What is Totem Pole?
The ability to ‘image’ or engage in mental imagery is a capacity with which we are all born. Although when reviewing the history of Western medicine we can trace the use of imagery in the healing arts all the way back to ancient Greece, imagery fell into disfavour in recent decades as people came to rely solely on their five senses and logical mind.
However, in recent years imagery is reclaiming its status among the healing arts. The imagination, clearly a manifestation of the human soul, is increasingly practiced by many and its therapeutic value widely acknowledged by practitioners of different therapeutic traditions. All human interactions are accompanied by human imaging, and it has become clear that the image has a direct as well as indirect, powerful influence on the mind, the body and its processes.
A powerful process which utilizes guided imagery and deep relaxation, the Personal Totem Pole Process is a unique blend of three elements: Carl G. Jung's technique of Active imagination, the eastern practice of understanding the human being as a system of inter-related energies (chakras), and the Native American Practice of speaking to and learning from animals. This process was developed by Dr. E.S. Gallegos, and is aimed at deeply exploring, understanding and healing the different aspects of our inner selves.
By the use of deep imagery, a person is guided to meet an animal in each of their chakras, or energy centers. The Personal Totem Pole Process can thus be used as a powerful diagnostic tool, as the condition of each chakra is clearly reflected by the state of the animal which “belongs” to it. An injured, weak or caged animal, for example, may indicate stagnation in the energy flow of a particular chakra, while a strong and health animal similarly reflects the health of our chakras. By communicating with the animals directly, observing their behavior, moods and listening to their words and messages, we are granted with a powerful and effective means of knowing our very soul and empowering ourselves.
The Personal Totem Pole Process, however, allows for more than diagnosis. It is also a most effective means for the promotion of healing. By gathering the chakra animals in a council, they all work together towards each other’s growth and well being. During this process, issues which the person has not consciously or adequately faced are brought to the fore and are dealt with by the chakra animals, in a safe and supportive space. As people resolve their issues with the help of the animals, the animals grow stronger and healthier, and in turn can offer greater support to each other and the person, promoting a greater sense of harmony and balance in one’s life. The relationship we establish with our chakra animals reflects the relationship we have with the different aspects of our very soul. Thus, as we journey hand in hand with our animals, we are led on an empowering and transformative journey back to ourselves.
This work is suitable for people of all ages, and can be learnt in a group or individual setting. It is especially effective for working with children, who seem to have a natural inclination to work with this technique. The Personal Totem Pole Process has proven itself to be a most effective and empowering tool and can be successfully used to bring about the resolution of a variety of presenting problems. Due to its unique nature it is especially effective in bypassing resistance and defenses in a gentle yet powerful way.
What does the center offer?
- Foundation courses in The Personal Totem Pole Process for small groups
- Advanced courses in The Personal Totem Pole Process for small groups, with a special in depth emphasis on chakra work
- Totem Pole courses for children
- Totem Pole trainings especially adapted to companies
- Individual sessions
- Special trainings for health care professionals and educators
- Introductory evenings and lectures
All courses are currently led by Arvick Baghramian and are available throughout the world. For complete course descriptions, please click here. For further information on upcoming courses, trainings, events and group meetings, please contact us or visit current activities in Freedom Within Center.
Individual sessions with Totem Pole practitioners are available in Israel, Spain, UK and Hungary. For a complete list of Totem Pole practitioners throughout the world, please click here.
If you wish to experience The Personal Totem Pole Process but cannot find a course or practitioner close to us, please contact us for a possibility of organizing a course close to you.
Courses
CLICK HERE to see which Totem Pole courses are offered.
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