This short-lived approach, which some of its practitioners call a psychotherapy “Alternative”, aims to modify unconscious beliefs that harm our development or that generate problematic behaviors.

The idea on which theBasic belief engineering, like many psychotherapies, is that we are all subject to the dictates of our beliefs, very often unconscious. They have developed in multiple situations, from an early age, without proof being made of their validity: “I will always be poor”, “you have to be wary of strangers”, “I lack talent”, etc. . A basic belief (core belief, in English) is one that we do not question – because it has always been there – and on which a structure of attitudes and behaviors is being built.

Unfortunately, several of these beliefs can be bogus, bad, or just out of date. Yet they still determine how we interpret reality (events, others and ourselves), and how we act. When our behaviors are inspired by mistaken beliefs, they become inappropriate. On the other hand, when the choices that we would like to make, as adults, go against a basic belief, it generates an inner conflict which can lead to a lot of harm.anguish.

Even when people realize that behavior is problematic, they often fail in their attempts to address it. change. Because while awareness of a situation is important, it is not enough to solve the problem. It is absolutely necessary, according to theBasic belief engineering, change the structure of unconscious beliefs that holds the pattern of behavior in place. This change, say practitioners, could happen fairly quickly.

L’Basic belief engineering (ICB) is based on a technique of Dialogue that the practitioner uses to allow contact between the patient’s conscious and unconscious. It does not aim to find the buried causes of anxieties or to relive trauma. However, it would reconnect with the positive emotional source that existed before restrictive beliefs were adopted. When emotions emerge, they are simply welcomed and accepted. In addition, problem solving psychic could have repercussions physical positive.

The approach was created at the turn of the 1980s by Elly Roselle who, for about fifteen years, had explored all kinds of therapies and methods of problems solving in order to resolve his serious eating disorders. Through this journey, she finally came to be able to discover and change beliefs which were the basis of his anorexia and bulimia (see our eating disorders sheet).

She also experimented with her approach with friends and family members, which allowed her to perfect her technique. In 1984, she began giving workshops to help others struggling with destructive behaviors. Native American, Elly Roselle lives in British Columbia where she still practices.

Practitioners recommend theBasic belief engineering for problems like destructive behaviors, ambivalence, lack of self-confidence, feelings of guilt, shame and anxiety, chronic worry, phobias, panic attacks, addictions, compulsion and procrastination. It would also be beneficial to people who wish to stimulate certain still latent possibilities or to open up to a greater acceptance of themselves. Although Elly Roselle has listed numerous case studies since 1984, we are not aware of any well-controlled scientific studies that have looked at the effectiveness of the approach.

In a sessionBasic belief engineering, the patient begins by defining his problem and expressing what he wants to accomplish, then the practitioner and him establish a contract. After exploring together theunconscious to detect the “part” who is experiencing a problem (the one who is afraid of elevators, for example), the practitioner invites the patient to engage a Dialogue with this part. Such an exchange could be compared to what we frequently experience in the mind while one facet of us wants to act in one way (eat, flee, etc.) and another opposes it. Fully awake and conscious, the patient, with the help of the therapist, questions his unconscious in order to reverse the process that took place at the time of the establishment of belief.

It is thanks to this dialogue – welcoming and without confrontation – that the person would “dismantle” his system of beliefs and would regain its own nature, as it was before social conditioning. After which, says the theory, the conscious and the unconscious could finally agree and work in harmony towards the goals that the person sets in his adult life.

We can learn aboutBasic belief engineering in two ways: in a group workshop or in an individual session with a practitioner.

The program takes place over four days and includes theoretical information on the mind, beliefs and change, a demonstration of the technique and practice in teams of two, under supervision. This form of learning would then make it possible to continue using the technique for oneself.

A private session lasts longer than a usual psychotherapeutic meeting, usually three to six hours. Practitioners say a treatment rarely lasts more than four sessions, spread over a few months. For well-defined difficulties, it may even be that a single meeting is sufficient.

PractitionersBasic belief engineering are found mainly in Western Canada, where the approach originated, and in Ontario. A dozen practitioners appear under this label in Quebec although other therapists and interveners may have integrated this technique into their usual approach. The list of Quebec practitioners is available on request on the Core Belief Engineering website.

Training takes place in various locations across Canada under the aegis of the College of Core Belief Engineering. It includes theoretical courses, practical workshops and supervised consultations. It usually lasts two to five years. This basic training is open to everyone, even to those who do not wish to become practitioners. There are also various advanced courses (in English). (See Sites of Interest.)

Roselle Elly. Changing the mind, healing the body: eight case studies in transformational belief-change therapy, Ugly Duckling Editions, Canada, 2005.

The creator of the approach, based on case studies, explains that each physical symptom has emotional and mental components and that working on these components has an effect on the physical plane.

Armstrong Peter. Make up your mind once and for all, Sureen Publishing, Canada, 1998.

The story of Elly Roselle’s approach and the testimony of 20 people who have succeeded in reconfiguring their beliefs about love, work, money, etc.

Thibodeau Richard. Your life … a reflection of your beliefs, Quebecor Publishing, Canada, 3^e edition, 2005.

Description of the interactions between beliefs and various facets of life, with the tools and techniques to improve the relationship with oneself.

Thibodeau Richard. Beliefs That Bring Success In Business, Quebecor Publishing, Canada, 2005.

This practical book aims to ensure that in business, beliefs are not a hindrance, but an element of success.

Thibodeau Richard. Beyond beliefs, Quebecor Publishing, Canada, 2002.

The role of beliefs in married life, family interactions and relationships in general. Presentation of certain communication techniques.

Core Belief Engineering

The official website of the method. There are articles on the method and its main applications. List of practitioners. Information on the various training courses offered.

www.corebelief.ca

Unescorps Institute

The site of an organization led by Richard Thibodeau, who introduced the ICB in Quebec in 1985 and which offers training and consultation. Interesting and user-friendly presentation of the technique.

www.croyancesdebase.com