Depth Hypnosis Archives - Applied Buddhist Psychology

Article: The Healing Potentials of Buddhist Philosophy in a Modern Therapeutic Environment

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Article, Depth Hypnosis, Isa Gucciardi, Mind Training

In articulating Buddhism primarily as a path of healing, the teachings at the Sacred Stream offer the living transmission of Buddhism accessible to individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds. The classes at the Sacred Stream combine accessibility and authenticity of Buddhist practice in a way that does not require a rigidity of cultural expression and does not sacrifice the authenticity of a living Dharma tradition. This is a tremendous contribution to all who desire to deepen their understanding of practice in Buddhism but have been uncertain at how they can practice genuinely, without appropriation, and without forcing themselves into unfamiliar cultural practices.

Article: The Unseen Teacher

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Applied Shamanism, Article, Buddhism, Depth Hypnosis, Empowered Living, Inner Wisdom, Isa Gucciardi

By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

Teaching and learning have never been separate for me. As a learner, I have always been keenly aware of the fact that I am being taught from within as I try to master a skill. I can feel the internal teaching change me in a different way than the external learning changes me. I remember being taught how to sight read as I was learning to play the piano. My piano teacher taught me the concept of matching the notes on the page with the notes on the keyboard, but when I read the notes on the page, I could feel an unseen teacher aligning me with the music. I was being taught how to play the piano, but I was also learning a new alignment to the world.

Article: The Journey: Buddhism and Shamanism at the Crossroads

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Applied Shamanism, Article, Buddhism, Depth Hypnosis, Inner Wisdom, Isa Gucciardi, Shamanic Journey, The Eightfold Path

By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

We live in a time of paradox. On the one hand, wars and conflicts of all sorts rage all around us. The Earth is buckling under the effect of them. We also live in a time where there are opportunities for innovative solutions to our situation. We could focus on different types of innovations – technology, new ways of doing business, and more. But here, I would like to focus on the new spiritual and healing possibilities that are emerging to address this crisis. These approaches to addressing the difficulties of the current time can help us explore consciousness in ways that might not be accessible in less tumultuous times.

Buddhist Meditation in Depth Hypnosis

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Blog, Buddhism, Depth Hypnosis, Empowered Living, Inner Wisdom, Isa Gucciardi, Mind Training

By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

Depth Hypnosis is a therapeutic process that blends elements of Shamanism, Buddhism, transpersonal psychology, hypnotherapy, and energy medicine. Buddhism is one of the main engines of Depth Hypnosis, and meditation is one of many tools we use to help clients alter their state of consciousness. Meditation enables clients to shift their focus from their "thinking minds" to their inner experience.

On the Air: Inner Truth Podcast Episode #001: Conflict As A Gateway To Peace with Isa Gucciardi

Abuse, Addiction, Applied Buddhist Psychology, Applied Shamanism, Buddhism, Depth Hypnosis, On The Air

The Inner Truth podcast looks at the central questions of human life, what does it mean to be human, and how can we be fully alive? Inner Truth explores answers to these questions through ancient and contemporary spiritual wisdom along with insights from the fields of psychology, philosophy, and mythology. It also looks at the role of shamanism, meditation, and reconnection with nature as tributaries into the inner self, the wellspring of our inner source in knowledge. In the premier episode, Inner Truth host David Newell catches up with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. - Founding Director and lead teacher of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream - to talk about conflict, the ways we can take steps to resolve it, and how it can be gateway to profound internal growth and healing.

Special Announcement: Sacred Stream Offering Series of Workshops in Iowa’s Quad Cities Region This May

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Depth Hypnosis, Empowered Living, Integrated Energy Medicine, Isa Gucciardi, News

Starting May 9, Sacred Stream will be offering some of their most popular workshops in Iowa’s Quad Cities region. Courses available include: Coming to Peace: Methods of Conflict Resolution (Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha), Expanding Consciousness: The Four Immeasurables Resolution (Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha), Embracing the Sacred Feminine (Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, Wheatland), Consciousness and Integrated Energy Medicine (Bettendorf Public Library, Bettendorf), and The Path of Service and the Nature of Suffering (Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, Wheatland).

Blog: The Two Truths: Finding Meaning in Difficult Situations

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Blog, Buddhism, Cases, Depth Hypnosis, Relationships

By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

In a recent dinner conversation with friends, the Buddhist concept of the Two Truths came up. In Buddhist philosophy, the Two Truths offers an explanation of the nature of reality. The discussion wound around to how I introduced adapted elements of the Two Truths to students in the Depth Hypnosis Foundation Course. This adaptation is a bit like an overview, making the concept a little easier to grasp and apply in a Western context.

Article: Relationship as a Vehicle for Consciousness

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Article, Depth Hypnosis, Empowered Living, Energetic Patterns, Karma, Relationships

By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

Relationship forms the core of our experience as humans. We define ourselves and are defined by the nature of our relating. The Buddhist concept of interdependence affirms that nothing exists independently. Everything exists interdependently. In relationship, we do not and cannot exist independently of one another. It is through relationship that we come to know ourselves. It is through relating that we hold up a mirror to others for them to come to know themselves. Others do the same for us, providing us with information about ourselves that we could not see without the lens of relating. In this way, relationship provides us with a path of revelation. As we learn more about ourselves, our experience takes on richer meaning.

Blog: Finding Power in Powerlessness

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Blog, Depth Hypnosis, Empowered Living, Personal Responsibility, Relationships

By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

The roots of anger, and indeed, the roots of many potentially destructive emotions, lie in powerlessness. Most people would not choose destructive emotions as a way to gain control over circumstances if they could learn to tolerate not having control over the situations around them. It is important to be gentle with yourself and have self-compassion as you learn to be present with your anger. It is easier to be compassionate with yourself if you can trust your ability to take responsibility for any way you may have harmed yourself or another with anger. In this way, you won't look for the easy "out," but instead learn everything you have to learn from the way you have related to your anger. In this way, you can understand the roots of your anger more fully, make amends where needed, and honor the information contained in your anger.

Blog: Listening to Anger

Applied Buddhist Psychology, Blog, Depth Hypnosis, Energetic Patterns, Personal Responsibility, Relationships

By Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.

There is a Mahayana Buddhist idea that everything in our experience is part of the path to enlightenment. This is very important to remember when we find ourselves wanting to avoid relating to others because it seems too overwhelming. We must remember that everything that comes up in our experience is workable.