Two events happened last week . George Leonard died, and a new colleague  of  mine offered me a chance to experience a “one-shot” sure-fire therapy session.

George lived an amazing life.  He was an award-winning editor for Look Magazine, a many time author, a 5th degree aikido black belt, and a jazz pianist. He coined the term “human potential movement” and went on to work with Esalen founder Michael Murphy to develop a “householder’s practice” called ITP (Integral Transformative Practice).

I studied aikido with George and was a member of ITP when I moved to California in 1998.

The ITP philosophy was that deep sustainable change takes practice. After years of watching people have seemingly transformative experiences in Esalen workshops only to lose it later, Michael and George deduced that these kind of growth leaps were not sustainable. Intense experiences could result in openings in consciousness, but a daily multi-dimensional practice was needed to maintain deep change.

My own experience mirrors their philosophy. I think the work that we do with IFS gradually transforms the internal landscape of the personality and makes deep change possible. As our parts develop trusting relationships with our larger Self, our outlook shifts, and we have a more fluid access to our capacities. The IFS unburdening process can dramatically open a log-jammed internal system and create a new avenues of possibility. But I think change needs regular support.

Sustainable change is supported when our new capacities and attitudes are reflected by our environment. I have seen many people, new to therapy, find themselves doing a relationship house-cleaning. They find that many old friendships and even family relationships don’t resonate with their new sense of themselves. We need reflection; whether from a therapist, a co-counselor, a friend, a reliable partner, or a support community. This helps us integrate the change.

Disciplined practices that create inner space are the most valuable—ones that support Self energy and build the muscles that help us see our parts as they emerge into consciousness. There are many types of meditation or prayer that serve this purpose. Chi kung, yoga, and many of the martial arts serve to enhance the internal field where Self can flower.

As for my colleague, I suspect this “new” methodology can be a part of a practice that incorporates other modalities. Perhaps it can seem revolutionary to clients who have not entertained this idea.  I truly believe that preparing the vessel increases the likelihood of grace descending.