Guru Ratings
Sondra Ray
Bad.
Remember my ratings criteria. I’m not judging these gurus on “global” or moral values, but very specific criteria. Many of my favorite books would be rated “bad” by my criteria for self-help (probably, because they are not self-help books). My ratings don’t reflect how well an author met his own goals, but how well they met my criteria for useful, accurate self-help.
Sondra Ray, along with Leonard Orr, invented Rebirthing-Breathwork therapy.
There is no evidence for rebirthing and reparenting. Many therapists are abusing patients with these techniques. See chapter 2 of Crazy Therapies.
Rebirthing in the New Age (1983)
Learn to “breathe energy,” “relive birth trauma,” and uncover memories hiding in your cells. All of which is bullshit.
Birth and Relationships (1987)
In this book, Ray admits rebirthing has no research behind it. She doesn’t care: “Rebirthers consider themselves to be spiritual guides, not scientists.”
Ray also supports reparenting. The patient is encouraged to act like a small infant. Through “corrective parenting” by the therapist, the patient will be emotionally healed. Some therapists feed adults with baby bottles, instruct patients to wear diapers, cuddle with them, etc.