The Cooper Sax ‘7Rs’ Model of Experiential Processing
INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT (BAST - The British Academy of Sound Therapy)
The 7R’s is a model that can be used to make sense of the way we experience life, the universe and everything! It is intended to be used as a therapeutic tool to navigate through the many different challenges in life and to develop strategies for helping to create and maintain flow. Flow = less stress and strain and as a result our health and wellbeing could improve.
This process invites an exploration of how we are feeling through different types of reflective process (inward and distanced). Although this model underpins the BAST Method the principles contained within are universal and can be used with or without therapeutic sound/voice. As you are reading this article, brushing your teeth, watching the TV or sitting in your local cafe these principles are at work - all we need to do is be aware of ourselves in the moment.
This model can support, guide and reassure you that even the most painful experience is ultimately an opportunity of learning and transformation.
Figure 1 The Cooper Sax ‘7 Rs’ Model of Experiential Processing
In order for us to make sense of our experience as we go through life, we have to interpret information coming back to us through our sensory organs (sight, taste, touch, etc). Our senses send messages to the brain which trigger myriad chemical reactions, thoughts, emotions and so on. The nature/nurture debate will continue for many years, but it is safe to say that we are the sum of our own experiences as well as learned behaviours through the experiences of others, (culture, environment, beliefs and so on). To be constantly aware of all of the input from every sense as we navigate through the day could potentially be overwhelming and exhausting so the brain often discards (or shelves) information that it may feel is not essential. We may also have learned (or chosen) to discard certain input that is important but we’re unable, for whatever reason to ‘look at’ or process it at that time. There is a wealth of research that shows that unresolved ‘stuff’ can lead to a range of different mental, emotional and physical illnesses. As well as this it can also lead to unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that can be disruptive to our lives and the lives of those around us.
This model always invites a deeper look at ourselves in a compassionate light. There is no right or wrong, there just is, in this moment, us. This model invites us to stop and take a look, to allow more input from the senses to guide us and to notice how we feel when there is flow, and when there is a lack of flow. It enables us to find ways to create more flow and ultimately improve our health and wellbeing.
RECOGNITION – Recognition is the act of seeing oneself and in doing so, it offers us the potential to shed light on an issue (illumination). When we are present and open to the signs that we are receiving from our senses, we become more sensitive and connected to our environment and those in it. Through these connections we gain valuable insights into what serves us and what doesn’t and this, in turn, empowers us (responsibility) to make changes (reframing) that may increase flow (resonance). Although the 7Rs is not a linear model, Recognition could be seen as the first step as without this awareness, we would not be able to know whether there is resonance, resistance or release.
RESONANCE - Resonance can broadly be defined as a relationship (or interaction) between oneself and our outer world that is perceived as positive.
The word ‘resonance’ is defined as follows:
1. Richness or significance, especially in evoking an association or strong emotion.
2. A relationship of mutual understanding or trust and agreement between people. Oxford English Dictionary, Collins (2013)
Referring to the 7Rs model we can see that resonance signifies that there is a relationship with something and as a result there is the opportunity for us to see ourselves more clearly. Using a ‘sound’ example, you may hear a Himalayan bowl and feel uplifted and full of love. Reflecting on this example we would say that the Himalayan bowl sound enabled the person to see the love in themselves through their relationship with the sound.
RESISTANCE - Resistance can be seen as a ‘pushing against’, a ‘denial of’, or a ‘holding back’ from the natural flow of things. It could be seen as an ‘argument against reality/the way things are’. Referring to the 7 Rs model we can see that resistance has the potential for release. In our work at BAST we do not judge resistance as being ‘bad’ or ‘negative’, instead we welcome it - for it can lead us to more life-affirming ways of being.
RESPONSIBILITY - …everything in your life is a projection….blame and excuses are easy. They let you avoid responsibility. But your life is all about total responsibility. When you look around, all you notice is seen within your own mind. How it got there is from your own mental filters. To change anything, you must change the inside. Vitale (2006)
When we take full responsibility for our thoughts, feelings and behaviours we have the potential for profound transformation to take place. Everything is a projection based on our own internal beliefs/world view. When we recognise this we realise that we are fully in the driving seat of our process, which is very empowering.
REFLECTION - Reflecting upon our resistance is key to the transformational process. There are different types of reflection (self-distanced and inward). When we observe ourselves as if from outside, we can get a slightly more ‘removed’ view of oneself. When we focus on how we are feeling withing (inward reflection) we can gain deeper insight into connections that may have been hidden. For example, a client may realise that their backpain is connected to the lack of support they get from their work-colleagues. As professional sound facilitators we are helping a client to see themselves more clearly through the reflection process (rather like looking in a mirror). At BAST we use a series of questions which guide the therapeutic process and focus the client in a non-directive way.
Referring to the 7Rs model, reflection signifies self-awareness and offers the potential for learning. Embracing the reflective process enables one to learn so much about the different layers of an issue.
RELEASE - Release, within the therapeutic space, is a good thing because it indicates that something is moving, that resistance is being worked through. Release can manifest physically (release of tension in the body), emotionally (through tears or laughter), mentally (e.g. new insight or awareness), or spiritually (e.g. surrender and a renewed sense of connection). How the release manifests and on what level (be it physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual) can enlighten us to where the resistance was held. This can help us to guide the treatment by helping us choose techniques/instruments/inter-sessional tasks.
Referring to the 7Rs model, release signifies liberation – freedom from resistance. If you have experienced release then this is an indication that there was a resistance on some level. Release can by-pass the conscious level – we may not know where the release has come from and in many ways it does not matter. If it is necessary to know where the release was rooted (which will be a resistance) then this can be done through the process of reflection. Through release we are able to gain clarity into our process.
REFRAMING – Reframing is changing our thoughts and behaviours and ‘trying on’ a new way of being. If we didn’t have our resistance any more how would we feel? Visualise putting the unhelpful thoughts/feelings/issue in a bag or backpack and feeling the weight of it. Then see what it’s like to put it down for a while (you can pick it up again any time you want to.) How does it feel? It is likely that you would feel lighter, brighter, freer (resonance). You may also feel a little scared (resistance) or have a few tears (release) - this is perfectly normal. In a session reframing is done gently and only when appropriate, but for many clients is an important (and powerful) way to enable positive change and transformation.
HUMAN FLOURISHING - At the centre of the model is ‘human flourishing’. If we are open to exploring our experience in its myriad forms (resonance, resistance, release), reflecting on the important ‘stuff’ as it arises (when appropriate), taking responsibility for our own thoughts, feelings and behaviours and reframing as necessary, we are definitely flourishing!
REFERENCES
Oxford English Dictionary (2013), Collins
Vitale, Joe. Life’s Missing Instruction Manual: The Guidebook You Should Have Been Given at Birth, John Wiley & Sons Inc, Hoboken, New Jersey, 2006
