Skip links

Frequently Asked Questions

How can resolving a problem with AAIT™ contribute to spiritual wellbeing and steadiness?

If I’m triggered, I’m not present.

This is how one client responded to this question. She went on to describe how easily accessible the fullness of the present is available to her with AAIT™. Other clients point to an increase in other characteristics associated with spiritual wellbeing such as compassion, awareness, non-attachment and acceptance. Moreover, most people describe being able to make more skillful choices, choices more closely aligned with who they are, rather than born of conditioning. More simply, most people begin feeling more at ease with themselves and others, citing an increasing feeling of wholeness.

Could you say more about the differences between AAIT™ and other approaches?

Other models often involve a good bit of storytelling, trying to find a solution or insight in the story. Or, there is quite a lot of efforting on the client’s part to make changes and get relief developing mindfulness skills or changing cognitive habits. Though valuable, it can take a long time for our clients to access real relief and to consistently feel better.

With AAIT™, we lean into the understanding that integrating two opposing states alleviates the charge of both states, creating an inner freedom from the originating pain. This freedom tends to last and opens up new options for the client who is now liberated from automatic reactivity that was previously triggered by the problem.

Also, AAIT™ is an overtly collaborative model. Clients are actively involved in establishing their session goals and they engage in home embodiment practices. Surprisingly, compliance tends to be fairly high with this approach as clients feel such immediate result

Finally, AAIT™ is an approach that leans into phases to give structure to our sessions – Insert phases graphic.

Is AAIT™ an evidence-based approach?

The founder of AAIT™ recognized that verification of impact of each protocol is essential for establishing a research base. To this end, she included verification as one of the phases of AAIT™. This involves clients being asked verifying and stabilizing questions in every session to ensure that the problem we intend to address is actually resolved.

AAIT™ is an emerging and promising model of care in the early stages of establishing a research base. As we know, the foundation of almost all evidence based practices start with an emerging body of anecdotal evidence.

We have amassed a large collection of case studies from therapists across the country using this model reporting positive and enduring results across a range of presenting problems. We have also collected data from a qualitative study that has not yet to be written up for publication.

We will soon submit a paper laying out the evidence supporting the theoretical foundation of the approach. In the fall, a UT doctoral student, will begin to collect data on the use of AAIT™ to impact rumination, a distorted thinking habit associated with depression. Meanwhile, we rely on the mounting foundation of change reported by clients in almost every session.

What are the therapeutic foundations of AAIT™?

Through decades of study and practice, this approach was informed by primarily five streams of knowledge:

  • Ericksonian Hypnosis – McGhee studied Ericksonian hypnosis early in her career under the mentorship of Cory Hammond, Ph.D. Principles such as utilization, pacing, destabilization and more are woven into the model.
  • Redecision Therapy – Studying with Bob and Mary Goulding introduced McGhee to the profound value of contracting for change to engage clients in collaborative care along with the import of the ins and outs of facilitating redecions.
  • Self-Acceptance Training – The years McGhee spent in mentorship with Dick Olney opened her eyes to how to escort clients into deeper and more meaningful layers of self-acceptance. If Acceptance were a country, Dick Olney would be its Poet Laureate.
  • Energy Psychology – Introduced to EP by time spent with Gary Craig, it was Zivorad Slavinski who revealed just how to reliably facilitate wholeness through psycho-emotional integration using non-dual awareness.
  • Non-dual Philosophy – Having studied non-dual philosophy as described in Hindu, Buddhist and Christian traditions. It was the understanding gained in the study of Advaita Vedanta that guided McGhee’s practical application in psycho-emotional healing.

What kinds of problems do people address with AAIT™?

Healing arts practitioners are helping clients readily access relief and resolve issues associated with

  • Mood disorders
  • Trauma
  • ADHD
  • Addictions
  • Body dysmorphia and eating disorders
  • Parenting
  • Sexuality
  • AAIT is used with great success with children, adolescents and adults.
  • Amplifies integration during ketamine assisted psychotherapy

Are there any similarities between healing arts practitioners who thrive using AAIT™?

Practitioners whose clients are in pain and want relief without the long explorations into the past or narrative explanations appreciate the speed with which clients access sustainable relief.

Those who enjoy working in the confluence of psychotherapy and spirituality appreciate the benefits of spiritual well-being such as increases in empathy and self-compassion, decreased reactivity and the ability to make more skillful choices with ease.

AAIT™ is profoundly collaborative, therapists who find it deeply satisfying to collaborate with their clients to gain lasting change are particularly drawn to AAIT™.

Practitioners who have been frustrated by the speed and lack of comprehensive change in narrative and other modalities appreciate the holistic nature of this approach.

Where to next?

Theoretical Foundations

Curious about the theoretical origins of AAIT™?

Read More

Testimonials