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Abstract
The author discusses the tenets and applications of the psychology of mind/health realization theory (POM/HR), stating that, although used for the past 27 years, it is still unfamiliar to many in the helping professions. This therapeutic model has been best described by Roger Mills and George Pransky. It fits in well with the trend toward strengths-based practice, focusing on the client's resources and resilience, on self-empowerment and self-help, effectiveness and efficiency. It can be taught and implemented easily, and, among other advantages, allows here-and-now focus on feelings of well-being rather than on painful thoughts and disturbing memories.
COMMON SENSE AND WISDOM are the keys to optimal mental health and are always available as a default setting. Just as human bodies have the survival capacity, honed by evolution, to maintain homeostasis and to heal, minds also have innate, self-righting mechanisms accessed through common sense and wisdom (Mills & Spittle, 2001). This theory is called psychology of mind/health realization (POM/HR)1. Practitioners report achieving positive outcomes, mobilizing strengths and catalyzing further growth through a brief and efficient helping process.
This article is based on the work of several POM/HR theorists and practitioners (Bailey, 1990, 1999; Banks, 1998, 2000, 2001; Carlson, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999; Carlson & Bailey, 1997; Mills, 1995; Mills & Spittle, 2001; Pransky, 1990, 1998; Suarez, Mills, & Stewart, 1987), and in it, I discuss the rationale for using the approach, introduce basic concepts, explore techniques and applications, and help you to identify additional resources.
Thought as the Foundation for Feeling and Behaving
The POM/HR conceptual framework is consonant with cognitive psychology (Beck, Freeman, & Associates, 1990; Ellis, 1962) and states that thought is the foundation for feeling and behavior. Thinking is the process by which one produces thought. Beliefs are conditioned patterns of thought, and memories are thoughts about past events.
Thought creates feeling, as method actors know well, thinking of an anger-provoking experience to get into the part. Thoughts and feelings guide our actions, producing behaviors.
Thought Creates Reality
The constructivists (Watzlawick, 1984) state that people create their picture of reality. POM/HR would add that this reality is constructed by thoughts. The senses take in stimuli, which are given meaning by one's thinking. Unaware of the process, one equates these perceptions...