A peer-reviewed, open-access psychotherapeutic modality developed by Amaresh Nath and Harish Bhuvan of Whaterr Solutions, published in The Archives of Psychiatry (2023).
Read Full Article Download PDFBackground: Using the learnings and reflections from their professional and personal journeys, the authors believe that every "neurosis-oriented" mental health concern has four root causes: self-love (a lack of it), fear, grief, and aim (a lack of it). Using this as the premise, they have developed a new therapeutic modality that incorporates 12 primary universal formulas.
Methods: This novel therapeutic model was implemented on 5 pilot batches, delivered to a total of 50 clients from the upper-middle class section of Indian society, with ages ranging from 21 to 58.
Outcomes: Every participant had their own unique breakthrough moments over the three days of implementation. Further qualitative and quantitative research is needed before this modality can be claimed as universally beneficial.
Interpretation: This modality can be used in both group and individual settings. Even when applied in a group, its structure enables each participant to have a personalized experience.
Over a combined 24 years of practice and more than 22,000 hours of individual client time, Amaresh Nath and Harish Bhuvan observed a recurring problem with traditional therapy modalities. They found that existing approaches often make clients dependent on therapy, serve as quick-fix solutions that don't address root causes, or fail to equip clients with replicable tools to face future adversities.
They also noted that the majority of Western psychotherapeutic schools developed by studying individuals with mental health concerns, rather than those with transcendental mental health states — making existing interventions more curative than preventive.
"Virtually every psycho-socio-emotional problem faced by people can be traced to a few common roots, which when addressed can lead to an individual becoming self-reliant — one who can make conscious decisions in every aspect of their life."
SRT's primary goals are to make the client more self-reliant, resilient towards adversities of life, and compassionate towards their own self. It is more than a therapy modality — it is a blueprint for a fulfilling and purposeful life.
SRT theorizes that every neurosis-oriented mental health concern can be traced to four root causes. The authors call this the SFGA loop — a cyclic stimulus loop that drives thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Addressing them in sequence unlocks the path to self-reliance.
Almost every mental-health-related problem has its roots in an absence of self-love. When we don't love ourselves enough, we ignore our own needs, and these unmet needs create a loop of misery.
Fear, if left unprocessed, is the most powerful force holding one back. SRT distinguishes between rational and irrational fears, and helps clients process the latter through a structured formula.
Grief is a natural reaction to any form of lack in one's life. When left unprocessed, it creates overwhelm and renders individuals powerless. The MISSING formula offers a path through.
When an individual doesn't have anything to wake up for, or is pursuing aims that are not truly their own, they are susceptible to multiple psycho-socio-emotional problems.
SRT is grounded in seven foundational tenets that distinguish it from existing modalities and guide both the therapist's approach and the client's experience.
We may not control what happens outside us, but we have full control over what happens within ourselves.
Regardless of a DSM or ICD diagnosis, every neurosis-oriented psychosocial concern can be addressed in a unified manner.
Every individual is unique, yet certain formulas can be applied universally to address mental health needs.
Redefining existing concepts that guide our life and questioning pathological social rules is a core part of the process.
Helping clients develop a personal system they can apply independently in their lives — not dependency on the therapist.
Only when one has worked on themselves and become self-reliant can they truly think of changing the world around them.
Unlike traditional psychotherapeutic modalities, SRT incorporates a four-pronged approach that covers the full spectrum of a client's growth:
Therapeutic processing of emotions and experiences
Goal-setting, accountability, and forward momentum
Skill development for lifelong self-reliance
Social integration and support systems
SRT applies a 3-phase approach delivered across a 24-hour structured curriculum, covering three segments of an individual's life. Each phase builds on the previous and is cyclic in nature — clients can revisit any phase as needed.
Addresses the client's internal baggage and root causes. Covers Perspectives, Psychoeducation, Integrity/Authenticity, and the four driving forces (SFGA) with their respective formulas: I AM, I AM FEAR, MISSING, and AIMED.
Focuses on skillsets that complement the mindsets developed in Phase 1. Covers the Reticular Activating System (RAS), Inner Child and Inner Malevolence, the Four Balancing Forces (PVPR: Premise, Vision, Purpose, Readiness), and practical tools for Decision Making, Anger Management, and Emotional Regulation.
Enables clients to integrate their progress in social settings. Covers Authenticity (PARC formula), Relationships (FRIENDSHIP formula), Forgiveness (IT CREATES US formula — a 4-stage Ladder of Forgiveness), and full Integration of all 12 formulas as a circular, interconnected system.
Just as SFGA drives our stimulus loop, PVPR forms the response loop — the counterpart to each of the four root causes. These can be seen as the Right-Hand Side of the equation that consciously balances the Left-Hand Side.
When the premise of life is set in self-love, everything else falls into place. Formula: RESTING.
When fear is replaced with discipline, the path ahead becomes crystal clear. Formula: SEE.
When our purpose is bigger than our grief, we can move forward. Formula: FOCUS.
We need to feel ready to incorporate the right measures to convert our aim into reality. Formula: READY / DECIDE.
SRT was implemented across 5 pilot batches, delivered to 50 clients aged 21 to 58. Even in group settings, every client had an individualistic experience. All 50 clients were observed for 6 months post-completion, and their growth trajectory was recorded. All are doing well, navigating challenges they previously found difficult to face.
Traumatized by failures and unable to cry for 2.5 years, A.M. was finally able to process grief and anger after SRT. He has since launched his own fintech startup.
In a toxic relationship that was making him toxic to himself, N.S. experienced a sense of physical detox on completion. He now manages a healthy work-life balance and is engaged to a loving partner.
Stuck in a toxic workspace and unable to find professional clarity, A.P. successfully pivoted her career after SRT. She now manages a community for queer sensitization and runs a podcast.
Grieving the loss of his wife and initially resistant, S.K. acknowledged pent-up grief and consciously chose a fresh outlook on life after processing difficult emotions during SRT.
Wrongly accused and carrying unprocessed trauma, S.S. developed an internal schema untainted by past experiences after SRT, moving from a victim mindset to a place of peace.
Bullied and unable to voice his opinion, M.K. confronted his fears both personally and professionally after SRT and is now a founding team member of A.M.'s fintech startup.
After its pilot runs, SRT is ready to be implemented on a larger population. The authors have identified the following as significant areas for future study:
Currently deployed solely by the authors. Future research will explore the journeys of therapists trained in SRT and the modality's efficacy when delivered by others.
fMRI research shows self-criticism activates the lateral prefrontal cortex while self-reassurance activates the insula. Future studies can explore SRT's neurological impact on clients.
Measuring outcomes on a larger population to build an evidence base and begin the process of standardising this novel model for global implementation.
This model was developed based on experience with neurosis-oriented concerns. Exploring SRT's applicability to psychosis and developmental disorders is a compelling avenue.
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