The key to the Endopsychoanalytic* approach to psychotherapy is the meditation The Great Invocation or GI. The GI is a guided meditation/visualization that leads the client through a process of basic chakra activation. Once memorized, the visualization takes only a few seconds and when practiced several times throughout the day (to ensure continued chakra flow), the process of chakra activation leads to the recovery of repressed issues, childhood (and even past life) traumas, and other psychological blocks and repressions that limit the full potential of the physical unit and contribute, in cases of pathological repressions, to neurotic or psychotic behavior. The therapeutic process itself work primarily through the heightened operation of bodily systems. The chakras, which are activated by the meditation, can be understood as the main conduits or energy points in the physical body. The seven main chakras correspond in a direct and one to one fashion, with the systems of the body. The crown chakra, for example, provides the energetic support for the brain and central nervous system of the body. When the client practices the Great Invocation, she or he begins a process that sees the gradual enhancement of the body’s physical systems. In the case of the crown chakra, this leads to “activation” of the brain and central nervous system. Upon activation one of two things happen. On the one hand the physical unit becomes “empowered.” If we understand the body as a sort of power tool that spirit uses to create in the 3D universe, then chakra activation is the power switch that turns the power tool on. In Dossier of the Ascension : A Practical Guide to Chakra Activation and Kundalini Awakening, I use the metaphor of a chain saw. When the chain saw is powered down, it is possible to cut down trees, but only with the most excruciating of effort. However, when the chain saw is activated, “reconfiguring reality” becomes quite easy. It is the same with chakra activation. Once the client begins the process of chakra activation, they begin to “manifest” with greater ease and facility. The other thing that happens when the chakras are activated is that the brain itself becomes enlivened and activated. In the case of crown chakra activation, the activation itself can be experienced several ways. In a “normal” client with minimal psychological trauma and repression, activation is experienced as a gradual (and sometimes dramatic) expansion of mental ability. In positive situations the client may experience “energetic initiations,” peak experiences, mystical experiences, and may even begin strong connections with the Fabric of Consciousness. Unfortunately, because of the depth of breadth of pathological socialization and child rearing practices, initial crown chakra activation typically results in the manifestation of traumas, conflict, and fears. In a one-on-one therapeutic situation these manifestations are easy to identify. They often emerge as conflicts with other individuals (e.g., family members, authority figures) and are always traceable to childhood or past life trauma. When using the GI as a crown chakra enhancement, tracing the roots of the pathology is often quite easy since crown activation invokes memory traces and brings them close to the surface where it becomes a relatively straight forward process of connecting repressed memories with their manifestation. The combination of crown enhancement and manifestation of issues provides a powerful rubric within which to examine and trace the roots of psychological trauma with the client.

Continuity

The work of Stanislav Grof is extremely useful in understanding the potential of Endopsychoanalysis. Grof is famous for the use of L.S.D (a powerful entheogen) in the development of his psychedelic (high dose LSD) and psycholytic (low dose LSD) therapy. His therapeutic approach often led to powerful clearing experiences where individuals confronted and resolved past life trauma in dramatically concatenated therapeutic experiences (i.e. they resolved their issues quickly and without years of therapy). If we conceptualize LSD as a powerful crown chakra activator, we can then place various “crown technologies” on a scale of descending potency as follows:

• LSD
• Psilocybin
• Mescalin
• Hashish
• Marijuana (primarily psycholytic actions below here)
• Visualization and Meditation (e.g., The Great Invocation)
• Freudian Psychoanalysis

It is interesting that when Freud was engaged in his “hypnotic” practice, he was placing his hand directly on what eastern mystics would recognize as the third eye chakra of the client.

Cautions

Just as psychoanalytic therapists are expected to undergo a process of psychoanalysis before practicing on clients, counselors interested in using the GI as a tool for psychoanalysis should perform the visualization and meditation for a period of several weeks before they encourage their clients to practice with it. Although the GI falls near the bottom of our list of crown activators, it is nevertheless significantly more powerful than the tortoise paced flow of Freudian psychoanalysis. Using the GI the client can, within a matter of days, begin to “invoke” and manifest unconscious issue at a pace and depth that far exceeds that provided by traditional psychoanalysis. The implications here should be obvious. Even experienced therapists can expect this modality to activate their own deeply buried memory traces. Although this may require the practitioner to re-assess their own psychological state, the manifestation and clearing of issues, and the progress towards a healthy psychological state beyond “normal,” can only result in a more grounded and successful psychological practice.

Likewise, it is also important to carefully assess the mental state of the client before recommending the use of the GI. Individuals with a history of personality disorders such as schizophrenia, or individuals with a history of severe mental or physical abuse, pose a particular challenge since in some cases performing the GI may lead to premature connections with the Fabric of Consciousness that, when coupled with damaged personality structures, can lead to psychotic episodes. Not that the GI cannot be used in situations where the physical unit is severely damaged, but the therapist must have a sophisticated understanding of underlying spiritual realities, must have a strong relationship with the client, and must be thoroughly grounded themselves otherwise there is a risk of “losing” the client to a world of half spiritual truth, and half psychologically rooted delusion.

Variations

The GI in it’s current published form may not be suitable for all clients. There is an element of mysticism that goes beyond mere chakra activation. Although I do recommend doing the Great Invocation as presented, where necessary the GI can be stripped down to a simple chakra activation. Show the client an image like the one included above, and have them focus on generating energy through the chakra points. The best approach is to have the client visualize fire hoses with energy flowing out in gushers from each of the chakra points. This shouldn’t take the client more than a few seconds. Have them close their eyes and visualize each one in turn for a few seconds. Have them perform this meditation as many times throughout the day as they can.

Empirical Verification

The validity and utility of chakra activation can be empirically validated by using a case study approach. After spending time getting to know a client, and after establishing a base line of psychological activity and functioning, the GI can be provided to the client. If the GI is working in the manner predicted, therapists can expect to see enhanced psychological/psychoanalytic activity. Conflicts and “clearing scenarios” should immediately appear in the client’s life. If the therapist is successful in helping the client resolve conflicts, repressed issues, and fear in the client, then evidence of psychological and intellectual enhancement should become available. The psychologist should be able to measure increases in self-esteem, daily functioning, confidence levels, well being, and even intellectual functioning. I encourage the use of psychometric assessment in a before and after design. A time frame of between six months and one year should be considered.

Relationships

It is important to note that deep psychoanalytic work with the client may involve working directly on pathological family relationships. This may involve working with parents, spouses, and children. A client can only be expected to accomplish so much while remaining embedded in pathological or toxic relationships. Therefore where indicated, the therapist should consider bringing in relevant family members.

Erroneous Spirituality

References

Grof, Stanislav (1976). Realms of the Unconscious: Observations from LSD Research. New York: Viking Press. * Endopsychoanalysis -> Psychoanalysis that emphasizes invoking that which is within. I can’t think of a better name at this point.

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