MAP

A Neuroplasticity Methodology with Remarkable Results

Existing methods for personal change and healing are often not very effective or efficient. MAP is new, but it has precursors that have been less accessible than this simple set of protocols. Garry Flint, a behaviorist psychotherapist trained in Ericksonian hypnosis and NLP, worked with the toughest cases and developed a technique in which the practitioner speaks directly to the client’s subconscious. This allows the mind to reconfigure itself safely, gently, and at the right pace, to neutralize troubling memories and early imprints.

Late in his career, Flint passed the torch to Colette Streicher, a licensed psychotherapist who had tenaciously investigated every healing methodology she could find. She and her son codified Flint’s work and are scaling as rapidly as they can to help as many people as possible dissolve limiting beliefs, neutralize fears, overcome stress and anxiety, and stop self-sabotaging behaviors.

MAP can seem mysteriously effective, but there are some recent scientific discoveries that help explain what might be happening. “Memory Reconsolidation,” for example, may be the mechanism by which memories are neutralized. Scientists have discovered a moment of opportunity, a moment where memories shift and re-form: reconsolidation. When a memory is retrieved, it is transformed into a vulnerable state in which it can be lost, changed, or strengthened. A provocative possibility was raised early on by reconsolidation research…“it might be possible to treat persons with post-traumatic stress disorder or other related anxiety conditions by reactivating traumatic memories under conditions that would prevent reconsolidation.” (J.E. LeDoux, The day I told Karim Nader, “Don’t do the study,” Science Direct.)

Reconsolidation is a constant, natural process. As our daily actions and reactions build new memories, our brains need to keep consolidating memories so our short-term memories can shift into long-term memories. Stressful memories are recalled most vividly because one emotion-related part of the brain (the amygdala,) is strongly activated during the event as well as when it is recalled. These memories can become troubling, either coloring current experience from the unconscious or looping in intrusive, repetitive ways in our conscious mind. The good news is we don’t have to continue sabotaging ourselves because of seemingly permanent negative long-term memories. MAP allows the mind to awaken long-term memories into a malleable state in which they can be mixed with positive emotions and reconsolidated into self-empowering memories that are much more helpful to us, without losing their information.

Here are the 6 steps of the MAP Method:

The client watches a short brain-training video that teaches the client’s brain how to find and neutralize painful memories gently and safely.
The client chooses an issue to focus on, reactivating the memory trace and becoming mindful of the thoughts, sensations, and feelings in her body/mind.
The MAP practitioner gives an instruction to the client’s brain, launching a self-healing of conscious and unconscious painful memories.
The client stays in mindfulness, present to what she is experiencing, doing nothing, and making no effort to change or affect the situation.
After the processing, the client gives feedback–either a description of the changes observed or a subjective rating scale.
The practitioner uses a protocol to find the next instruction needed to complete the neutralization process. Steps 3-6 are repeated as needed until the client feels complete for the session.

The process of memory reconsolidation is carefully included in the MAP session protocol so stressful memories that impede happiness or peak performance goals are gently, safely, and rapidly neutralized in real time. The client typically observes changes in emotions, body sensations, thoughts, and muscle tension, and may suddenly recall other memories related to her family history or generational trauma.

You can read more here, including this caveat: “The MAP Method™ is NOT counseling or therapy of any kind. It is an application of a Mindset Algorithm used for coaching and well-being. We do not advise anyone to avoid or discontinue medical or psychological consultations or current treatment. It is really important to continue with medications or therapy as prescribed. MAP Method™ sessions and programs are not a substitute for medications or therapy.”