PERC is an embodied telepsychotherapy which aims to integrate
your body and mind into a synchronized system.
PERC is an embodied telepsychotherapy which aims to integrate
your body and mind into a synchronized system.
Personalized Embodied Rhythm Coupling: PERC © 2024 by Shelia Clark, Ph.D. is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
PERSONALIZED EMBODIED RHYTHM COUPLING (PERC)
PERC as Trauma Therapy
Your Psychotherapy is provided by Shelia Clark, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Resolve the effects of trauma with a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to therapy, and move towards healing and growth.
“Neuroplasticity” is a term to explain the on-going developmental process in your entire being (brain, body, cellular, bio-chemical, etc.). The neuroplasticity process created the initial “survival trauma response” of the sympathetic nervous system which is now out-dated for your life. With guidance from Dr. Clark, you will change that "stuck" pattern.
PERC is a sequential process designed to create coupling foundations in the parasympathetic nervous system which will activate the self-healing automatic regulation. In the way that the “survival trauma response” occurs in an automatic manner now, so will the “self-healing response” occur in an automatic manner. The PERC process becomes a parasympathetic “somatic sensory memory” using the same coupling mechanisms as the sympathetic “somatic sensory memory”.
The Principles of Change
PERC is based upon the principle of connecting to your felt experience rather than the principle of "fixing a problem."
PERC follows the principle of developing curiosity and delight in learning about yourself.
PERC recognizes that the brain learns by the principle of movement combined with attention. Attentional voluntary deep breathing fulfills that principle when the movement of diaphragm and chest expansion and contraction is coupled with heart rhythm.
PERC achieves natural learning with voluntarily-induced slow processes, focusing upon one sensation at a time, coupling one rhythm after another until spontaneous body movements (termed "fascia unwinding") begin occurring (yawning, burping, gas elimination, coughing, stretching, scratching). The brain develops connections with body rhythms rather than with RNT (repetitive negative thinking) of what is wrong and "needs fixing."
PERC principles permit you to interact with others and yourself with subtleness, gentleness, and reduced effort. The elimination of "shoulds, woulds, faster, meet goals and expectations" occurs as you develop joy for the unknown, the unplanned, and the unexpected.
PERC allows the brain learning switch to turn on, which then allows the miraculous shift to occur.
PERC gives you awareness of when to stop and allow for the integration of the new with the old to occur. If too much force is applied, the old RNT will return and prevent integration and process change from happening.
PERC activates "Awareness" as a process action, not as a passive observing. This principle is not understood by those who believe that a "goal action" must follow awareness. They rush to "fix something, to change something." When comprehension of the principle that "awareness is the action," the brain will make changes in all rhythms automatically, without the RNT "fixing, trying, doing, etc."
"P" is for "PERSONALIZED"
"E" is for "EMBODIED"
Psychotherapy has the following goals of being “embodied”:
- You will feel "at home" and "safe" in your body.
- You will feel connected to your body, accepting all parts of yourself.
- You will be present in your body and feel all your emotional, sensorial, and physical sensations.
- You will be able to have healthy expression of your needs and desires through your body.
- You will be able to self-soothe when feeling anxious or fearful.
- You will be able to identify your inner wants and tend to yourself.
"R" is for "RHYTHM"
Humans have evolved (adapted) to possess many bio-rhythms which maintain life. These range from the uniformly experienced circadian rhythm (based upon sunlight, seasons, and other aspects of earth functions) to the most recently studied human internal oscillators, which now consist of these known rhythms:
· 37 physiological rhythms (body temperature, blood pressure, bronchial patency, etc).
· 32 rhythms for cognitive function.
· 27 rhythms for endocrine function.
· 14 rhythms for metabolites.
· 25 rhythms for organic molecules.
· 18 rhythms for cellular components.
· 15 rhythms for enzymatic activity.
Psychotherapy increases your awareness of your rhythms. You learn how to alter (adjust) these rhythms with the use of IN SYNC* techniques (*see below for more information).
"C" is for "COUPLING"....These are the TREATMENT STAGES
In human biology, the concept of “energy coupling” refers to the primary function of the cells.
In “rhythm coupling”, the process refers to the interactions which occur when different biological rhythms become coupled. PERC was developed from published research studies by other scientific professionals (see below “Evidence-Based Research”).
Step 1: Coupling of breath and heart rhythms
In PERC psychotherapy, the primary “rhythm coupling” is the coupling of the 4-8 (10 sec) deep inhalation with slow exhalation breathing rhythm and HRV heart rate. This coupling arises from the voluntary control of the diaphragm muscle. (See *1 reference in "Evidence-Based Research")
This first coupling impacts the biological oscillation coupling with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The Olfactory system also initiates the changes in brain waves. Other therapy “breath-work” approaches stop biological interventions at this point and begin on cognitive functions. However, PERC then proceeds to “couple” other rhythms, which ultimately impact mind and body interactions to bring your overall life rhythm to a health status (adjustment) from a dis-ease status.
Step 2: Coupling of gut-brain with heart-brain and head-brain
You learn to couple the vagus nerve rhythm (gut-brain functions) to the breath and heart rhythms with use of the "sighing pacemaker." The “sighing” is performed throughout the breath exhalation. Your auditory cortex “listens” to your “sighing” and produces waves of electrical activity which consists of theta and gamma rhythms. This coupling begins the activation of conscious awareness and integration of brain functions. (See*2 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research") The gamma rhythm activates the motor-movements brain functions.
Step 3: Coupling of myofascial unit with head-heart-gut brains
PERC increases the function of the integrated brains by coupling the Fascia Network via a variation of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). In the usual PMR training, you are trained to combine concentric and eccentric contractions. This means you first tense a muscle and then slowly release the tension while allowing the muscle to lengthen under controlled resistance. No other “coupling” is involved in usual PMR. This technique (concentric paired with eccentric) is the usual mode used in yoga and exercise routines, or some other variation on stretching and straining of muscles.
PERC couples concentric tensing with relaxation response. This coupling process begins by introducing you to the concept of body armoring units, which is used in body-work psychotherapy. You will apply Concentric contractions (with 4-count inhalation) followed by complete surrendering-relaxation response (with 8-count sighing exhalation) to each body unit. Progressing from top of body to your feet, you will gain somatic awareness of tension in six (6) muscle groups: facial muscles; shoulders and upper chest and upper back; arms and hands; pelvic unit; thighs and knees; calves and feet. With focus on each body unit, you will couple the breath and head-heart-gut brains. The process alternates between activating the alpha (tension) and gamma (relaxation) brain waves. Mind-Body integration begins with the coupling of PMR “contract-release” rhythm with myofascial network and its embedded lymphatic system functions.
This coupling technique utilizes the principles of neuronal “top-down” and “bottom-up” processing to achieve results. In “top-down” processing, you activate the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum to contract muscles. In “bottom-up” processing, the releasing of bodily tension produces proprioceptive stimulation from the myofascial unit that ascends to the brain via the spinal cord and the brainstem. Both “down & up” stimulatory networks are activated, which begins the “balancing” of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS: with the 4-count inhalation) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS: with the 8-count sighing exhalation). This coupling awakens the body's communication nervous system, which is based upon contraction and expansion of light and sound energy (see *3 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research").
The coupling with CSF increases with the myofascial network coupling. You now have achieved a congruence (adjustment) with Heart Brain, Gut Brain, and Head Brain. The PNS is now dominant over the "fight/flight" SNS. You have achieved “homeostasis” (the term used to describe a stable and balanced state of the body’s internal environment). This state is maintained through the coordinated actions of various systems, including the somatic nervous system which controls voluntary muscle movements.
Step 4: Coupling of PNS mindfulness with Homeostasis
PERC teaches you mindfulness for Interoceptive Perception (awareness of your internal body sensations). This is the start of “retraining” of your conscious awareness of the differences between the PNS state versus the SNS state. You begin to develop the ability to “activate” the relaxation response with focused breathing and a willful thought.
Step 5: Coupling of PNS “relaxation response” with Sensory input
PERC teaches you how to activate Exteroceptive Perception (awareness of your external senses of vision, smell/taste, tactile, and hearing). The brain centers which connect to the PNS become more active (with different brain waves dominating and switching as necessary). The PNS uses four of the 12 cranial nerves to process sensory information. (See *4 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research"). The auditory input is impacted by vagus nerve status and whether sensory activation is SNS or PMS dominant.
When psychotherapy techniques are introduced for resolving trauma, you will become more aware of the SNS “sensory filters” which serve to limit sensory awareness. When the PNS is dominant, you may experience sensory awareness which exists beyond the 5 senses.
Step 6: Coupling “relaxation response” to Baroreceptor
Now you are ready to maintain the shift to the PNS by developing a "muscle memory" via daily practice of the "relaxation response." This "habituation" begins to shift the baroreceptor resetting to a "new normal" of supporting the PNS functions rather than the SNS. The SNS has been maintaining your trauma survival response and the Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) mindset. The entire PERC process will impact the Oxytocin-Vasopression Pathway (See *5 Reference in "Evidence-Based Research") which are the most ancient peptide molecules which create human cognitive thoughts. When you consciously chose to begin the 4-8 deep breath pattern, this coupling will be activated.
Step 7: Coupling PERC with Movement
You will learn how to self-regulate the nervous system by integrating the 4-8 breath pattern with body movements. You will gain skills in doing slow micro-movements with focus on the breath rhythm as your body moves spontaneously. Starting from lying down position, you will then gradually move to other positions: rolling over, sitting, standing, etc. This process enables the body to recall childhood development of somatic body integration with breath and growing brain functions. Somatic sensing starts from cellular, with understanding of somatic senses such as vestibular and proprioceptive gravity awareness. These movements create a sense of “body safety” and can over-ride the SNS habits.
Step 8: Coupling life choices with PERC
Other biological systems begin shifting as you gain and apply knowledge of how your body communicates its needs to you. PERC uses cutting-edge science which integrates cellular cognition to human body-brain cognition. With the understanding of chemical biological consciousness, you can begin intentionally chosen wellness changes, such as diet and appropriate movement activities. An understanding of the fascia network and the lymphatic waste removal system will increase your coupling ability throughout the body and brain.
Step 9: Maintaining PERC Coupling while Introducing Trauma Techniques
After you have gained an understanding of the body health processes, PERC then introduces psychotherapy techniques for altering "stuck" beliefs and trauma-reactions which have not adjusted to the biological shifting of PNS dominant coupling. You gain skills of being able to shift from SNS to PNS in a balanced and goal-directed manner.
Changes begin in Repetitive thought (RT), defined as the process of thinking attentively, repetitively or frequently. RT can be an unconstructive negative form, such as worry and judgments, or a positive constructive form, such as planning, goal-setting, problem-solving. Therefore, RT can be a process for maladjustment or for adjustment. Within the treatment process of PERC, the focus is upon resolving Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT). RNT resolves as the biological rhythms become “coupled” with the domination of the PNS. The SNS becomes non-dominant and resumes its healthy position as a “danger coping” or “energy surge” mechanism, only intended for short-term activation.
Step 10: Creation of PNS-centered Life Skills and Habits
Then, while you remain in PNS focus, PERC utilizes constructive RT techniques to set new habits which utilize the network of the PNS rather than the “fight-flight” network of SNS. You learn how to self-maintain your chosen adjustments. Your body movements and speech patterns will also change. Gamma wave brain functions become the dominant energy. Speech will reflect the PNS mood state rather than the SNS state.
Step 11: Changing other life Habits to PNS Domination
Then you will integrate other learned body patterns, such as yoga, dance, exercise routines, integrating the 4-8 breath pattern into all muscle memory patterns. You will learn other PERC/IN-SYNC exercises for releasing rigid tension in each body part, moving from head to toe.
Step 12+: Mental Projections are altered as PNS Coupling strengthens
PERC steps 1 through 11 have focused upon your post-birth life experiences. Steps 12+ will introduce knowledge and techniques related to gestational (pre-birth) life experiences. The placenta (as the special life organ) and its experiences are available to your consciousness via the “intuition” of the PNS. (See section “The New Frontier for Rhythm Coupling” for research pertinent to this Advanced stage of your psychotherapy.)
How you perceive the world around you is a mirror reflection of your biological status. The change from SNS dominance to PNS dominance can transform how you communicate and connect — not just with others, but also with your unconscious self. Perception through the SNS is based upon your beliefs about others as well as yourself: whether you see them (or yourself) as helpless victims or with limitations. Perception through the PNS allows you to see them (and yourself) as resourceful and limitless, strong and boundless.
These mental perceptions can be divided into three elemental types: physiological, systemic, and cognitive-behavioral. PERC changes the physiological and systemic types. RNT and RT are cognitive-behavioral types. By this stage, you have gained some understanding of and ability to change RNT. Now, other “fixations” (also termed “beliefs”) become open to change. A fixation in PNS dominance is normally adaptive. Fixations in SNS dominance can become maladaptive. You will gain skills to alter maladaptive fixations.
A new guide emerges from the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) — called “intuition.” When the Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) chatter quiets, the intuition system speaks. Intuition whispers as a quiet knowing, inviting you to let go of control and of certainty, and to increase your trust in the unknown. Surrendering to the unknown is the path to possibility. Surrendering is courage, not passive resignation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). It’s the active energy needed for changing every moment, no matter how ordinary, into an experience of change.
PERC will also alter the abstract reasoning model for this Advanced psychotherapy. During Steps 1 through 11, PERC basically followed the Newtonian science linear model: A leads to B leads to C leads to D leads to E, etc. As you read through the various research articles, you were gradually introduced to a more complex Holistic science model of reasoning. Quantum Theory also joins in this model.
Quantum/Holistic science is interactive in all directions and with initiation beginning from any direction; and then moving to another function from the last interaction. This is a Matrix Communication Model. A, B, C, D, E all represent the various factors which interact with other factors, including physical functions, energetic functions, psychological factors, social environmental, etc. NOTHING is excluded from the MATRIX. Example: A interacts with B; A interacts with C; A interacts with D; A interacts with E. Example: B interacts with A; B interacts with C, etc. Example: C interacts with A; A interacts with D; D interacts with B, B interacts with C, C interacts with A, etc.
“Quantum Probability Interpretation (QBism)” states that the key issue is change of knowledge in the observer based on new information via the process of observing (Physicist K. Fuchs): “When a quantum state collapses, it’s not because anything is happening physically, it’s simply because this little piece of the world called a person has come across some knowledge, and he updates his knowledge…. So the quantum state that’s being changed is just the person’s knowledge of the world…” Nothing is changing in the external world, just changes in your internal understanding (beliefs, etc.) of how nature functions.
Science and testable knowledge become vital in this stage. The principles of Systems Healthcare increase in importance. The Matrix Communication Model requires your active participation is seeking and applying those various factors to your ultimate health goal. You will become aware of how health and/or disease result from the dynamical interactions of an individual’s intrinsic multi-omic components (e.g., genetic, epigenetic, etc.), their resultant phenotype, and the extrinsic (environmental) factors influencing your organic being.
*IN-SYNC TECHNIQUES
IN-SYNC: Integrative-Natural-Sensory-Yin Yang-Neuro-Cognitive
Integrative: combining science from current research such as neuro-brain studies, cognitive behavioral theories, and psychotherapy research, with integration of knowledge about evolutionary and biological developmental processes.
Natural: creating safety for the body systems (brain, nervous, digestive, etc.) to synchronize with one another in a natural manner.
Sensory: bringing conscious awareness to your internal (interoception) and external (exteroception) sensory experiences.
Yin Yang: balancing the opposites of head (mind) and gut (body) brains with the opposites of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Neuro-Cognitive: stages of treatment include psycho-education, breathing and relaxation training, sensory integration, psychotherapy for trauma issues, and neuro-learning for changing of dysfunctional beliefs.
PERSONALIZED EMBODIED RHYTHM COUPLING (PERC)
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What PERC is not
PERC is not “yoga training” nor “meditation” nor any New Age approach to spirituality. Though these practices may use some sort of breathing practice to activate the initial cognitive/emotional/bodily changes, the next steps of those practices differ significantly from PERC.
Meditation practices are ancient and arose in conjunction with human cultural societies. Meditation rituals of all sorts underlie social religions. https://positivepsychology.com/history-of-meditation/
Yoga arose later and encompasses a philosophical perspective, a theory of knowledge, and a precise system of practices. Yoga includes such disciplines as meditation, relaxation, control of breathing, and physical postures.
New Age beliefs are shared by Christians and non-Christians, including beliefs in reincarnation, astrology, psychics and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects like mountains or trees. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/10/01/new-age-beliefs-common-among-both-religious-and-nonreligious-americans/
PERC is evidence-based psychotherapy, provided to you by a Clinical Psychologist, licensed by the State of California at the highest Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) level. https://www.coursera.org/articles/doctorate
The APA (American Psychological Association) policy emphasizes integrating the best-available research with clinical experience. The effectiveness of psychotherapy is influenced by the unique characteristics of each patient, such as developmental history and life stage, personal problems, strengths, personality structure, functional status, readiness to change or engage in psychotherapy, degree of social support, and family and sociocultural factors (e.g., unemployment, major life events). Clinical decisions are made collaboratively with the patient with attention to costs, benefits, available resources, and options. Such decision-making involves ongoing monitoring and adjustment.
PERC follows a model that embodies “flexibility within fidelity” which relates to core components of research, rather than specific techniques, given that it is fidelity to core components during treatment that ensures good outcomes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5509639/
Teletherapy
Our teletherapy sessions allow clients to receive quality mental health care from the comfort and convenience of their own home. We utilize a secure and easy-to-use platform to provide clients with a safe and confidential space to discuss their concerns and work towards their goals.