Introduction to Sophrology

When you didn’t choose the session: what group Sophrology reveals about curiosity, resistance and rest

Last year, I had the opportunity to facilitate two very different private group Sophrology sessions.

One was part of a three-day corporate leadership retreat, designed to support wellbeing and

self-regulation within a group of eight professionals.

The other took place during a hen weekend, a moment of celebration, friendship and transition, again with a group of eight people.

Different contexts. Different intentions.

And yet, one essential thing in common: none of the participants had personally chosen to

attend a Sophrology session. The session had been organised for them.

• • • • •

“Intrigued… but a little apprehensive”

I always begin group sessions with a simple check-in. How are you arriving today?

In both groups, the answers were strikingly similar.

Most people described feeling curious, but also slightly apprehensive.

It was their first time. They didn’t quite know what Sophrology was. They didn’t know what

would be expected of them - or what might happen.

And yet, despite the uncertainty, they all showed up with something precious: an open mind.

That openness - even tentative - is something we deeply value in Sophrology.

• • • • •

The practice of “not knowing”

In Sophrology, we cultivate what is often called a beginner’s mind: the ability to observe

sensations, thoughts and emotions as they are, without trying to change them, fix them or

label them as good or bad.

It’s a practice of curiosity.

We gently “put in brackets” what we think we know - about ourselves, about relaxation,

about wellbeing - and allow a first-time experience to emerge.

This isn’t something we achieve once and for all. It’s something we practise, again and again.

• • • • •

Relaxation doesn’t mean no thoughts

Many participants told me afterwards that they were surprised by how deeply they relaxed.

Not because their minds went silent - they didn’t.

Thoughts came and went. Plans, images, reflections appeared.

But instead of fighting them, people found themselves able to let them pass more gently,

without being carried away.

This is an important distinction.

Sophrology is not about saying no to thoughts.

That would be unrealistic and frankly… impossible.

We are not aiming to withdraw from the world or silence the mind completely.

We are human beings living in a fast-paced, stimulating, demanding society.

Sophrology simply offers another way to relate to what is already there.

• • • • •

A modern practice for modern lives

In many ways, Sophrology is both ancient and deeply modern.

It draws inspiration from practices with long-standing foundations - Yoga, meditation, Zen,

hypnosis, psychology, phenomenology - all of which have demonstrated their capacity to

support wellbeing.

What makes Sophrology unique is how it weaves these influences together, and how

accessible it is.

No equipment. No special clothing. No performance or expectations.

Just you, your breath, your body and your lived experience.

• • • • •

Already enough

What these two group sessions reminded me, once again, is something quietly powerful:

Even when people don’t choose the practice…

Even when they arrive unsure, hesitant or simply curious…

The body knows how to settle when it is listened to with respect.

Sophrology doesn’t add anything to who we are. It helps us reconnect with what is already there.

And perhaps that’s the most reassuring message of all: we are already enough, with what we were born with.

• • • • •

About the author

Hello, I’m Marie-Marthe, a Complementary Therapist sharing the Sophrology method with

the widest audience possible.

Sophrology offers a practical and embodied way of being with ourselves, helping us take

back agency, reconnect with our inner resources and develop simple tools to navigate

modern life with more ease and awareness.

I work in English and French, with individuals and groups, in person in Bath and online worldwide.

Upcoming events

As part of the ReBalance Festival in Bath, I will be offering two morning Sophrology sessions

at the Soul Spa:

- Saturday 31st January (sold out)

- Saturday 7th February (spaces available)

�� https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/headspace-with-sophrology-8jzw

You can find out more about my work at

�� https://mariemartheblanc.com

And connect with me on Instagram

�� @marie.marthe.blanc