Frequently Asked Questions

I have studied with different people and their understanding differs, why is this?

There are two reasons for this. Robert St. John wrote about Prenatal Therapy in his first two books and about Afference and Efference in his Introductory Articles. Depending on when a person studied Metamorphosis, they may be more or less informed on his earlier or his later thinking.

Second, Robert always said that Metamorphosis can only be understood from within. The data of the work simply offers a framework - from which to find the living essence of the work. One cannot truly put the living essence into words, the words only point you in the direction of finding the understanding within.

You won't find any two people with the exact same understanding of Metamorphosis, which is how it should be. We all view life from our patterns and our ability to understand Metamorphosis is limited by these patterns. While the essence of the work does not change, one's ability to experience and communicate depends on their orientation and patterns.

I have found that people tend to get caught up in what is 'right' rather than let the work unfold for them - which is a continuing process - as you find a better balance of afference & efference within.

My perspective on Metamorphosis and my ability to communicate changes periodically. Metamorphosis is a living essence and how we each tap into that is somewhat unique. I encourage you to study with a teacher/s you feel an affinity towards and read Robert St. John's books. This sets the framework for you to discover Metamorphosis for yourself.

Is there a certification program for practicing or teaching Metamorphosis?

No, Robert St. John was not supportive of certification for practicing or teaching Metamorphosis. This is for a good reason as Metamorphosis is about breaking down the structure of hierarchy, reminding humanity that we can all heal from within and that we can set this in motion ourselves. Metamorphosis is about letting go of the old structures of life and trusting our own inner intelligence.

While this can make things a little confusing, it is the first step in truly living from our own inner intelligence. As we stop looking outside of ourselves for approval we begin to take responsibility for who we are and how we are in the world.

Do you have Case Studies on Metamorphosis?

Robert St. John was actually against creating case studies. The reason for this is that you have to label people with a symptom. Labeling people can fix them in their condition, as thought is so powerful. Once we identify with a condition it is harder to let it go.

The idea with Metamorphosis is not to identify with symptoms, regardless of their severity. Robert had a relative that appeared to be Down Syndrome at birth. They chose to practice Metamorphosis on her without labeling her. By not labeling her they were treating her underlying patterns instead of treating a condition. She moved out of her Down Syndrome pattern as a result.

Case studies require people to identify with and focus on their patterns. Both are counterproductive to Metamorphosis. Robert used to say that the more attention you give your patterns the less room they have to go away.

Robert initially observed that when you focus on or treat symptoms they often go away, but new ones develop or the old ones return. Metamorphosis addresses the primary stress patterns behind symptoms so that we make fundamental changes rather than symptomatic changes. When we change our attitudes of mind our body, mind and spirit change as well.

The idea is to begin to trust your inner wisdom, and if you are guided to Metamorphosis, trust it! Find the answers for yourself, that is part of the thinking of Metamorphosis.

What is the difference between Metamorphosis and the Metamorphic Technique?

I address this question because it is asked so often and they are not the same work.

Metamorphosis is the work of Robert St. John. The intent of Metamorphosis is to create a balance of afference and efference within.

Afference and efference offer a wonderful explanation for global and personal disharmony and disease. They also offer tremendous insight into the relationships between people. The understanding of afference and efference changes ones perspective towards life, creating a sense of heightened awareness and non-judgement.

Metamorphosis uses the prenatal pattern as a means to access the primary stress patterns of humanity, which originated with the separation of afference and efference.

Metamorphosis practices tuning-in to a person, so that you work intuitively and is the opposite of a technique. While St. John used this term in his first two books he later realized that it was contradictory to his philosophy.

The Metamorphic Technique is based on St. John’s earlier work, Prenatal Therapy, and does not include the philosophy of Afference and Efference.

Read more on Afference and Efference.