Eduard Abashiya, a lecturer at the Department of Psychology of the Dnipro Institute of the Private Higher Education Institution "IAPM," a lawyer, psychologist at the Amur-Nyzhnodniprovskyi District Department of the Branch of the State Institution "Probation Center" in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and a member of the International Association of Psychologists and Sex Education Consultants, informs the following: World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10.

On the occasion of World Mental Health (Psychological) Day, a psychotherapeutic prayer was developed for women who have experienced sexual violence and need psychological support. The psychotherapeutic method of positive self-influence or autosuggestion was used in the development to achieve full relaxation by one's own efforts. Each case is unique and developed individually.

Autogenic training (AT) (from Ancient Greek "auto" - self, "genos" - origin) is a psychotherapeutic technique proposed by the German doctor Johannes Schultz in 1932, which is based on the use of self-suggestion to improve the psycho-physical state of the body.

The two main sources of AT are hypnosis and Indian yoga.

Hypnosis (from Ancient Greek "hypnos" - sleep) is a special state of consciousness, intermediate between sleep and wakefulness. Its main features are deep concentration and increased suggestibility.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Schultz practiced in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland) at a renowned hypnosis clinic. There, he became seriously interested in psychosomatics - a field of medicine that studies the influence of psychological factors on the onset and course of physical illnesses.

The second source of AT is Indian yoga - a system of physical and spiritual practice based on the idea of the unity of body and consciousness (soul). Yoga allows one to influence the functioning of various body systems through concentration, gymnastic, and breathing exercises.

For successful achievement of AT goals, it is necessary to create a practice schedule and stick to it as much as possible. At the initial stage of study (the first 3 - 4 months), it is recommended to perform exercises 3 times a day:

• in the morning (as an addition to hygiene procedures);
• during the day (after lunch rest);
• in the evening (right before bed).

After all exercises are well-learned, one can, if desired, reduce the number of sessions to two or even one per day.

Three main postures are used during AT:

• lying on the back. The feet are slightly apart, and the palms are slightly away from the body and turned upwards;
• sitting on a chair. The feet are firmly planted on the floor, the forearms rest on the thighs, the head is relaxed and tilted forward;
• sitting in an armchair. The forearms can rest on the armrests, and the body is relaxed, leaning back. It is not recommended to cross the legs.

During autogenic training practice, it is recommended to close the eyes. To enhance the effect, the exercises can be combined with mentally pronouncing autosuggestion formulas with breathing and visualization.

Autogenic training has proven effective in treating various types of autonomic disorders, psychosomatic diseases, neuroses, and more. AT can also be used to change life habits and personal traits.

Thus, the main goals of autogenic training are:

1. Improving health.
2. Increasing vitality and productivity.
3. Self-discipline.

At the same time, the following tasks are addressed:

1. Reducing anxiety, increasing the ability for emotional self-control.
2. Harmonizing bodily functions (circulation, breathing, digestion).
3. Reducing the intensity of pain sensations.
4. Quick and effective recovery of strength.
5. More efficient use of energy during work.
6. Quick falling asleep.
7. Formation of new positive personality traits (calmness, confidence, decisiveness, etc.).
8. Elimination of bad habits.
9. Creating positive attitudes for achieving goals (e.g., preparing for public speaking, etc.).
10. Improving the ability to concentrate, reflect, and self-analyze.

Psychotherapeutic Prayer for a Probation Client. Author: Eduard Abashiya.

I am me, and you are you.

You have your life, and I have mine.

 

I accept my past as it is.

I have made peace with my past and live in the present.

I accept that the world is imperfect, and people in it are imperfect.

I acknowledge that there are no perfect people, and that's okay.

I am not here to meet anyone's expectations,

and no one is obligated to meet mine.

I recognize my anger and my pain.

I release all anger and aggression.

I forgive all offenses.

I let go of my pain regarding past people and events,

they no longer have power over me.

 

My suffering and problems in life are not punishment for the past,

but trials for the sake of the future.

I am not to blame for what happened to me.

I am not a victim.

I am alive, and I will live.

I forgive all my offenders, and I ask forgiveness from all

whom I have ever offended.

 

I am free, I am changing for the better.

I feel relief and peace.

I am moving forward.

I continue to live, dream, and build a new life.

This prayer can be used by anyone who has experienced violence or other traumatic life events, noted psychologist Eduard Abashiya.