Sophrology: benefits and limitations

Sophrology, a mind-body practice, is widely practiced in a world where stress creeps into every corner of existence. Inspired by disciplines as varied as yoga, meditation and hypnosis, it invites you to a deep reconnection with yourself, combining relaxation, visualization and controlled breathing. Accessible to all, and adaptable to a wide range of contexts, whether therapeutic, sporting or educational, this practice has many a priori assets. It can help manage stress and improve sleep, for example. However, this method of transforming states of consciousness should not be regarded as harmless. It is therefore essential to question the limits of this method: are mental induction and visualization exercises harmless? Are practitioners really justified in using them? What are the dangers of this practice?

What is sophrology? 

Sophrology is a discipline of alternative medicine with a mind-body dimension, based on the interaction between body and mind. Conceived by neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo, it is based on a set of techniques combining relaxation, breath control and positive visualization. Its main aim is to promote well-being and reduce the effects of stress. During sessions, the sophrologist guides the patient essentially through the use of his or her voice, the real thread running through the practice.

Where does it come from? 

Sophrology was founded in 1960 by the Colombian neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo, who was inspired by hypnosis to create a method centered on the harmony of consciousness. The term "sophrology", derived from the Greek roots "sos" (harmonious), "phren" (consciousness) and "logos" (study), thus designates a discipline dedicated to the study and calming of human consciousness. Dr. Caycedo drew his inspiration from hypnosis and Jacobson's progressive relaxation.

But Caycedo also draws inspiration from phenomenology, a philosophical discipline that explores and describes the essence of experiences as they present themselves to consciousness, setting aside external prejudices and interpretations. From this philosophical discipline, he first derived the idea of existential sophrology.

Then, following his meeting with a French yogi, he travelled to India, Tibet and Japan and explored the various yogi, lama and zen spiritualities. From these different currents, he further enriched his sophrology method. He also added to his inspiration the famous method of positive suggestion known as the "Coué method".

Over time, however, and since its origins in the early 60s, various currents have emerged that differ from the founder Caycedo. These include sophroanalysis, existential sophrology, dynamic sophrology, sensory sophrosubstitution and, to distinguish himself from these, Caycedo patented "Caycedian sophrology".

Since then, there have been two major currents in sophrology:

• that which has remained faithful to the founder, linked more to an existential philosophy and the development of consciousness, and with a lesser therapeutic aim
• plural sophrology", which aims to be purely therapeutic, and includes all methods other than Caycedian sophrology.

What are its benefits?

Sophrology, an entirely verbal and non-tactile method, offers a global approach acting on both body and mind. By combining breathing exercises, muscle relaxation and positive visualization, it promotes a state of well-being. The practice can help relieve tension and enhance serenity.

According to the method approved by its founder, it is based on exercises such as dynamic relaxation, which combines gentle movement and breathing, or sophronisations, inner journeys guided by the sophrologist's voice.

It also offers invaluable tools to help pregnant women better manage their well-being and cultivate a serene state of mind. More than a simple practice, sophrology becomes a real ally in helping you to approach each stage of pregnancy with confidence, and to welcome motherhood from a fulfilling perspective.

What are its limitations?

Aside from the fact that it has not been scientifically validated, as is the case with many mind-body practices, sophrology has other limitations, and even dangers.

For example, in its 2018 guide, MIVILUDES refers to sophrology as a practice that could be exploitede by sectarian movements to attract fragile individuals in search of well-being, notably through prolonged courses that encourage isolation and hold. The Union Nationale des Associations de Défense des Familles et de l'Individu victimes de sectes stresses that alternative medicine, such as sophrology, can provide fertile ground for sectarian aberrations, by diverting the quest for health into manipulative practices.

On the other hand, sophrology, based on positive thinking and an approach centered on personal power, asserts that happiness and reality can be shaped by our beliefs and efforts. This perspective, which has been taken up by the New Age movement in particular, is far removed from the philosophical tradition of accepting reality as it is, and from the Christian tradition of surrendering to God. While the idea of cultivating a positive attitude in the face of life's trials is laudable on a psychological level, it reveals its limitations by claiming that happiness can be achieved through techniques or mental readjustment alone. Such a vision reduces human complexities to psychic mechanisms, and may ignore the deeper dimensions of existence, such as external contingencies or the spiritual quest, which can be a source of conflict.This raises reservations about the effectiveness and scope of this method for achieving true happiness. From this point of view, sophrology is opposed to the Vittoz method, another mind-body method developed by Dr. Vittoz with a Christian vision of man.

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