Grinberg Method

The Grinberg Method is a discipline of attention characterized by an emphasis on body attention, perception and direct personal experience of the individual. It aims to teach people through the body to be attentive to themselves and their surroundings, and stop automatic limiting habits in order to increase their ability to recuperate, attain personal goals and well-being. The method was developed in the early 1980s by Avi Grinberg and today is practiced internationally.

The founder
The method was developed by Avi Grinberg (b. 1955), who engaged in the study and practice of different techniques and methods of various cultures, dedicated to healing and recovery. After several years of working and applying what he had learned he realized that people lacked the know-how of their natural capacity for self-healing and prevention of conditions that diminish their quality of life.

Out of this observation he transformed his whole approach, from that of healing people to that of teaching them how to be involved and responsible for their own well-being. Later he described his observations and reasoning in the book Fear, Pain and Some Other Friends (1994).

Today he concentrates on further development of the method and continues to teach qualified practitioners, trainers and teachers.

Development of the method
After practicing his new approach for a few years, Avi Grinberg was asked to teach what he specialized in, which at that time was the expanded outlook of foot-analysis, reflexology and bodywork. Initially teaching through courses, he gradually consolidated his teachings into a structured methodology. The demand for more teachings led subsequently to the opening of the first school of the Grinberg Method in the late 1980s in Israel. Following the publication of his book Holistic Reflexology in 1989 the method spread to Europe and from there went on to be practiced internationally.

Today there are hundreds of independent Qualified Practitioners working around the world and schools teaching the profession in several European countries. The method continues to progress, evolve and refine itself in different topics and aspects, both professionally and in its structure.

Shifting attention from mind to body
The method's emphasis on body attention is derived from the observation and comprehension that life is experienced by the body - people's thoughts, actions, feelings and sensations are all expressed in and through the body. The body is constantly attentive to a myriad of elements occurring within itself and its environment. It does so while adjusting and responding to reality in a way which fits to the aim of any living creature - surviving and prospering. As such, people's attention comes from the whole body; it encompasses the ability to feel the world around and interact with it on many attentive levels. Body attention is essentially non-verbal and is in effect the experience itself.

The method claims that uninterrupted, the body will display the natural, inherent inclination to take care of itself, heal, adapt to an ever-changing reality, develop and be fulfilled, thus constantly aiming to reach closer to a state of well-being. However, the method points out, whereas the body is always in the present and in reality, human attention - and specifically the attention that comes from the mind - can easily move elsewhere, to a quasi-place referred to as "the inner world".

The inner world - a term used by the method to indicate the collection of past events, memories, feelings and associations, old pain and fear, beliefs, explanations, theories, and the like, which are accumulated throughout people's lives. When attention is focused and even trapped in the perspective of the inner world, it acts as a filter to what is experienced, causing people to live an inner life disconnected from reality, physicality and the body. It is the opposite of attention being directed to the body and through it to reality.

Stopping patterns of behavior
The methodology being used to bring about an intended change, consists of noticing and clarifying what is happening routinely and moreover, what experience one is having repeatedly (by drawing on an approach similar to the Socratic Method of inquiry) and "then having the willingness and ability to stop it". The method focuses on a recurring reaction and pattern of behavior of the individual in relation to a routine situation which one wants to alter, maintaining that what a person can really control and be responsible for, is his own reaction.

It teaches to recognize and sense physically how a constant and mostly automatic reaction (done without/or little attention and control) appears as an experience of one's body and attention and how one is producing it physically. Automatic reactions are comparable to conditioned patterns of behavior (in different psychological models such as behaviorism and behavioral medicine). When conditioning combines unnecessary behavioral components with adpative behaviors (that are rewarded), a misguided, harmful learning will ensue, that limits the ability of the body to balance itself. Conditioning has been shown to be a possible cause or contribute to maintaining different illness Once a person learned more control he can then choose to stop and allow something new.

Stopping - In this context stopping means to cease all that one is doing as part of the habit. It is a physical act done with body attention, will and choice, to discontinue the part of the experience that one can perceive and control. The method describes for example: a person is scared while studying for an exam and reacts by breathing shallow, contracting the shoulders and diaphragm, locking the knees, becoming worried, hating the situation and preferring to disappear. By paying attention and learning to purposefully reproduce and to stop all these, "...the person can choose to refuse the reaction, relax the shoulders and diaphragm, unlock the knees, breathe differently and stop judging and blaming".

The method claims that by learning to stop an automatic reaction in this manner, one can get a clearer, unattached perspective of the situation and will have gained more control and freedom to choose how to be, thereby creating the desired change. The act of stopping is akin but not identical to the concept of "letting go", as described by Alexander Lowen: "Only by stopping her doing can she reach her being" and "The therapeutic process...involves a "letting go" of these holding actions,...It is not a matter of learning how to be but of learning how not to do.

Letting the body work - The Grinberg Method uses this term to describe the act of allowing the body to function more freely and rebalance itself. For example, after stopping a habit of contracting the belly, it can begin to gurgle and digest, or after stopping the habit of contracting the chest and being rigid and indifferent, a warm flow can spread with sensation of expanded muscles, flexibility and enthusiasm.

Gaining efficiency in the ability to stop and letting the body work in this way requires practice. In regards to actualizing this, Grinberg writes "The verbal answer to the practical question, "How is it done?"...is like that of the Zen monk. If we do not interfere, it happens". He acknowledges that this may sound mysterious or nonsensical yet explains that this is due to the minds inability to comprehend the total experience of the body and limitations in language. In addition, because one of the main features of habits is repetition, un-doing them usually requires training so it is assimilated within the scope of one's possibilities.

Personal history
When dealing with patterns of behavior, a great deal of importance is placed on separating past from the present, or "being free of the past". The renowned philosopher and Nobel Prize laureate Bertrand Russel writes: "In the case of living organism, practically everything that is distinctive both of their physical and of their mental behavior is bound up with this persistent influence of the past...the change in response is usually...biologically advantageous to the organism". He summarizes Richard Semon's observations and uses the term "mnemic phenomena" and Engram to refer to the responses of an organism, "When a certain complex of stimuli has originally caused a certain complex of reaction, the recurrence of part of the stimuli tends to cause the recurrence of the whole of the reactions". Habits were learned in the past through repeated situations or intense experiences (such as traumas), and are manifested physically as contracted areas, weakness, posture, pain and more.

According to the method, to continue habits automatically means to repeat history, not to perceive reality directly now but rather through filters of the inner-world that include past conclusions and believes, old fear and pain, recurring moods etc. The idea of unresolved or "open" issue actually refers to a state of past imbalance that was never corrected, and which resurfaces repeatedly, as an "open-ended gestalt.

Relating to personal history through the body is focused on stopping conclusions that are not relevant anymore to the present reality of one's life, and gaining back innate qualities and strength that were not available before.

Fear
Fear is a natural protection mechanism, an integral capacity that enables recognition of potential threat. Fear triggers various physical responses that alert, energize and enable quick and relevant action in a dangerous situation. While fear appears at the moment danger arises, human beings can anticipate a fearful event that might happen and trigger a similar response although nothing dangerous is happening. Humans can also be intimidated by fear itself as if that was the "enemy", resulting in efforts to resist, avoid and exclude from experiencing.

According to the method, these tendencies are maladaptive reactions that are self-limiting by interfering with the natural processing of fear. Medical research shows that "As long as fear is the response to actual danger, it is a natural and even useful phenomenon”, and that letting the body naturally process fear is what teaches one to effectively handle it, “If you try to run away from it, if you try to hide from it, if you take a Xanax, if you don’t stick it out until it naturally subsides, then that’s actually how you perpetuate fear”.

The Grinberg Method describes that what people generally identify as fear (for example: I freeze, I feel helpless, all my muscles cramp, I cannot breathe) is actually their reaction to fear, as mostly they are not in a fight-or-flight-or-freeze situation. Other reactions to fear include worry, hesitation, anxiety, distrust, panic and more.

The teaching about fear in the Grinberg Method aims to stop automatic reactions to it embedded in the body and in one's perception. It also addresses old fears and conclusions drawn from them, which have a negative effect on the body and in people's life. People are taught to use their attention and physicality to stop blocking fear and instead allow it as a sensation of flow or movement of energy, and so gain the benefits it can bring such as vitality, clarity of thinking, concentration, decisiveness and more.

Pain
The Grinberg Method relates to pain as it is a major part of the human condition and attention. Pain is the body's way to indicate a state of being unwell, of injury or Illness. It can also be a warning sign when there is harm to the general well-being, as in events such as loss, failure, separation, etc. It is an essential element of the body's defense system, prompting the healing process and vital for continued healthy existence,  and is one of the most powerful forces to affect life, behavior and the ability to learn. Yet, the method claims, despite it being a natural facet of life, one which the body can largely accommodate and transform, usually people do not know how to let the body deal with it, consequently generating much fear, efforts to avoid it and complications.

The experience of pain is subjective, variable within the perception of the individual, and is influenced by other factors like cultural values, social expectations and previous experiences. The latter may manifest in behavior, for example: ignoring, overcoming pain, or blaming and dramatizing. Such tendencies are usually taught, learned and repeated from an early age, sometimes to adjust to a particular situation, but can become a default reaction whenever any pain exists.

To the method's view, these reactions, which appear to be inseparable from the pain, distract attention away from the body in an attempt to reduce the intensity and impact of pain. The effort to resist and block pain away, to perceive it different, appears as muscular tension, contraction, reduced breathing, rigidity and limitation of movements. It is a struggle done with excess effort, that when persists, can add more pain and render it chronic. It also strains, weakens and exhausts and may lead to recurring moods, change of attitude and suffering.

Practicing the methodology is intended to teach people to gain control and stop all that they continuously do to avoid the existing pain, to be fully attentive with their body and perceive the full experience of it. When this is allowed, more energy is free to be directed and invested in dealing with the pain and other sensations around it, giving the body a better opportunity to mend and heal. This can be applied to any form of pain or discomfort, and regular focused practice can develop more confidence and courage to cope in painful circumstances.

Tools of the method
The teaching of the Grinberg Method employs varied techniques that aim to expand body-attention in combination with verbal communication. These include, depending on the activity, the use of techniques of touch, foot analysis and foot-work, questionnaires, descriptive writing, exercises and free movement.

Beyond that, the method considers it imperative that the approach and attitude of teaching and learning be kept throughout any activity. To that end they explain the following:

Instructive touch - touch is viewed as a way of communicating with the body and the techniques of touch are used in order to teach. Touch serves to pull a person's attention away from the inner world, calling it to focus on a certain area in the body and the experience that takes place. Four basic types of touch with numerable variations and about two hundred techniques are used.

Talking to the body - Verbal communication is used to clarify a person's experience, focus attention and affect the body. Importance is placed, when conversing, on shifting attention from the verbal concepts to include the full and real experience in the body. Therefore language is used in a descriptive and direct manner, clarifying any expressions or phrases that could have a different meaning or interpretations.

Personal process
A personal process is a series of sessions conducted by a Qualified Practitioner with a client. The process begins with defining the client's aim and agreeing on what recurring reaction needs to be stopped in order to reach it. This is described verbally and by showing how it appears in the body and in connection to everyday life. The analysis, through the body and feet, is also used to provide further information as to the state of the client.

The practitioner devises a strategy for teaching the relevant lessons, fitting to the client. During sessions the practitioner uses any of the techniques, foremost of which is instructive touch. The practitioner can also select different postures or positioning of the body (lying, sitting, standing or moving) while working, to focus on certain area, quality or any aspect of the client's experience.

At the beginning of a process clients are usually taught basic and general lessons of paying attention to the body; options of breathing, relaxing, control of muscles, letting go of effort, quieting the mind etc. With this achieved, the practitioner teaches the client to perceive additional physical sensations that accompany aspects of the described reaction such as acts, movement, thoughts and intentions, emotions and previous relevant history. While perceiving this the client learns more control of how he produces the reaction with the body and attention. Ultimately the aim is for the client to be able to create by choice a previously uncontrolled reaction, to stop it and allow a natural and individual state of being.

As a process is viewed as a learning experience, its progress and gains are considered to be influenced not just by the practitioner's skill and proficiency, but also by the client's ability and willingness to participate actively and be involved.

Recovery process:

A specific methodology is used in cases of acute physical conditions, injuries and symptoms. It aims to encourage the natural ability of the body to heal itself and regain full recovery and wellness, by providing and teaching the conditions to do so. Lessons of letting go of reactions to pain, agreeing to fear and allowing the body to work with different sensations are directed and focused on the physical condition and aim. It is done with intensity and urgency that fits the struggle and resources of the body to regain health.

A current research to show reduction of chronic low-back pain and improvement in quality of life is being conducted in the Sourasky medical center in Tel-Aviv.

Group activities
Group activities are taught by Licensed Trainers and Teachers of the Grinberg Method. These include group processes, workshops and classes on varied topics. In these activities, participants learn through lectures and discussions the theoretical approach of the method to the subject at-hand, and engage in experiential practice through exercises, writing descriptions, demonstrations and individual training.

Professional studies
In order to qualify as a Grinberg Method practitioner and teach personal processes, students complete a three years program of at least 990 academic hours of studies and training. To advance to the second and third year of studies, students have to pass a supervision meeting with a Licensed Teacher, for which they get a certificate of their learning stage (Practitioner Level 1 and 2). At the end of the third year, students demonstrate their work with clients in two supervision meetings, submit two training programs and complete the graduation requirements as set by the Supervisory Academic Board of the Grinberg Method.

Following satisfactory fulfillment of these conditions, they receive a Diploma of Qualified Practitioner, and can join the International Association of Grinberg Method Practitioners (IAGMP) and continue to post-graduate advanced courses.

Trainers who teach group activities are Qualified Practitioners, who complete the Trainer's Program. After completion they are licensed to develop and teach activities of different subjects of their interest, using the concepts and principles of the method. They are supervised and their license is renewed annually by Avi Grinberg and a committee that follows their advancement. They are independent in organizing and managing their activities.

The Teachers of the professional studies are Licensed Trainers who acquired successful experience in teaching in groups. They follow a Teacher's Training program to receive an annual license to open a school for teaching students to become practitioners and follow their development. The Committee for Continuous Professional and Personal Development of the method, headed by Avi Grinberg, supervises their work and renews their license. There are several schools, currently in Europe, that are managed independently by the teachers.

Ethics
The Grinberg Method defines the context and limits of its utilization to ensure ethical, safe and appropriate application. It states on its official website and other publications the following disclaimer: "The Grinberg Method is a methodology of attention that teaches through expanding and focusing body attention. It does not claim to heal, to be an alternative medicine, a massage therapy, or to be considered among the helping professions. It is not intended for persons suffering from conditions considered life threatening. Nor for those with conditions or serious illnesses that require medical or psychiatric attention. Moreover, it is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of required treatment. The method has no ideological or mystical basis and does not demand any particular lifestyle".

The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of the Grinberg Method – This ethical code delineates the principles, practices and values that are required to be kept by all students and Qualified Practitioners who are members of the IAGMP. It details aspects pertaining to the work, that include the conduct and aim of a personal process, the standards of professional environment and the role of the practitioner.

IAGMP
The International Association of Grinberg Method Practitioners is an autonomous union established by Qualified Practitioners who sought a framework to warrant the quality of their work. Membership is granted to Qualified Practitioners. The professed fundamental aim of the association is the ensuring of the professional level, service and ethics provided by its members. The members agree to keep the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of the Grinberg Method, and maintain a discipline for an on-going professional and personal development. They are supervised annually and participate in post-graduate advanced courses.

Controversies
In 2012 Danièle Muller, President of the Swiss Association for the Defense of the Family and the Individual (ASDFI), claimed to have received testimonials from people who have completed the training to become Grinberg trainers. Those who were close to the leaders told him the subjection to which they were subdued, falling gradually into an addiction.

According to Muller, they say that the leaders of the method intervened in their private lives, they drift from their friends and their families, investing their time and money "in promoting the method."

A psychiatrist who deals with the treatment of victims of sectarian aberrations claims to have worked with several former members and according to her they told that at Grinberg this is what is taught: "Your body knows a truth about yourself that your head ignores, and me, the therapist, masseur, I will tell you what your body feels". For the psychiatrist there is no possibility to keep a safe distance between the patient and the therapist.

These former teachers and trainer, were licensees of the method whose license for teaching the Grinberg Method was revoked due to misconduct, violation of the methods Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and participation in the pyramid scheme, an unlawful financial conduct. The Grinberg Method rejected these accusations saying "this has no ground and the allegations were done by people in conflict and competition with them".