Conglomerate thought forms (distorted belief systems) which are developed and created by childhood logic are usually based on fear. They have the power to create the very thing that is feared. The Pathwork Guide refers to them as images. Here is some of what Barbara Brennan has written about these systems and Core Energetics, in her book, Hands of Light:

"These conglomerate thought forms, or belief systems, attract many 'effects' in one's outer reality. Since these forms are not deeply buried in the unconscious but are on the edge of consciousness, they can be retrieved through such methods as Core Energetic bodywork, word association and meditation. When the forms are brought to the focus of consciousness by expressing the feelings associated with them and releasing those feelings, they are then often possible to change. This process allows a clearer view of the assumptions about reality which make up the forms. When the invalid assumptions (remember they are based on logic from childhood) are uncovered, seen and released, they can be replaced by a more mature clear view of reality, which in turn leads to the creation of positive life experiences." p. 94

Perhaps another way to say this is: We all have some distorted belief systems that we may not be fully aware of, that are immature. Our lack of consciousness about them, gives them power in the creation of our reality. These are often represented by the places where you feel stuck or seem to have a negative pattern. In fact, when you feel stuck in a pattern or seem unable to get what you want, it is usually a distorted belief operating, under the radar of your full awareness. You can think positively all you want. But if your unconscious beliefs are negative, negativity is what you'll attract. Core Energetics give you an opportunity to make these beliefs conscious, as you allow yourself to feel, express and release the feelings associated with them. As the feelings release, there is a release of the energy it took to hold on to the belief. They literally lose their energetic hold on you, when they are brought into the light of consciousness and you begin to be more in charge of your life.

Here is an example: When I was fourteen, my father died of heart disease. For various and multiple reasons, there was no space for me to grieve. In my child logic, I determined if I love a man he will abandon me and the feelings are too much for me to handle. I had no awareness of this belief for many years. As a result, I was very guarded with men. With this belief operating, I would find myself in tumultuous relationships with men. I either resisted falling in love and would end the relationship, or fell head over heels and lived in fear of being left. As you might imagine, an underlying fear of being abandoned incites certain negative behaviors like possessiveness, attempts to control, clingyness, etc...all of which have the effect of pushing the man away. Thus, the reality is created based on the belief, if I love a man, he will leave me. For a while, this result can shore up the defensive belief. In defending against the overwhelming feelings associated with being left, I make sure that it happens! I get to say 'Aha, See, I was right!'

Doing Core Energetics bodywork, allowed me to begin to feel the feelings associated with the loss of my father; anger, rage, sadness, longing and despair. This happened over time and with tremendous support from my practitioner at the time, Karyne Wilner. (Wilner is the Director of Education for the Institute of Core Energetics East, where I now teach, and she practices in Rhode Island.) As I felt and released these feelings, the belief became more and more conscious. The adult me, who has processed these feelings, knows I am safe in or out of relationship. The prospect of being left, while sad, is not terrifying and therefore doesn't have the same negative behavior attached to it. The adult me, knows that I can process loss. The belief is loosened to something like, if I love a man, I risk being abandoned and I can handle it, so it's worth the risk! Sounds a lot like, 'tis better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all. It is a more mature belief, a clearer view of reality. My grown up view allows me a different approach to relationships and the experience is much more positive.


Brennan also wrote:
"This process called Core Energetics is a unified process of inner healing which concentrates working through the defenses of the ego and the personality to unblock energies in the body. Core Energetics seeks to balance all the bodies (physical, etheric, emotional, mental and spiritual) to effect a harmonious healing of the whole person." p.32