking action to improve your situation and that shows courage and responsibility.

5. How do I know that this will work for me?

Everyone is different. However, when you feel comfortable with your counsellor and the right treatment approaches are used, there is a very good chance that you will see improvement. We have a great deal of experience helping clients to develop trust and feel comfortable with the counselling process.

6. What will happen during sessions?

In the first session, the reasons that you have decided to come for counselling will be discussed, as well as background information and setting of some initial goals. In subsequent sessions, the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that continue to be problematic will be discussed. Ways to cope better, feel better and deal with problems more effectively over the long-term will be addressed, and your goals will continue to be reviewed and changed as needed with your active participation.

Be Beautiful

Thich Nhat Hanh

To be beautiful means
to be yourself.
You don't have to be accepted by others.
You need to accept yourself.

Love as a Weapon

Yehuda Berg

Hurt people hurt people.
That's how pain patterns
get passed on
generation after generation
after generation.
Break the chain today.
Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness.
Greet grimaces with smiles.
Forgive & forget
about finding faults.

We are Not Meant
to Stay Wounded

Caroline Myss

We are supposed to
move through our tragedies and challenges & to help each other move through the many painful episodes of our lives. By remaining stuck in the power of our wounds, we block our own transformation. We overlook the greater gifts inherent in our wounds
–the strength to overcome them and the lessons that we are meant to receive through them. Wounds are the means through which we enter the hearts of other people.
They are meant to teach us
to become compassionate and wise.
Love is the weapon of the future.

Love Yourself

Tiziana dellaRovere

Self-love is the ability
to love and care
for what is within you
to accept & value yourself to receive love
when it is offered to you
because you are worthy;
believing in your inner talents and resources, so that you can express them, make your life meaningful and make a positive mark in the world.
Self-love is the ability
to love your Shadow Self,
heal it with compassion and acceptance.

Psychospiritual Counselling

Psychospiritual counselling is an integrated approach taking into account body, mind, consciousness, emotion and spirit. The psychospiritual approach utilizes both traditional psychological theories of human growth and a spiritual approach to support the individual on their particular journey (Di Vilio, 2010).

Our working philosophy comes from the Wholeness Psychology theory
(de los Santos, 2011; Johnston, 2014) that we are born as a whole being and that there is nothing broken in us until we start believing that physical challenges, psychological difficulties, moral challenges, relationship problems, social difficulties, academic problems, deviant behaviours, labels, lack of meaning in
life and perceived physical flaws are who we truly are.

Wholeness Psychology sees us individuals as whole beings who are experiencing, learning, experimenting, struggling and working on our problems, issues and concerns which do not define who we really are. As a holistic branch of psychology, it approaches the human being as a multidimensional being looking
at all aspects of being: emotional, mental, behavioral, physical, cultural, spiritual... and encourages co-creation between individuals, such as between the counsellor and clients to re-claim personal power, harmonize fragmented aspects of being, re-wire consciousness and learn new things in order to become happier, healthier, move forward in life and remember who they really are.

The premise of psychospiritual counselling is that within each person lies the potential of healing. Psychospiritual Therapy is when the therapist is in tune with both his/her inner knowing and acquired knowledge, combining skills from years of training and practice in various psychological approaches, and allowing his/herself to be immersed in a particular form of spiritual attunement that the psychospiritual approach brings up in the session (Di Vilio, 2010).

“I am at my best as a therapist, when I am closest to my inner, intuitive self.
Then, whatever I do seems to be full of healing.”

~ Carl Rogers – Founder of Person Centered Counselling

Integrated with the psychological approach, the spiritual approach recognizes
and accesses higher consciousness using tools such as mindfulness, meditation, visualization, imagery, metaphor, creative arts, awareness, intuition and inner attunement, all of which are used in the pursuit of understanding, processing,
well-being and expansion. While traditional psychotherapy works towards a greater understanding of the self, the psychospiritual works towards a greater understanding of the self in the context of the greater whole. Psychospirituality
is not only a journey of turning inwards but also one of attuning oneself to the messages and meaning that comes from dreams, interactions with others, nature and the cosmos (Di Vilio, 2010).

With the guidance of the therapist, the process of psychospiritual counselling involves the client utilizing established methodologies of psychotherapy, attunement techniques and various spiritual perspectives to further understand themselves and their actions. Psychospiritual Therapy is informed by metaphor, images or symbols from the imagination or dreams and dreamlike interpretations of the day’s events. There is a basic belief that the spiritual world has ways of informing the psyche. That information comes from many sources and is heard through attunement and mindfulness.

Psychospiritual Therapy also involves thinking "outside the box" in that the integration of the internal variables and external variables influencing a person’s journey with the unknown, ambiguous or even sometimes contradictory relieves us from the need to always classify into either/or, right and wrong. It allows for
a more compassionate and forgiving attitude, as well as an acceptance that the truth can lie in the paradox of contradictory ideas.

The psychospiritual approach is exploratory and highly relational, created by the dynamic that arises from the encounter between client and therapist, calling on both to be mindful and aware of what is present in the moment—a co-creation between two individuals. It is an approach that requires the use of discernment.
In psychospiritual counselling, the therapist needs to set aside their ego and become empty of preconceived ideas and methods while primarily using intuition, bringing these procedures and methods into play only when the moment clearly dictates it in the here and now, and not anytime soon.

This holistic form of therapy encompasses a level of seeing, which utilizes the consciously understood together with an unconscious level of understanding
that allows something beyond the individual to emerge or speak, therefore encouraging the spiritual voice to be heard and taken into account. Many therapists describe this as first a sensation that comes from the body (intuitive knowing), then enters the mind where an interpretation is made that seems congruent to where the client finds themselves. It becomes an ‘aha’ moment.
It is in that place that the therapist does what might be considered their best work, completely in tune with the needs of their client.

As a holistic therapeutic approach, Psychospiritual Therapy takes into account multidimensional aspects of a human being. The complexities of the mind, consciousness, belief structures, somatic events, emotional wounds and spiritual messages are brought to the healing process. The goal, other than healing, is for the individual to fully manifest themselves in the world and fulfill their potential. One spiritual perspective is that we have what we need within us; thus, happiness and fulfillment can be find within, rather than out there.

Psychospiritual Therapy is a process where the creative imagination is at play
in the unfolding universe. The path is directed by dreams, creative expression, meditation, symbols and signals from within the client and his/her external environment. The tools that are used can be psychological or spiritual as long
as they are working best at that moment in time. It takes faith with discernment that something will speak to us that may be from within or without, and that the course of therapy, in a sense, follows the "breadcrumbs" left by the soul
(Di Vilio, 2010).

Science of Sound

Vibrational Medicine: Sound as Medicine
"If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies.”

"Sound enters the healing equation from several directions:
It may alter cellular functions through energetic effects; it may entrain biological systems to function more homeostatically; it may calm the mind and therefore the body; or it may have emotional effects, which influence neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which in turn help to regulate the immune system--the healer within."

~ Mitchell Gaynor, M.D. a New York oncologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University has been using sound healing practices since the early 1990s. He is the author of “The Healing Power of Sound: Recovery from Life-Threatening Illness using
Sound, Voice, and Music.”

Stress
For many people, stress has become a way of life. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which make our hearts race and our breathing rate faster and shallower. These hormones can leave us feeling anxious and unsettled. Long-term stress causes a range of ailments including high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease and digestive problems. Not only does stress damage the quality of our lives, it reduces the body's ability to heal and fight disease.
The soothing effect of being bathed in an ocean of sound creates a profound relaxation and is helpful in reducing the stress that is so harmful to healthy living.

Sound and Molecular Structure
Sound healing pioneer Jonathan Goldman, Director of the Sound Healers Association and the author of “Healing Sounds” and “The 7 Secrets of Sound Healing” states, “When we talk about sound healing, we’re dealing with an energy, a power that has the ability to rearrange molecular structure.”

The Power of the Voice
One of the most powerful instruments for healing and transformation is the human voice. Singing, overtoning and the chanting of mantras profoundly affect our well-being due to their therapeutic and calming influence.

Sanskrit mantras are energy based sounds that vibrate throughout the body and chanting these sacred sounds of power can bring us to a higher level of consciousness. The human body is over 70% water and since sound travels five times more efficiently through water than through air, it is an excellent conductor for sound and vibration.

Thomas Ashley-Farrand, author of “Healing Mantras” states, “These ancient sounds create energy vibrations that can replace negative energy with positive ones. When chanting Sanskrit mantras, the chanter benefits from thousands of years of powerful energy accumulated from the Divine and from the millions of devoted chanters.”

Sound in the Workplace
Major corporations are employing the use of sound in a variety of creative ways to counter the effects of workplace stress. The California corporate headquarters of Toyota have a unique approach for overcoming stress and building morale with their ‘Toyota drum circle.’

‘Drumming away stress’ sessions are also being offered by New York psychotherapist, Robert Friedman for a range of clients including companies such as
Pitney Bowe, Xerox and Time-Warner.

Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Director of the Center for Neuroacoustic Research, has developed programs using sound for Nike, Cisco Systems and Mattel that enhance creativity, productivity, health and wellness.

Sound in Mind, Sound in Body
Hemi-sync and Holosync technology employ sound frequencies to achieve optimum brainwave entrainment with their binaural beat CD programs. They are scientifically proven to be effective in
reducing stress and improving sleep
and concentration.

Author of “Tuning the Human Instrument,”
Steven Halpern creates healing music that is very nurturing to body, mind and soul. Steven affirms: “toning is an activity that releases and allows the natural flow of energy to move through one’s body.”

Guided imagery tapes by psychotherapist,
Belleruth Naparstek benefit major institutions and people worldwide for their positive effect on health. Imagery increases relaxation and helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, pain, trauma and many other conditions. Naparstek is the author of “Staying Well with Guided Imagery” and “Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and
How They Heal.”

The Natural Power & Efficacy of Sound Therapy

Sound and music have profound effects on our physiology - awakening the memory of wholeness and entraining the body toward greater harmony and balance.

All matter vibrates at a personal frequency: Is your body vibrating at it’s optimal level? Major corporations are employing the use of sound in a variety of creative ways to counter the effects of workplace stress. The California corporate headquarters of Toyota have a unique approach for overcoming stress and building morale with their ‘Toyota drum circle.’

Good Vibrations: How Sound Works
Everything in the universe vibrates at it’s own unique
frequency called a resonant frequency. This includes all of the cells, tissues, and organs of our bodies. When we are healthy, everything in our bodies is vibrating in harmony or resonance. Dis-ease results when a part of our body begins to vibrate at a different rate, out of harmony with the rest. Through the concept of resonance and entrainment, sound can be used to change the vibration of the dis-eased part and bring it back to a healthy state of resonance.

The healing power of gongs and Himalayan singing bowls derives from a natural phenomenon known as entrainment - entraining or synchronizing the body to a certain sound. Entrainment occurs when the powerful vibrations of one object actually change the less powerful vibrations of another object.

Entrainment was first discovered in 1665 by Dutch scientist, Christian Huygens. He set up a room full of pendulum clocks with their pendulums swinging at slightly different times. When he returned to the room the next day, he found the sway of the pendulums had all synchronized.

As gongs and singing bowls are sounded, the powerful rhythmic vibrations resonate throughout the body. The sound of these harmonic vibrations stimulates the alpha and theta brain waves associated with deep meditative and peaceful states that are highly conducive to healing. They also slow down the heart and respiratory rate, creating a therapeutic effect upon mind and body. When the brain waves and body are synchronized, balance can be restored and stress released.

Color Therapy

Color is simply light of varying wavelengths with each color having its own particular wavelength and energy. Color Therapy is a holistic, safe and
non-invasive therapy.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, color is a part of our everyday life.
All we need to do is to heighten our awareness of the energy of color and
how it influences our lives through our moods, thoughts and behaviors.
A professional therapist can help you do this. The capacity for health and well-being is within us all.

Color Therapy is safe to use alone or alongside any other therapy whether traditional medicine, such as prescription medication, neurofeedback and psychotherapy, or another complementary therapy, such as Art Therapy, Reiki, Music Therapy or Sound Therapy. Color Therapy is a safe healing modality for both adults and children.

Color is absorbed by our eyes, skin, skull, our magnetic energy field, and the energy of color affects us on all levels: physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, etc. Every cell in the body needs energy, including light energy and color energy in order to stay alive and function well.

There are many different ways of providing color to our body: eating fruits and vegetables, drinking solarized water, using light boxes or lamps with color filters, color meditation, and hands-on-healing using color.

Color Therapy outcomes can be measured on a physical level, but there are deeper issues involving colors on the psychological and spiritual levels for after all, our well-being is not comprised of only physical issues. Today, more practitioners, both traditional and complementary, treat their patients in a holistic approach because it is getting harder and harder to deny that we are body, mind and spirit, and none of these areas function entirely on its own as we used to think. Even if we only believe in the mind and body connection, color therapy can still help us with our mood and well-being in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities. Everyone of us is a multidimensional being, and various layers and levels of our being work as a system helping each other function optimally; each has an effect upon the other. Color Therapy can be helpful in help heal and balance our imbalances because color, like sound, addresses all levels of our being.

Scientists who have studied color and light extensively recognize that colors bring about emotional reactions to individuals. As infants, we first experience color in the womb where we are enveloped in a nurturing and comforting pink. As a child, we associate with color as part of our first learning processes. These first associations contribute to our consciousness. As we get older,
we attach many different feelings, memories and meanings to specific colors, and these can then become a part of our subconscious. We develop discriminations and prejudices to colors as some colors have happy, sad or frightening connotations for us. The famous Luscher's Color test attests that colors can trigger emotional reactions.

Our experiences make an impression upon us. Some experiences will be positive and some negative. It is the negative experiences which can manifest themselves physically over time as dis-ease. For instance, we may be in a situation where we feel unable to speak our mind or to express our own truth. This can manifest as a problem in the throat area. The throat area relates to self-expression. Thus, if our self-expression has been blocked, the energy in this area will not be free flowing and in turn, this might lead to a physical manifestation of dis-ease.

Noting strong color preferences can also be a helpful tool in finding possible problems and working with the appropriate color/colors to help to dispel negative feelings, free blockages and re-balance the body psychologically and/or spiritually and, in turn, can also benefit us physically .

Please be aware that no complementary therapy should be considered as an alternative to professional medical advice where necessary, and no properly qualified complementary therapist would suggest that, neither would they suggest that you stop taking your medication or following your doctor's recommendations. If you are taking medication, you should consult the prescribing professional before you stop taking it.

References

American Holistic Nurses Association and American Nurses Association. (2007). Holistic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Silver Spring, MD.

Baldwin, A.L. & Trent, N.L. (2017). An Integrative Review of Scientific Evidence for Reconnective Healing. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(8), 590-598.

Barnes, P.M., Bloom, B. & Nahin, R. (2007). Complementary and
Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults and Children. CDC National Health Statistics Report #12.

Barnett, Libby, Chambers, Maggie & Davidson, Susan. (1996). Reiki Energy Medicine. Healing Arts Press: Rochester, VT.

Beauregard, Mario, Schwartz, G. E. & Trent, Natalie L. (2018). Expanding Science: Visions of a Post-Materialist Paradigm. Param Media: Vancouver, BC.

Eisenberg, David, et al. (1993). Unconventional Medicine in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 328(4), 246-252.

Eos, Nancy. M.D. (1995). Reiki and Medicine.

Garjajev, P.P. & Junin, A.M. (1989). Energy, 10, 46-52. [In Russian].

Garjajev, P.P., Chudin, V.I., Komissarov, G.G., Berezin, A.A. & Vasiliev, A.A. (1991). Proceedings of. PIE, 1621, 280-291.

Garjajev, P.P. (1994). Wave genome. Public Profit. Moscow. 279 pp. [In Russian].

Gill, L. (2008). More hospitals offer alternative therapies for mind, body, spirit.
USA Today. Retrieved July 13, 2010 from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-14-alternative-therapies_N.htm.

Gosar, Grazyna & Bludorf, Franz. (2001). Networked Intelligence. Omega Verlag, Germany.

Hartford Hospital: Integrative Medicine, Outcomes.
Retrieved February 2010 from
http://www.harthosp.org/integrativemed/outcomes/default.aspx#outcome6. Measurements cited were obtained during the initial pilot phase of the study, December 1999 - December 2000.

Johnston, Daniel H. (2014). Lessons for Living: Simple solutions for life's problems. Dagali Press: Dagali, Norway.

Khoury, B., Knäuper, B., Pagnini. F., Trent, N., Chiesa, A. & Carrière. K. (2017). Embodied Mindfulness. Mindfulness, 1-12.

Malandra, O., Sherfey, J., Spencer, J. H. & Trent, N. L. (2018). Infinite Perception: The Power of Psychedelics for Global Transformation. Param Media: Vancouver, BC.

Martin, T.J., Mist, S., Lektsok, T. & Trent, N.L. (2017). Tibetan Herbal Tea Agar-35 Reduces Negative Affect and Anxiety: A Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Explore:
The Journal of Science and Healing. (In press).

Motz, Julie. (1998). Hands of Life. Bantam Books: New York, NY.

Reiki in Hospital. (1997). Reiki News Magazine.

Sarkissian, M., Trent, N.L., Huchting, K. & Khalsa, S. (2017). The Effects of a Kundalini Yoga Program on Elementary and Middle School Student Stress, Affect and Resilience. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. (In press).

Sound Healing
http://soundhealingassociationofireland.com/phenomena
An interview with Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, a leading oncologist and Director of Medical Oncology and Integrative Medicine at the Strang-Cornell Cancer Prevention Center in New York, who has pioneered new strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer: https://www.delamora.life/sound-therapy/cancer-sound-healing

The Center for Reiki Research: Touchstone Project, Conclusion.
Retrieved July 13, 2010 from
http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/RRConclusion.aspx

Trent, N.L., Miraglia, M., Dusek, J.A., Pasalis, E. & Khalsa, S. Improvements in Psychological Health Following a Residential Yoga-based Program for Frontline Professionals. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (In press).

Trent, Natalie L. (2015). The Beacon of Mind: Reason and Intuition in the Ancient and Modern World. Param Media: Vancouver, BC.

Trent, N.L., Park, C., Bercovitz, K. & Chapman, I.M. (2015). Trait Socio-cognitive Mindfulness is Related to Affective and Cognitive Empathy in an Online Sample. Journal of Adult Development, 1-6.

Complementary Resources

Energy Psychology Journal: Theory, Research, and Treatment
https://energypsychologyjournal.org

- a peer-reviewed professional journal dedicated to reporting developments in the field of energy psychology (EP) that are of interest to healthcare professionals and researchers. Its goal is to further the development of EP as an evidence-based method in the healing sciences. It conforms to the editorial, stylistic, and ethical standards of the American Psychological Association (APA.org).

Studies of Energy Psychology (EP) have demonstrated its efficacy for a wide range of psychological and physical problems, from phobias to pain to post-traumatic stress disorder. EP is now being researched in hospital systems such as Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), large private hospital chains such as Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health, and the United States Veterans Administration (VA) system.

Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology
www.energypsych.org

Energy Psychology Conference Canada
https://www.epccanada.ca

Energy Psychology Therapy
www.energypsychologytherapy.com

Reiki Current Research: https://drnatalietrent.com/current-research
Dr. Natalie Leigh Trent, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, where she investigates the mind-body practices of yoga and mindfulness for health and wellbeing. She obtained her Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto in 2006 and her Doctorate in neuroscience from Queen’s University in 2012. Dr. Leigh Trent discuss the ancient healing art of Reiki, a healing modality that has been practiced and taught around the world for thousands of years. As Dr. Trent acknowledges, it is a relatively new field of science and medicine that’s continually growing, with approximately 80 studies that have been published, so far. With scientific research now emerging attesting to the ability of human thoughts, emotions, and intentions to affect the physical material world, an increasing number of scientists, and quantum physicists in particular, are stressing the importance of studying factors associated with consciousness and its relation to our physical world. One of these factors is human intention.

Reiki News Articles: International Center for Reiki Training
http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/reiki_in_hospitals.html
"Reiki sessions cause patients to heal faster with less pain," says Marilyn Vega, RN,
a private-duty nurse at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York. Reiki accelerates recovery from surgery, improves mental attitude and reduces the negative effects of medication and other medical procedures. Reiki is also gaining wider acceptance in the medical establishment. Hospitals are incorporating it into their roster of patient services, often with their own Reiki-trained physicians, nurses and support staff. Reiki was in use in hospital operating rooms as early as the
mid-90's (Brown, 1995). Since then, its acceptance in medicine has grown. It is now listed in a nursing "scope and standards of practice" publication as an accepted form of care (American Holistic Nurses Association & American Nurses Association, 2007) and a 2008 USA Today article reported that in 2007, 15% of U.S. hospitals (over 800) offered Reiki as a regular part of patient services (Gill, 2008). For a detailed description of 64 Reiki hospital programs, please go to www.centerforreikiresearch.org

A research study at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut indicates that Reiki improved patient sleep by 86 percent, reduced pain by 78 percent, reduced nausea by 80 percent, and reduced anxiety during pregnancy by 94 percent. In 2009, The Center for Reiki Research completed the Touchstone Project, which summarized Reiki studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The 25 studies examined were further evaluated to determine the effectiveness of Reiki. The conclusion states: "Overall, based on the summaries of those studies that were rated according to scientific rigor as "Very Good" or "Excellent" by at least one reviewer and were not rated as weak by any reviewer, 83 percent show moderate to strong evidence in support of Reiki as a therapeutic modality."

Hospitals are undergoing major changes. They are experiencing a need to reduce costs and at the same time improve patient care. Under the old medical model solely based on expensive medication and technology, this posed an unsolvable dilemma. Not so with Reiki and other complementary modalities. Reiki requires no technology at all and is therefore a very good way to improve care while cutting costs.

Julie Motz, a Reiki trained healer has worked with Dr. Mehmet Oz, a noted cardiothoracic surgeon at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Motz uses Reiki and other subtle energy techniques to balance the patients' energy during operations. Julie has assisted Dr. Oz in the operating room during open heart surgeries and heart transplants. Dr. Motz reports that none of the
11 heart patients so treated experienced the usual post-operative depression, the bypass patients had no post-operative pain or leg weakness; and the transplant patients experienced no organ rejection (Motz, 1998).

The California Pacific Medical Center's Reiki Program at the California Pacific Medical Center is one of the largest hospitals in northern California. Its Health and Healing Clinic, a branch of the Institute for Health and Healing, provides care for both acute and chronic illness using a wide range of complementary care including Reiki, Chinese medicine, hypnosis, biofeedback, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal therapy, nutritional therapy and aromatherapy. The clinic has six treatment rooms and is currently staffed by two physicians, Dr. Mike Cantwell and Dr. Amy Saltzman. Dr. Cantwell, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, is also a Reiki Master with training in nutritional therapy. Dr. Saltzman specializes in internal medicine and also has training in mindfulness meditation, acupuncture and nutritional therapy. Other professionals are waiting to join the staff, including several physicians.

The doctors at the clinic typically work with the patients and their referring physicians to determine what complementary modalities will be appropriate for the patient. A detailed questionnaire designed to provide a holistic overview of the patient's condition is used to help decide the course of treatment. The questionnaire involves a broad range of subjects including personal satisfaction
with relationships, friends and family, with body image, and with job, career, and spirituality. The clinic is very popular and currently has a waiting list of more than 100 patients.

Dr. Cantwell provides 1-3 hour-long Reiki sessions, after which he assigns the patient to a Reiki II internist who continues to provide Reiki sessions outside the clinic. Patients who continue to respond well to the Reiki treatments are referred for Reiki training so they can continue Reiki self-treatments on a continuing basis.

Dr. Cantwell states: "I have found Reiki to be useful in the treatment of acute illnesses such as musculoskeletal injury/pain, headache, acute infections, and asthma. Reiki is also useful for patients with chronic illnesses, especially those associated with chronic pain." At this point, Reiki is not covered by insurance at the clinic, but Dr. Cantwell is conducting clinical research in the hope of convincing insurance companies that complementary care is viable and will save them money.

AFFIRMATIONS

Life is sweet.
I approve and like myself
—all parts of me.
I am complete. I am enough.
I am love. I am light.
I am total perfection.
I feel safe. All is well.
And so it is!

PRINCIPLES
Be conscious of the Divine
Be conscious of the Divine within me
Love myself unconditionally
Love everyone I meet unconditionally
(including those who are unlovable)
Heal my emotional body
(trauma, painful experiences,
false beliefs, etc.)

Beaconlight Wellness Center Partner in Wholeness in Service to Humanity