Q. Can I do Holistic Renewal on my own?

A. Theoretically yes, practically no.

The book, Sing Your Own Song, Dance Your Own Dance provides a lot of good information about the philosophy, the principles, and the process. It even has suggestions about specific steps you might want to take, and detailed descriptions of a number of techniques. In a sense, then, the pieces are all there, ready for you to put them in place. So yes, it's theoretically possible.

But in practice, an interactive process is essential. You can do the tango with a broomstick, but you don't get the zing of dancing with a hot date. Or, try this now: Go ahead and tickle yourself! Partnering with yourself has its limitations.

The expertise of a guide does not come from just book learning. It is not just theoretical. Wherever you need to go, she knows the way there and back.

Q. Is Holistic Renewal a cult? Do I have to join up, recruit others, pay money?

A. Sorry, we do not qualify as a cult, a church, or even a political action group. Of course if you enroll in a workshop, you do risk meeting some kindred souls and even making some friends. But no, you need not recruit anyone — just yourself, if you are so inclined. if it works for you, fine. If you wish to share with a friend, again fine. But that would be strictly between you and your friend.

The main point is that, in Holistic Renewal you find a wealth of possibilities for your own use and edification.

Money is involved only to the extent that you order products, such as books, enroll in a workshop or training course, or make an appointment with a guide. These are not princely sums and should come from your budget for health care and self-development. No need to sign over your worldly possessions.

Q. Is Holistic Renewal a type of therapy?

A. Yes and no. There are similarities and differences in both goals and process.

Holistic Renewal accomplishes some of the same goals as conventional therapy: both resolve psychological and emotional problems. But Holistic Renewal is much more encompassing: it is not focused on resolving specific problems and pathology, but aims to restore the wholeness of the person.

Conventional therapy and Holistic Renewal both delve into your inner process. But conventional therapy restricts itself to the mind and the feelings, and the body is involved only to the extent that medications may be administered. Holistic Renewal works with the whole person and respects the uniqueness of each individual. It involves body, mind, spirit, and environment, and it works directly and specifically to integrate all four. Once that is accomplished, problems and pathologies are either eliminated automatically, or become readily resolvable.

Q. Can Holistic Renewal be used to work out relationships between a couple or within a family?

A. Very definitely. It is particularly effective where both participants are already familiar with Holistic Renewal. But the principles, and many of the techniques, apply across the board to individuals, couples, and families, regardless of prior experience.

Q. Where can I make an appointment with a guide?
What if I am not in commuting distance?

A. At present, in-person appointments and workshops are available only in California: In the San Diego Area on a regular basis, and in the San Francisco Bay Area by special arrangement. However, telephone appointments can be arranged. A mix of in-person and telephone contacts has worked out for a number of people in the past. Often people come for a week of Holistic Renewal, then follow up with telephone appointments from home.

Q. Do I have to be a licensed mental health professional
to get trained to deliver Holistic Renewal?

A. Usually, yes. But each case is considered on its own merits. The critical thing is that you have worked on your own process and can help others do the same. To be a Holistic Renewal guide is a serious profession and a sacred trust.

Q. How do I get started with Holistic Renewal?

A. You already have, by browsing this web site. Information is the first step in the process as well as in determining your interest and whether to proceed with it. Beyond the web site, you can go to the book to get more information; you can try a workshop to survey the inner landscape, and/or you can set up an appointment with a guide to explore in depth. Your choice. Q. How much time does it take to do Holistic Renewal?

A. You do have to invest some time at the beginning to learn the process and deal with major issues: usually about 30-40 hours in workshops and personal sessions.

Once you get into the habit of being continually conscious of your inner process, the work becomes part of your routine. you just automatically operate from a different perspective. Eventually it takes hardly any extra time at all. In fact, you will save time, because you do not have to do it over, or clean up the mess after doing it wrong the first time.

Q. I have a chronic health condition. Should I see a physician first?

A. Chances are, you have already seen a physician, perhaps many times, especially if you have been diagnosed with a serious health condition. Still, if you are unclear, or if you only suspect that you have some health condition, it might be helpful to get a definitive diagnosis from your physician, along with whatever recommendations he/she has to offer. Then, if you want something more than what standard medicine has to offer, check out the book. You are welcome to read the book and avail yourself of other resources on this web site and beyond.

Q. Will the guide have to talk with my therapist/doctor?

A. After discussing the situation with your guide, that may well turn out to be the best option. The choice is always yours.

Q. Do you need to see my medical records?

A. It may well be that there is some important information about you in those records. If so, they would help you and your guide to better coordinate the help you are getting. It depends on how it looks to you after working with your guide. Always, the choice is yours.

Q. I am a therapist. Can I refer a patient for Holistic Renewal and still continue to work with him?

A. Definitely. If you do refer her, we will coordinate our work with yours. Your patient can do the process during a hiatus in therapy, such as when you go on a vacation for a week or two. Or he can do it as a parallel, coordinated process while continuing therapy with you.

Such an arrangement can be especially useful when you feel your work has reached a stuck point, and you keep recycling old patterns of resistance. You both get a fresh perspective and your work becomes easier and more gratifying. Since our work is more educational and short-term, the transference issues are minimal, and therefore should not interfere with transference towards you.

Q. As a psychiatrist, I work with many deeply disturbed individuals. can Holistic Renewal help them?

A. Holistic Renewal can be of great benefit to a wide range of problems and conditions. People with various anxiety-based conditions generally benefit dramatically in a very short period of time. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — whether from a recent accident, a childhood trauma, a war experience — is also especially responsive. We have worked successfully with depressed individuals, helping them find within themselves subpersonalities still capable of joy and competence. We have used Holistic Renewal to work with individuals with other serious problems, including some who indulged in "recreational drugs" and then developed psychotic- like symptoms. We have even helped some schizophrenics control their auditory hallucinations, and to manage their anxiety and anger better, thus minimizing their acting-out behavior or avoiding it altogether. Another common result is that the need for medication is reduced (so your continued monitoring would be important.)