Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders who engaged in Therapeutic Divination as a healing practice in the Philippines through the lenses of Park’s Meaning-Making Model, the Barnum Effect, and the Contrast Avoidance Model. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this research examined how participants utilized divination frameworks to reconstruct personal meaning, navigate emotional distress, and foster cognitive control. Participants were adults formally diagnosed with an anxiety disorder who had actively sought Therapeutic Divination as part of their coping journey and were able to reflect on its impact on their mental health. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews to capture the depth and richness of their lived experiences.
This study generated ten (10) superordinate themes: Symbolic Meaning-Making; Guided Emotional and Cognitive Mapping; Perceived Personal Relevance of Insights; Interpersonal Emotional Validation; Emotional Resilience Development; Cognitive-Emotional Relief; Cognitive Control; Safe Emotional Processing; Proactive Anxiety Management; and Supportive Healing Practices.
This study aimed to contribute to mental health practices by examining how Therapeutic Divination supports individuals in meaning-making, emotional regulation, and cognitive restructuring. Findings suggest that symbolic practices may complement traditional approaches by enhancing coping, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.
This study also proposed an enhanced therapeutic program, including practitioner education, ethical guidelines, structured sessions, informed consent, referral systems, and anxiety self-rating tools to monitor client progress.
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