Despite out-of-pocket costs and long waits for appointments already being a statewide issue, the truth is the citizens of northwest Denver are blessed to have more therapy options per capita than almost anywhere else in the state of Colorado.
From a glut of private practitioners to culturally responsive clinics such as Clinica Tepeyac (not to mention the free, 24-7 Colorado Crisis line, accessed by dialing 988), mental health help is there for those who seek it out.
That’s important because as we head into the holiday season and the winter months, mental health and wellness is more important than ever. Yet many folks don’t know there are simple techniques we can try in the privacy of our own homes to explore our own psyches and develop insight. One of my favorite techniques to do so is called the Sway Test.
The Sway Test was developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, an author and expert in the field of energy psychology. Dr. Nelson’s theory is that there is intelligence within our entire body, not just our brain. He developed a technique from his years of clinical experience as a chiropractor who expanded into the field of holistic medicine. The Sway Test is a method of gathering information from our subconscious mind, and it is very easy to learn and does not require the assistance of anyone else. To do the Sway Test, you simply must be able to stand on two feet.
Here’s how: Start in a standing position, feet firmly planted and shoulder-width apart, being sure not to lock your knees, and with your arms by your sides. Let go of all conscious thoughts and close your eyes if you are comfortable doing so. You’ll notice it’s impossible to actually stand still—your body typically sways almost imperceptibly. Then make a statement: When you vocally make a positive true statement, your body will begin to sway noticeably forward, Nelson’s theory being that a gentle sway forward represents a true or correct statement, while a gentle sway back on your heels represents a negative, untrue or incongruous statement.
Try this experiment: Take the Sway Test stance and make a statement you know to be true, for example your name. If your name is Alex, for example, and you say, “My name is Alex,” your subconscious mind knows the statement to be true and you’ll sway forward gently because your body is drawn to congruence and truth. Try it again with a false name, and you should feel your body begin to sway backward within a few seconds. Your body’s response time will shorten the more that you practice this phenomenon.
The most challenging form of this testing of our subconscious mind is that it requires our conscious mind to give up control for a few moments allowing our body to respond innately. We can implicitly trust the wisdom of our subconscious mind to help inform decisions large and small.
While it’s not a crystal ball, the Sway Test could be useful in a wide range of scenarios, like whether to enroll in a class, rekindle a friendship or pursue a side gig. It’s particularly useful in exploring the murky world of emotions, which often drives us to engage in behavior that’s befuddling.
May the Sway Test hold the answers to the emotions or subconscious thought patterns that are presenting barriers to you achieving the goals that you seek? Plant your feet, ask your questions and let your body’s sway speak.
Erin Olyer Rohlf is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), professional therapist and founder of Denver Couples Clinic. Call her at 720-644-1400 or find her at www.denvercouplesclinic.com to learn more or to suggest ideas for future columns.