Glossary
Altered States: These are states of consciousness that differ from the typical waking state, such as dreams, trance, or deep meditation. In Process Work, altered states are seen as valuable for exploring unconscious processes and accessing deeper levels of awareness. They often reveal underlying themes and conflicts that are not evident in normal consciousness, providing unique insights and potential paths for resolution.
Awareness: Awareness in Process Oriented Psychology is the capacity to notice and interact with the various levels of one's own process, as well as those in others. It involves conscious acknowledgment of one's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as the subtler, often overlooked aspects of experience. Developing awareness is fundamental to navigating personal changes and facilitating group dynamics effectively, promoting a deeper understanding of interpersonal and internal conflicts.
Channel: Channels are the different pathways through which information and experiences are perceived and expressed, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and relational. Each channel offers a unique perspective on a situation and can be used to access different layers of experience. In Process Work, practitioners use channels to gather comprehensive insights into a person's process and to tailor interventions that resonate with their primary mode of experiencing the world.
Consensus Reality: Consensus reality refers to the everyday, agreed-upon aspects of reality that people collectively validate and recognize. It includes observable phenomena and socially reinforced norms and behaviors. In Process Work, distinguishing between consensus reality and individual subjective experiences helps practitioners understand how personal perceptions and societal expectations interact, affecting a person's behavior and experiences.
Deep Democracy: This principle of Process Work emphasizes the importance of including all voices, states of awareness, and levels of experience in decision-making processes. Deep democracy is particularly useful in group settings, where it fosters a more holistic and inclusive approach. It ensures that minority and marginalized perspectives are considered, which can lead to more sustainable and creative outcomes.
Double Signal: Double signals occur when an individual sends conflicting messages, typically representing a division between their primary process (conscious) and secondary process (unconscious or less recognized). Recognizing double signals can help in identifying internal conflicts and areas where an individual might be stuck between differing emotions or thoughts. This awareness can lead to more targeted and effective interventions in therapy or conflict resolution.
Dreambody: The dreambody concept suggests that the body experiences and reflects dream-like processes even while awake. Symptoms and body experiences are seen as expressions of deeper psychological processes and as such, provide clues to unconscious issues and conflicts. Understanding one's dreambody can lead to insights that facilitate personal growth and symptom relief by addressing the psychological roots of physical manifestations.
Edge: In Process Work, an edge represents a boundary between what is known and comfortable and what is unknown or uncomfortable. Working at the edge involves exploring and pushing beyond one’s usual limits and behaviors to access new areas of growth and understanding. Edges are often where significant personal and group transformations can occur, although they may initially appear as resistance or fear.
Edge Figures: Edge figures are psychological presences or external influences that represent or guard the boundaries of what is known and accepted within oneself or in a group. They often manifest as fears, societal norms, or internal critics that inhibit change. Identifying and interacting with edge figures can help individuals and groups to move beyond current limitations and explore new possibilities.
Feedback Loop: A feedback loop in Process Work refers to the mechanism where outputs from a system (such as behaviors or emotions) are recycled back as inputs, influencing subsequent behaviors or emotions. Understanding and identifying feedback loops within psychological and social systems can help pinpoint repetitive patterns and facilitate effective interventions to alter those patterns for desired outcomes.
Flirt: A flirt in Process Work is a subtle hint or cue that suggests the emergence of a secondary process or an unexplored aspect of an individual's experience. Flirts are often fleeting and easily missed but can provide valuable insights into underlying dynamics and issues. Recognizing and following flirts can lead practitioners to deeper layers of a person's psychology, enhancing the therapeutic process.
Ghost Role: Ghost roles represent unspoken, often unrecognized influences within group or system dynamics. These roles are not overtly occupied by any member of the system but can significantly affect interactions and outcomes. Identifying ghost roles helps in bringing these hidden influences into the open, where they can be addressed and integrated into the group's process, leading to more comprehensive resolutions.
Group Process: Group process is the application of Process Work principles to groups, focusing on the dynamics, interactions, and overall development of the group. It involves facilitating awareness and interaction among group members to explore and resolve collective issues. Effective group process work can lead to transformative changes, enhancing group cohesion and problem-solving abilities.
High Dream: The high dream refers to the most inclusive and comprehensive perspective possible in any given situation. It embodies the greatest potential outcome, incorporating and transcending all individual viewpoints and interests. In Process Work, accessing the high dream helps guide interventions and decisions that are aligned with the deepest aspirations and potentials of the individuals or groups involved.
Hot Spot: Hot spots are moments or areas within a process that are emotionally or psychologically charged. These are critical areas where tensions are high, and significant conflicts or core issues manifest. Addressing hot spots effectively can lead to breakthroughs and resolutions, as they often hold the key to understanding the deeper dynamics at play.
Inner Work: Inner work involves the application of Process Work techniques to oneself, focusing on personal development and self-awareness. It is a vital practice for therapists and facilitators to cultivate their own awareness and process their own issues, which can enhance their ability to support others. Inner work promotes a deeper connection with oneself and can lead to significant personal insights and transformations.
Meta-Skills: Meta-skills in Process Work refer to the underlying qualities or attitudes that enhance the application of techniques, such as presence, empathy, and fluidity. These skills are crucial for practitioners to adapt their interventions to the needs of the moment and to connect deeply with clients. Meta-skills help create a supportive environment where profound work can occur.
Phase: Phases are distinct stages within any process, each characterized by specific dynamics and challenges. Recognizing which phase a process is in allows practitioners to tailor their interventions appropriately, facilitating smoother transitions and more effective resolutions.
Primary Process: The primary process in Process Work is the currently dominant, conscious experience of an individual or group, often aligned with social norms and personal identity. It includes the readily recognized and socially reinforced behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Understanding the primary process helps in identifying what is accepted and supported within oneself or in a group, setting the stage for exploring less recognized, secondary processes.
Process Mind: The process mind is a concept in Process Work that refers to the inherent wisdom or intelligence guiding the unfolding of life processes. Connecting with the process mind can lead to intuitive insights and solutions that are deeply aligned with natural flows and patterns, facilitating healing and resolution in ways that are often surprising and innovative.
Rank: Rank involves the level of power, privilege, or influence that an individual holds in a particular context. It affects interactions and perceptions within social and personal dynamics. In Process Work, understanding the ranks individuals hold can provide insights into the dynamics of power and privilege, aiding in more equitable and effective facilitation and conflict resolution.