Dr. Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. – Self Talk and the beautiful efficiency of technology
Posted by Gene on March 22nd, 2007
Dr. Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. – Self Talk and the beautiful efficiency of technology
In the early years of my conscious self discovery and self development journey I discovered the usefulness of recording positive, true scripts on audio cassette tapes and listening to them as I went about my day. I used this tool of recording sayings of many kinds from a large variety of sources to help me to develop the kind habits, actions and abilities I desired to possess.
I used this tool for a few years and discovered a book by Dr. Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. titled The Self Talk Solution in which he puts forth the benefits of positive self talk as a way of overcoming and reframing negative internal messages into positive affirming self talk. In this book Dr. Helmstetter also extolled the miracle of technology available to all with a cassette recorder to make personalized tapes to play back periodically to help shift beliefs from limiting beliefs to more true, empowering beliefs.
Before reading his book and examining his other materials I was already using many of the techniques mentioned in his books. His presentation of the how and why self talk can be useful was a cogent and credible theory which I found useful.
I eventually attended a training group at the Self Talk Institute where he presented a version of his work to professionals for use with clients. I have used this method with many coaching and counseling clients alone and in conjunction with other techniques. It is frequently useful as a way of moving forward towards the goals my clients would like to achieve.
Today the easy and inexpensive availability of Compact Disc players, MP3 players, computers and other audio devices make self produced and professionally produced custom audio programs useful to the individual and to the professional working with clients.
I use audio programs in my work with clients today and continue to use audio programs for my own personal growth.
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June 26th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Hello,
I would like to record my own self-talk. Since the audio I’ll be listening to is on the outside of my body (me listening in, so to speak), should I record my affirmations saying “You” or “I”.
Example: You have a great memory.
OR: I have a great memory.
Weird thing is, I read about this someplace a long time ago, but can’t remember where. It said that if I’m recording and listening to myself with an audio, it should be addressed as “You”.
But, if I’m actually talking to myself, thinking, meditating or writing, then I use “I” or “I am.”
Can you shed some light on this for me. Making tapes takes a good amount of time and I want to get it right the first time.
I am grateful for your valuable time. Enjoy this moment, enjoy your whole day.
Warmly,
Linda
June 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Hi Linda,
I use both I and You in my self talk programs. I might repeat an affirmation using “I” three time and the use “you” in the same statement.
I take care of myself.
You take care of yourself.
I suggest you try both and see which voice speaks to you. I think you will know what works best for you.
I wish you great success in your efforts to use audio recordings to create the life you deserve. If there is anything I can assist you with please contact me.
Gene
July 15th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Hello Gene,
This is very useful information. Actually I had very similar questions as Linda before. I also had this question - How effective is the self talk audio when you use your name.
Example: Tom has a great memory
OR
Tom, You have a great memory !!
Is there any right or wrong way - how do you know. OR do you go with what “feels” best. Thank you for you input.
- RK.
July 20th, 2008 at 12:31 am
Hi RK,
I think the effectiveness in using a persons name would depend a great deal on the individual, for some people it might work very well and others might find it less useful. I would recommend you just try it and watch how you react to the self talk and also be aware of how effective the self talk script is in creating the empowering changes you desire in your life.
Let me know how this works for you!
Gene