Second Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC2)

Overview

The Second Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC2) is the second stage of the sophrological journey designed by Alfonso Caycedo. Inspired by Tibetan Buddhism and specifically by the visualization practices of Vajrayāna, this technique was developed after Caycedo's stay in Tibet and Nepal in the 1960s. While the first degree focused on direct body perception, the second degree introduces the dimension of contemplation: practitioners learn to mentally represent their body, organs, and then their entire being.

RDC2 marks a turning point in sophrological learning as it opens the door to working on self-image, self-confidence, and relationships with others. It is also at this degree that practitioners begin to develop their ability to "contemplate" their thoughts and emotions with detachment.

Core Principles

The second degree is based on the principle of contemplation, which differs from the first degree's concentration through the introduction of mental representation. The key mechanisms are:

• Body schema contemplation: ability to mentally "see" one's body from the inside, then from the outside
• Contemplation of the senses: exploration of the five senses in their inner dimension (hearing silence, seeing in darkness)
• Self-image reinforcement: work on positive perception of one's physical and psychological identity
• Positive somatization: directing pleasant sensations toward body areas that need them

This degree also works on temporality by introducing contemplation of the recent past and near future, allowing practitioners to pacify their relationship with time.

Main Indications

• Body image disorders and mild dysmorphophobia
• Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem
• Preparation for important events (exams, interviews, competitions)
• Support for eating disorders (in addition to medical follow-up)
• Development of creativity and imagination
• Emotional management and emotional reactivity
• Grief support and life transitions
• Motivation reinforcement

Session Structure

An RDC2 session lasts approximately 1 hour and follows a multi-phase protocol:

1. Welcome and practice review (5 min): discussion of experiences since the last session
2. Basic sophronization (10 min): progressive relaxation to reach the sophroliminal level, including RDC1 elements
3. Second degree dynamic stimulations (15 min): specific exercises including slow movements with eyes closed, gentle head rotations, lateral swaying to promote inner balance
4. Guided contemplation (15-20 min): progressive visualization of the body schema — first the body's contours, then internal organs, finally the entire body seen from outside as in an inner mirror
5. Desophronization (5 min): gradual return to the waking state
6. Phenodescription (5-10 min): sharing of visualizations and sensations experienced

Variations and Adaptations

RDC2 can be enriched by using visual aids before the session (photos, drawings of the human body) to facilitate mental representation for people with visualization difficulties. In sophrological art therapy, phenodescription is replaced by a free drawing of the experienced body schema. In high-level sports, RDC2 is used for mental preparation: athletes contemplate their perfect technical gesture before performing it.

Contraindications

• Psychotic disorders with visual hallucinations (visualization may reinforce symptoms)
• Severe anorexia nervosa (body image work requires a specialized therapeutic framework)
• Active depersonalization-derealization disorder
• Unstabilized dissociative states