Joane Goulding developed her SleepTalk™ process over 34 years ago, after finding that conventional approaches were not helping her young daughter deal with a range of developmental challenges including cerebral palsy, dyspraxia and dyslexia to name a few. She and her late husband initiated this unique approach that allows parents to access the subconscious mind and alter belief structures, build self-esteem and encourage emotional resilience – all while the child is asleep. Joane likens the technique to a firewall for the mind, and credits SleepTalk™ with being the catalyst for change that allowed her daughter to develop the self confidence and inner strength to deal with the daily challenges that life generates. Her daughter has now been happily married for over 20 years and now lives independently with her husband. Joane is an educator, public speaker and practitioner and resists being pigeon holed, preferring to utilise the broad term "mind dynamic" for her unique approach. ntpages recently caught up with her to find out more about the positive reinforcement techniques she uses.
What is the basis of the SleepTalk™ approach?
"It is essentially to create a compounding effect with a series of positive suggestions that will eventually become more powerful than the previously accepted "negatives" in your child's life."
Does SleepTalk™ draw on other therapies?
"The Goulding SleepTalk™ process works in conjunction and supports all other therapies."
So essentially positivity is at the core of the approach?
"Yes, very simply it is all about encouraging your child to see the glass half full – as opposed to half empty!
Is negativity enemy number one?
"Negativity or the acceptance of negative suggestions so often presented by someone in authority can become embedded in our belief systems for life, so for parents it is crucial you think about what you say to your children as they absorb everything and the suggestions last for life – good and bad – true or false. They also take everything very literally – so you have to be aware of this when you interact with them."
From a practical point of view, how does the Goulding SleepTalk™ programme work?
"Parents work with their children when they are asleep, with a series of encouraging, generic positive statements. There is still a level of general awareness even when people are asleep, so the technique aims to access this element of the subconscious. The process only takes a few moments and also supports the parents"
What are some of the most common issues or characteristics parents come to you with?
"I suppose fear, stress and anxiety are the overriding issues, which manifests themselves in a number of ways, including: sibling rivalry, bullying, tantrums, learning difficulties, nail biting, bed-wetting, speech problems, learning difficulties, intellectual impairment, low self-esteem and confidence issues."
Our subconscious is a powerful entity?
"Very much so, when the subconscious mind accepts a belief it becomes a fact whether the suggestion is true or not, and it also does not forget."
What age range do you work with?
"From around 18 months children will usually have the capacity to absorb the energy and meaning carried in the language of their parents. However, all babies would benefit from the loving energy shared with parents"
Is SleepTalk™ only effective in childhood?
"The most effective age range in children is from 18 months to 12-14 years old. When children get into their early teens the "conscious critical" portion of their brains becomes particularly active, and the relationship with their parents becomes naturally more complex."
You are also working with some of the bushfire affected communities near you?
"Yes, I am fortunate enough to be working with a range of other practitioners via a not-for-profit initiative that offers free counselling to Black Saturday survivors and their families. The Yarra Valley Partitions Project (YVPP) has been very supportive to the local community"
How can I access the SleepTalk™ programme?
"There is a growing network of trainers and consultants available around the world, with Australia and New Zealand well represented. There is also a SleepTalk™ for Children book with CD that provides guidance for parents on the approach."
Originally published on Nov 18, 2010
