MOD002 – Access Consciousness

Definition

Access Consciousness is a holistic self-development system that provides tools, techniques, and processes designed to facilitate personal transformation, expand awareness, and create greater possibilities in all areas of life.

Explanation

Access Consciousness, developed by Gary Douglas and Dr. Dain Heer, is based on the principle that we are all infinitely capable beings with the power to create the life we desire. The system offers a range of practices aimed at unlocking limitations, releasing energetic blockages, and empowering individuals to access their innate wisdom.

Key aspects of Access Consciousness include:

1. Questioning Everything: Practitioners are encouraged to question their beliefs, thoughts, and assumptions to gain clarity and awareness about what is true for them.
2. The Access Bars: A gentle hands-on technique involving 32 points on the head that, when lightly touched, are believed to facilitate the release of electromagnetic charge associated with thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
3. Clearing Statement: A verbal process used to clear limiting beliefs, judgments, and energetic blocks.
4. Body Processes: Hands-on methods that use different placements on the body to invite healing and transformation.
5. Choice and Possibility: Emphasis on recognizing that we always have choices and can create infinite possibilities.
6. Consciousness Expansion: Tools and practices designed to expand consciousness and tap into innate wisdom and intuition.

Access Consciousness techniques are applied to various aspects of life, including relationships, health, finances, and personal growth. Practitioners report benefits such as reduced stress, improved mental clarity, enhanced relationships, and greater overall well-being.

Evidence to Efficacy

Access Consciousness has shown promising results in enhancing personal growth and well-being, as evidenced by numerous anecdotal reports and testimonials from practitioners and participants. While scientific research on this specific modality is still emerging, studies on related mind-body practices offer insights into its potential benefits.

A qualitative study published in the Journal of Transformative Touch explored the effects of energy-based therapies on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of wellness. The research revealed that participants experienced significant improvements in overall feelings of wellness, with themes of integration and expanded states of consciousness emerging as key outcomes.

Access Consciousness techniques, which focus on expanding awareness and releasing limitations, align with the growing body of research on mindfulness and consciousness-based practices. A study conducted at the University of Edinburgh found that mindfulness-based interventions can lead to improvements in mental health and cognitive function.

The modality’s emphasis on changing thought patterns and beliefs resonates with cognitive behavioural approaches, which have been extensively researched and shown to be effective for various psychological issues. A review published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology highlighted the efficacy of cognitive interventions in promoting positive change and personal growth.

Access Consciousness’s body-based techniques, such as the “Bars” process, share similarities with other touch-based therapies. Research on therapeutic touch, published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, has demonstrated its potential to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Practitioners of Access Consciousness often report increased clarity, reduced stress, and improved decision-making abilities. These outcomes align with findings from studies on other consciousness-expanding practices, which have shown benefits in areas such as emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility.

While more specific research on Access Consciousness is ongoing, the existing evidence on related practices and the numerous positive experiences reported by participants suggest that this modality offers a promising approach to personal transformation and enhanced well-being.

The Neuroscience

Access Consciousness engages fascinating aspects of neuroscience and physiology to promote personal transformation and well-being. Here’s an accessible overview of some key scientific concepts related to this practice:

Neuroplasticity: Access Consciousness techniques stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to form new neural connections. By encouraging new thought patterns and beliefs, these practices effectively rewire neural pathways, leading to lasting changes in perception and behaviour.

Brain Wave Patterns: The relaxation induced during Access Consciousness sessions, particularly during the “Bars” process, transforms brain wave patterns. Research on similar mind-body practices shows shifts towards alpha and theta waves, which are associated with relaxation and enhanced creativity.

Quantum Field Theory: Access Consciousness draws inspiration from quantum physics concepts, particularly the idea that consciousness and intention influence physical reality. While still being explored in mainstream science, practitioners believe these techniques shift energy patterns in both the body and environment.

Neurotransmitter Balance: The relaxation and stress reduction reported by many Access Consciousness participants positively influence neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Practices that induce relaxation consistently increase the production of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

Interoception and Body Awareness: Many Access Consciousness techniques enhance interoception—the sense of the body’s internal state. This improved body awareness leads to better self-regulation and overall well-being.

Bioelectric Fields: Some Access Consciousness practices, such as the “Bars” technique, involve light touch on specific points on the head. This interaction harmonises the body’s bioelectric fields, which play crucial roles in cellular communication and tissue repair.

Epigenetics: The emphasis on changing thought patterns and beliefs in Access Consciousness aligns seamlessly with emerging research in epigenetics, which explores how environmental factors and behaviours influence gene expression.

Access Consciousness offers an intriguing approach to personal growth that intersects with various scientific fields. The practice empowers participants to explore their own consciousness and unlock their potential for transformative change in a unique and accessible way.

Governing Body

Here are the key details about their training and certification structure:

Access Consciousness International: The main organisation providing training and certification worldwide.  Offers a range of classes and workshops globally through their 23,000 trained facilitators worldwide. Their website provides a comprehensive class calendar for the various types of training which are offered in more than 170 countries:

• Access Bars: The foundation course of Access Consciousness
• Special Classes: Deeper dives into particular topics with specialized facilitators
• Advanced Classes: Offered by key figures like Gary Douglas and Dr. Dain Heer

Key Figures:

• Gary Douglas: Founder, offers advanced classes and workshops
• Dain Heer: Co-creator, known for the Energetic Synthesis of Being process
• Simone Milasas: Facilitates advanced classes on various topics

What Good Looks Like

When you experience a good Access Consciousness session, particularly an Access Bars session, you’ll notice several key elements that set it apart:

• As you begin, you’ll feel a sense of ease and comfort as you lie down fully clothed. The practitioner will gently place their hands on various points on your head, known as the 32 Bars points.
• You’ll experience a unique form of touch that feels both light and profound. The practitioner’s fingers will rest on these points, creating what’s called a ‘energetic circuit’. This touch is designed to dissipate the electromagnetic charge of thoughts, feelings, and emotions you’ve stored over time.
• As the session progresses, you’ll likely notice a gradual quieting of your mind. The constant chatter that often accompanies daily life will begin to fade, replaced by a sense of deep relaxation and peace. This mental stillness is a hallmark of an effective Access Bars session.
• You may become aware of subtle changes in your body and energy. You might feel tingling sensations, warmth, or a sense of energy flowing through your body. These are all signs that the session is working to clear old patterns and limitations.
• A unique aspect of Access Consciousness is its focus on expanding possibilities. During the session, you might find yourself experiencing new thoughts or perspectives that you hadn’t considered before. This opening up to new possibilities is a key indicator of a successful session.
• Towards the end of the session, you should feel a profound sense of relaxation and clarity. Many describe this as feeling ‘lighter’, as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.
• After the treatment, as you stand and move around, you’ll likely notice immediate changes. You might feel more present, more aware, or experience a newfound ease in your body and mind. This tangible shift in how you feel is a key indicator of a successful Access Consciousness session.

Remember, a good Access Consciousness experience leaves you feeling both deeply relaxed and energised, with a sense of expanded possibilities and a clearer perspective on your life and choices.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are key questions to help you identify an exceptional Access Consciousness practitioner, along with what to look for in their answers:

How do you personalise Access Bars sessions for individual clients?

Desired answer: Mentions of tailoring the session based on specific life areas (e.g., money, relationships, body), and adjusting the focus on particular ‘bars’ to address the client’s current challenges.

Can you describe your approach to creating energetic circuits during a session?

Desired answer: Explanations of combining specific ‘bars’ points (e.g., ‘Healing’ with ‘Body’, or ‘Money’ with ‘Creativity’) to create energetic loops and clear blocked energy.

How do you integrate the principles of consciousness and possibility in your practice?

Desired answer: References to using key Access Consciousness questions like “What else is possible?” or “What would it take for X to occur?” throughout the session to expand the client’s perspective.

What methods do you use to help clients release limiting beliefs during a session?

Desired answer: Descriptions of techniques like the “Who does this belong to?” process to help clients identify and release adopted beliefs or emotions that aren’t truly theirs.

How do you incorporate the concept of ‘asking questions’ in your sessions?

Desired answer: Examples of using specific Access Consciousness questions such as “What’s right about this that you’re not getting?” to shift the client’s viewpoint on challenging situations.

Can you describe how you use Access Consciousness tools beyond the Bars technique?

Desired answer: Mentions of additional tools like the ‘Light and Heavy’ process for decision-making, or the ‘Destruction and Creation’ technique for manifesting change.

How do you address emotional releases during an Access Consciousness session?

Desired answer: Explanations of creating a safe space for emotional expression and using tools like the ‘Interesting Point of View’ technique to help clients detach from intense emotions.

An exceptional practitioner MUST include:

• Specific examples of multiple Access Consciousness tools and their applications
• Clear explanations of how they adapt sessions to individual client needs
• Descriptions of how they empower clients to use Access Consciousness techniques in daily life

These points should help you identify a practitioner with deep knowledge and effective application of Access Consciousness principles.

Related Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (MOD026): A psychotherapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, behaviours, and thought patterns through goal-oriented techniques, often incorporating mindfulness practices.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (MOD106): A structured program that combines mindfulness meditation and yoga to cultivate awareness and reduce stress.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) (MOD116): Analyses and alters behaviour patterns learned through experience to improve personal development.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) (MOD050): Involves tapping on acupuncture points while focusing on specific issues to reduce emotional distress.

Meditation (MOD099): A practice that focuses on calming the mind and enhancing awareness. Meditation can deepen the relaxation experienced during Reiki sessions and help individuals connect more profoundly with their inner selves.

Energy Healing (MOD054): A range of therapies that manipulate the energy fields around the body to promote physical and emotional healing.

Hypnotherapy (MOD073): Uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness (hypnosis) that is believed to be conducive to making changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Soul Retrieval (MOD153): A shamanic practice that involves retrieving fragmented parts of the soul that may have been lost due to trauma or significant life events. This therapy aims to restore wholeness, balance, and well-being by reintegrating these lost parts.