B.E.S.T. INTEGRATED HEALING
Through my extensive training in hypnotherapy techniques and various psychological theories related to the mind-body, I believe we can access the infinite capabilities and wisdom that live within us. I believe the mind-body-consciousness that we experience, both individually and collectively, is far beyond our current understanding. This is my personal experience, so when my colleague and friend Ashley Strickland explained the B.E.S.T. process to me, I was intrigued.
B.E.S.T. stands for BIO-ENERGETIC SYNCHRONIZATION TECHNIQUE, which aims to facilitate a release of physical or emotional toxicity, was developed by Dr. M.T. Morter, Jr. and is now taught by Dr. Sue Morter, his daughter. It was easy to relate to the aspects and the approach due to my experience as a wellness professional. Fortunately, I can with confidence state that the expert in the room of any wellness or healing modality is the ‘client’ sitting across from me. They are the ones with a lifetime of information to share about their emotional, physical, and energetic or spiritual experiences.
In the Western medical model, this resource – the patient, their story, and their report of health and family history – is rarely explored beyond the initial intake process, however, this component of health and wellness has become established in preventive and integrative medicine practices. Through its development in a holistic health environment, the B.E.S.T. technique is able to acknowledge the wisdom the client brings, as well as utilize muscle testing as a medium for communication between both the physical body and aspects of the unconscious mind.
My first B.E.S.T. experience with Ashley was relaxing, peaceful, restorative, and non-invasive. The only preparation required was writing a few notes and identifying goals (it is not necessary to share your notes with the practitioner). At the beginning of the session, I was asked to settle into a relaxed position on a massage table. The process of ‘muscle testing’ was explained to me – the idea that the body movements can reveal answers as easily as we can verbalize a response. In my role as the participant, not much was required other than an open mind. My body and muscles did most of the ‘talking’. Near the end of the session, there was a brief verbal interaction as well as the option to have a Reiki session performed on my body. I found it to be by far the most intense and restorative part of the session.
While this is a simplified description of my first experience with B.E.S.T., the impact of the treatment did not end at the end of the session. Over the next few days, I experienced continued integration. This felt like what I was processing was bouncing around in my subconscious sort of like a pinball bouncing from one area to another. Every now and then the pinball would slow or stop and a word, idea or memory would float into my thoughts. Then, suddenly- PING- the ball was on the move again, landing elsewhere, and more random thoughts emerged. The most fascinating part of this integration experience is that as the pinball game concluded, these seemingly random thoughts and memories no longer appeared random. The thoughts and memories were actually very relevant and directly related to personal inner work and all directly connected to the discussion during the B.E.S.T. Session. I experienced a shift after a series of 3 B.E.S.T. sessions; I recognized the mind body connection and the benefit of trusting in our inner healing abilities and emerged from the process relieved and relaxed, and a little lighter.
Contact Ashley to inquire about a B.E.S.T. session.
Emily Tucker, LPC, NCC, CHT - is a Practice Works member with over 20 years of experience in mental health and well being. She has a wide range of specialties from clinical to energetic to non-traditional and holds a deep appreciation for the connectedness of holistic wellness-based approaches. She and Ashley collaborate and share space at the Practice Works Vestavia location.
Ashley Strikland Reiki and B.E.S.T. Practitioner - founder of About Wellness has worked in the wellness community throughout her career. She integrates various modalities and has an amazingly compassionate and empathetic approach. Collectively, Ashley and Emily’s offerings will include various modalities of energy healing, meditation groups, hypnotherapy, Reiki, wellness coaching, and more.