Each of us has two minds, each of which learns differently from the same experiences. One mind is more mature, reasonable, and living in the present–often referred to as the calm side.

The second mind, immature in its cognitive and emotional aspects, is stuck back in an old trauma–often referred to as the distressed side. It sees the world as it was at the time of the trauma, and like a child, it is dogmatic and overly emotional, and fears that the painful situations it experienced will repeat themselves.

By using a simple technique of partially blocking our vision with our hands, we are able to experience this dual phenomenon alternately.

Then through a process of communicating with each part, we are able to negotiate with the stronger part to actively participate in the care and protection of the troubled part. This technique provides instant and remarkable relief by providing understanding, resolution and problem solving.

Fredric Schiffer, MD, a leading Harvard psychiatrist, researcher and author of Of Two Minds, gives overwhelming evidence that each side of our brain possesses an autonomous, distinct personality.

Through his approach, our understanding of this phenomenon is transformed, and a path to a more harmonious, balanced relationship between our two selves is achieved.

There are different forms of bi-lateral stimulation. Bi-lateral stimulation assists in a whole brain processing at a deeper level than might be otherwise accomplished. It involves an alternate action or experience from one side of the body to the other–back and forth. This can be generated in several different ways.

Originally, it was a process where the client was directed to follow a back and forth movement of an object with their eyes while keeping their head still.

Other equally successful ways of working are through hearing alternating pleasant sounds from a headset, stereo speakers, or alternating gentle tapping on the knees, or a combination thereof.

Any of these techniques may be used while associating with a certain mental image that represents the past event and repeating a negative self-statement. The session is ended with a transformation of beliefs from negative to positive.

This technique was developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, PhD, a psychologist in California.

This is an especially useful craft. Anyone can do it. The philosophy behind it is to externalize your thoughts, feelings, and dreams. This can be done in writing, with photos, with drawings, or any other forms of self-expression.

I had one client who expressed her emotional journey through video recording herself while enacting free-form dancing.

By doing this, you gain a different perspective on your experiences, especially when you look back say, over the preceding year. This in turn may bring about a delightful new outlook in areas where you have been stuck, creating new possibilities in thinking.

There are several approaches to entering your information. You can go out and buy a book just for journaling which has a special cover and blank pages for writing; you can talk into an audio recorder; some people download software for personal journal writing. (LifeJournal.com has a free trial version with lots of bells and whistles); others simply create a personal file on their computer. Whichever way you choose is perfect for you.