Hyderabad: Counsellors from Bharosa and CDEW are undergoing specialised training in Phyllis Krystal Psychotherapy Techniques, a transformative therapeutic framework rooted in the Carl Jung school of psychotherapy.
Through symbolic visualisation and guided imagery, these techniques help trauma survivors release emotional blockages, overcome fear and rediscover inner balance.
Aiming for emotional rehabilitation for survivors
To strengthen emotional rehabilitation for survivors of child sexual abuse, rape and domestic violence, the Telangana Women Safety Wing has introduced this new dimension to counsellor training, integrating the Phyllis Krystal Method, a powerful approach that rebuilds courage, resilience and inner strength.
The method, developed by world-renowned psychotherapist and author Phyllis Krystal, is deeply rooted in the belief that individuals can connect with their higher consciousness (referred to as the Hi C) to achieve emotional freedom.
“The goal,” said ADG CID Charu Sinha, IPS, “is to equip counsellors with practical, non-invasive tools to help survivors process trauma gently. These techniques do not rely on verbal retelling of painful experiences but instead use imagery and symbols that allow healing from within.”
Understanding the Phyllis Krystal Method
The Phyllis Krystal Method is based on the use of mental symbols, simple, universal images that carry profound psychological meaning. Each exercise is designed to address specific emotional or psychological issues, such as fear, control, anxiety or imbalance.
By visualising these symbols, clients learn to reconnect with their intuition and inner strength, allowing natural healing to unfold. The counsellor’s role is to guide them through the process, ensuring they feel safe and supported.
“The method encourages self-reliance,” explained ADG CID Charu Sinha, IPS. “It allows survivors to access their own strength instead of depending solely on external reassurance.”
Key techniques and their purpose
1. Maypole – Connecting with Higher Guidance
The Maypole exercise establishes a symbolic link between an individual and their higher consciousness. Participants invite relaxing, healing, cleansing, strengthening energy and unconditional love from the Hi C.
This practice helps counsellors and clients centre themselves, release tension, and approach situations with calm awareness. It is often used to begin or close a session, fostering a sense of unity and safety.
2. Circle of Light – Creating Personal Boundaries
The Circle of Light helps individuals define their emotional space. The golden circle around oneself creates an energetic boundary where one feels safe to be authentic.
For counsellors working with hyperactive or anxious children, this visualisation can restore calm and focus. “It’s a simple but effective technique to re-establish a sense of personal space and boundaries,” noted ADG CID Charu Sinha, IPS.
3. Cylinder – Temporary Protection
The Cylinder protects from outer interferences. This is particularly helpful for clients who are highly sensitive or overwhelmed by others’ emotions, a common occurrence in trauma survivors.
4. Figure-8 – Releasing Control and Dependency
The Figure-8 exercise is designed to stop the control of each person over the other. As the symbol is used all day long to stop all the different control sources over the individual, it symbolically releases the power dynamics between them.
It’s often used before “cutting ties” with unhealthy attachments or habits, addictions, etc. The visualisation allows both parties to exist independently, without control or interference.
5. Beach Ball – Shielding from Negativity
In situations of physical assault, emotional or verbal attack, the Beach Ball technique offers immediate psychic protection.
It can also be used symbolically to protect vulnerable spaces, such as a home or vehicle, reinforcing the idea of energetic safety.
6. Star – Letting Go of Fear
The Star helps individuals release fear, which is an emotion with strong physical reactions. It can be used to eradicate fears from the past, but also be used whenever fear arises.
This exercise teaches survivors that fear, while powerful, can be transformed and replaced with inner light.
7. Tape Measure – Calming the Busy Mind
The Tape Measure technique addresses overthinking. The retractable tape measure symbolises the restless conscious mind. By mentally snapping it back into its case, clients symbolically regain control over runaway thoughts.
Another version involves visualising the mind as a playful monkey on a leash, an image that helps individuals bring their focus back with gentle discipline.
8. Yin-Yang – Balancing Emotion and Logic
The Yin-Yang visualisation aligns the heart and head. By imagining the ancient Chinese symbol beneath one’s feet and positioning each foot on its dots, clients experience equilibrium between feeling and reason.
It serves as a grounding tool, helping trauma survivors make balanced decisions without being overwhelmed by emotion.
9. Balancing Brain and Solar Plexus – Restoring Inner Harmony
This physical-visual exercise helps re-stabilise the body after shock or emotional upheaval. One hand is placed on the back of the head, the other on the solar plexus. Slow, rhythmic breathing reconnects mind and body.
“It’s extremely effective for clients who have just experienced a triggering memory or shock,” said ADG CID Charu Sinha, IPS. “It helps them to be fully present in the moment.”
10. Hourglass – Removing Self-Limiting Beliefs
The Hourglass visualisation helps break through mental ceilings and self-imposed limitations. Participants symbolically expand their life possibilities and release subconscious barriers.
It’s particularly empowering for survivors rebuilding confidence after prolonged control or abuse.
11. Tree – Connecting to the Cosmic Mother and Father
The Tree symbolises stability and an extremely reliable inner leaning post and security symbol, giving nourishment. Individuals are guided to connect with their “personal tree,” embracing it to feel grounded and supported. The Cosmic Mother (earth) and the Cosmic Father (sun) represent the two aspects of the Hi C.
This dual exchange helps heal deep parental wounds and fosters emotional wholeness.
12. Cosmic Parents – Returning to Inner Safety
In the Cosmic Parents exercise, individuals visualise being embraced by universal motherly and fatherly energies, compassionate, protective, and non-judgmental. This restores a sense of unconditional love and belonging, countering feelings of rejection or unworthiness.
It’s often used at the end of therapy sessions to help clients integrate healing and re-establish inner peace.
