Meeting with Solène Martins, sophrologist
A stone’s throw from avenue de Breteuil and the Sèvres Lecourbe metro station, Solène Martins recently set up her practice. Back on his installation and his sophrologist journey
How did you come up with the idea of becoming a sophrologist? In a “previous life”, I was a salesperson plagued by the pressure of results! Very sensitive to personal development for twenty years, I decided to reorient myself and put well-being at the heart of my professional activity. So I chose the sophrology that I had practiced 15 before, when I was a student.
How was this memory decisive? In a way, it changed my life. Besides the pleasant feeling of relaxation, at the end of each session, I had the impression of getting to know myself, with who I really was. By discovering myself, I gradually became aware of my riches and my possibilities. And in particular the confidence in me which I missed terribly.
How does a practice session take place? First of all, I suggest a time to discuss how things have been since the last session and how the training went. Before going into practice, I always remind my client of the goal they want to achieve with sophrology, it helps them stay on track. I then explain to him the purpose of today’s session, the intention, and how we are going to proceed.
Then place the practice! I try to personalize, as much as possible, the muscle relaxation, breathing and visualization exercises. And I always have tips for integrating them into everyday life because it is important to emphasize that sophrology works all the better as people practice it regularly.
The session ends as it started, with a time for discussion. I suggest that the person speak about what they have experienced in their body and in their head during the session. Verbalizing your feelings is a step towards knowing yourself because you take time to listen to yourself, including this body that you don’t listen to enough.
Verbalize allows you to take ownership of the exercises and then repeat them at home!
Which sophrologist do you think you are? I think I am an optimistic sophrologist above all. It is in my nature and experience, I know that sophrology can contribute to improving its quality of life: regulated stress, feeling of well-being, improved sleep, better perception of the meaning of life etc.
On the other hand, sophrology is not this magic wand that would solve all problems! Remember that in some cases, priority to psychiatric and sophro follow-up obviously does not replace medical follow-up.
Finally, without training, especially a posteriori, station with the bellows effect …
To take full advantage of the benefits of sophrology, make it a routine or even a healthy lifestyle!
What do you like most about this job? There is a moment that I find magic, when the person, like a butterfly emerging from his pupa, begins to spread his wings. She is aware of the changes that are taking place, of her possibilities and from there, it is like taking back control of her life.
But the person is generally the first to be amazed!