What is sophrology?

The term "sophrology" was coined in 1960 by neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo. It was originally used to designate the hypnosis techniques used by psychiatrists in hospitals. It wasn't until 1967, however, that sophrology as we know it today was born.

However, it's not widely known, although it's becoming increasingly popular.

Célia, our sophrologist, will answer your questions about sophrology and its practice:

What is the purpose of sophrology?

"The aim of sophrological techniques is to strengthen the human being's ability to live his or her existence in harmony with himself or herself and with the world."

Alfonso Caycedo - Psychiatrist, Neurologist & Founder of Sophrology

Sophrology is a mind-body technique that works towards physical, emotional and mental well-being.

It enables us to develop greater awareness of our body and mind, and to feel more grounded and aligned. It also aims to strengthen our self-confidence and values.

Is sophrology effective?

Sophrology has immediate benefits, but requires regular training, known as sophro-training, outside the sessions with the therapist, for deep, lasting effects.

Through its breathing and dynamic relaxation exercises, inspired by meditation, the practice of sophrology acts directly on the parasympathetic nervous system and induces a state of physical and mental relaxation which can act at different levels, such as improving digestion, sleep and stress reduction...

Although there are currently no large-scale studies* demonstrating its efficacy, patients' accounts of their sophrology practice are very encouraging and positive.

Breathing exercises (such as cardiac coherence) and meditation have been shown to have very positive effects on our bodies, activating our parasympathetic system and reducing our stress levels.

*TheA-MCA(Agence des Médecines Complémentaires Adaptées) is launching the very first scientific interventional study of caregivers. The study supported by the A-MCA responds to the crying need for solid, methodologically sound scientific research demonstrating the effectiveness of sophrology. A project that will provide usable results and conclusions. Good news for an entire industry!

Firstly, the study will be a means of responding to societal issues, such as the well-being of those wishing to experiment with sophrology. Secondly, it will further legitimize the profession of sophrology, giving it the visibility and credibility it deserves. This interventional scientific research is therefore a further step towards the recognition of sophrology.

How does a sophrology session work?

Sophrology is a mind-body technique that aims to improve physical, emotional and mental well-being.

During the first session, an objective is defined between the patient and the sophrologist. Each session then has a specific purpose, and is part of a protocol designed to achieve that goal.

Each session consists of a discussion phase based on the issues of the moment and the specific intention of the session. This is followed by a practical phase of carefully chosen breathing and dynamic relaxation exercises to work on the day's objective.

These are gentle exercises performed in synchrony with the breath, facilitating relaxation of body and mind.

The session continues with sophronization, a guided relaxation and visualization exercise to help the patient relax and become more aware of his or her body, resources, values, skills and feelings.

The session ends with a discussion phase, known as phenodescription, to enable the sophrologist to take on board the patient's feelings, so that the next step can be taken in the most appropriate way for the patient.

How much does a sophrology session cost?

The cost of a sophrology session is €150.

However, it is possible to take out five- or ten-session subscriptions for a more advantageous rate:

• A five-session subscription costs $700, i.e. $140 per session.
• A ten-session subscription costs $1,300, or $130 per session.

Who needs sophrology?

Anyone who feels the need to :

• develop self-confidence and self-esteem
• improve stress management
• welcoming emotions
• cope with anxiety and better manage anxiety attacks
• facilitate and maintain calm
• improve sleep quality
• energize
• unleash creativity
• encourage mental preparation for important events (exams, interviews, competitions, etc.)
• facilitate pain management and convalescence
• preparing for childbirth and accompanying the perinatal process
• supporting the stages and trials of life
• preventing or recovering from burnout
• regain a balanced life (couple, family, work, etc.)
• evacuate negative thoughts and emotions
• make it easier to let go

Any problem can be addressed in a session. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your situation. We'll give you the best possible guidance, and if necessary, we can supplement the work with other therapies.

What's the difference between a psychologist and a sophrologist?

The two therapies may seem similar, but are in fact very complementary.

Here are the main differences:

Psychologist :

• establishes diagnoses
• Psychological method
• Focusing on the psyche, mind and behavior
• Treats psychological suffering
• Seeks the cause of the patient's disorders
• The body is seen as the locus of symptom expression
• Session focusing on speech and diagnostic tools
• Therapy often lengthy (with the exception of brief CBT-type therapies)

Sophrologist :

• Body-psychological method
• Focus on the body and bodily sensations
• No judgment or interpretation
• Aims to relieve and prevent psychosomatic symptoms
• Helps manage emotions, pain, stress, etc.
• Transmits tools to promote well-being
• Facilitates awareness through exercises
• Works to soothe or even eliminate the body's symptoms
• Works with the patient in a state of sophro-liminal consciousness, i.e. between wakefulness and sleep
• A session alternating lectures and practical exercises
• Brief therapy aimed at autonomy

What's the difference between sophrology and hypnosis?

To enrich existing hypnosis protocols, neuropysiatrist Dr. Caycedo drew inspiration from Eastern body, breathing and mental techniques, combining them with Western scientific medicine.

By integrating these methods, he created sophrology.

Methods that inspired Dr Caycedo:

• Psychiatry - Psychoanalysis - Neurology
• Hypnosis: Dr Caycedo's first complementary method
• Jacobson's progressive relaxation: releasing muscular tension
• Yoga: stimulating breathing and relaxing muscles
• Schultz autogenic training: self-relaxation through suggestion
• Méthode Coué: positive thinking
• Tibetan Buddhism: an invitation to contemplation
• Japanese Zen: meditation practice
• Greek philosophy: including Plato, Aristotle and Hippocrates
• Phenomenology: learning non-judgment

Initially practised exclusively in hospitals by doctors, sophrology was totally democratized in 1977, when training was opened up to non-physicians, allowing the discipline to become truly emancipated.

Why 3 times in sophrology?

Each exercise is repeated 3 times in sophrology, corresponding to 3 distinct stages:

1. Discovery - discovering the exercise, first impressions
2. Appropriation - integration of the exercise, new, more precise sensations
3. Transformation - awareness, anchoring positive feelings, new sensations of well-being

How does sophrology help relieve stress?

Sophrology acts directly on the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to bring the body back into balance following stress-induced alerts.

In fact, thanks to tailor-made protocols, this therapy provides you with personalized tools to release tension and negative emotions and facilitate a return to inner calm.

Subsequently, work can focus on strengthening your resources and self-confidence. This facilitates stepping back and letting go, always with the aim of achieving a confident detachment from stressful events. This makes it easier and quicker to return to calm. As the sessions progress, your self-esteem is also strengthened.

How does sophrology help with depression?

In the same way as for stress, the practice of sophrology acts directly on the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to bring the body back into balance.

The protocol is set up with the sophrologist according to your needs.