Manifestation in Psychotherapy
Positive thought breeds positive mood and value-aligned action.
Almost every therapist out there will agree with that.
When we are taught to drive, we are told “keep your eyes on the road” because it is empirically shown that where we are looking is where we are going to end up going.
So, if we clarify where we want to go (aka connect with our values and design our dream life) and then assume a positive mindset to support our action, we are more likely to achieve our greatest goals and desires and ultimately the happiness and freedom we so desire.
What if the whole universe* is ALSO conspiring to support us?
According to metaphysics, the energy we put out is the energy we receive. To quote Mike Dooley, “our thoughts become things.”
This is the basic concept of manifestation.
We get what we dream of when we ask for it and assume it will arrive.
Here is where things might get a little uncomfortable for us scientifically-minded, evidence-based, critical thinkers: If we allow ourselves to be open to the possibility of a higher power - that we are being held in love by something unseen -the power of positive thinking only gets magnified.
Since I have never been successful at convincing my mind of anything - or anyone else’s for that matter - I encourage you to let your experience be your evidence.
Try out this exercise in manifestation by pretending to be your 7-year old self writing a letter to Santa.
Get out a piece of paper and a writing utensil of your choosing.
Write out exactly what you want in your career, dream home, relationship, health, adventure, etc. Give yourself permission to not hold back.
Say “thank you” and sign your name with the total-body belief you will receive exactly what you ask for
Fold up your letter and put it in a special place allowing excitement and awe in the knowing that you will receive everything you asked for.
I offer this exercise to my therapy clients all of the time.
Whether or not you or your clients ascribe to manifestation, at its core this is an exercise in values clarification and trust that good things will happen. Either can be enough to inspire hope and positive action, even in our darkest moments.
AND how cool would it be if the whole universe also has our back.
Love,
Caitlin
*I use the term “universe” to capture the essence of a higher power. Other terms include (but are certainly not limited to) source, spirit, God, and Gaia and the numerous versions of these. Feel into what works for you. There is no right or wrong.