restricted environmental stimulation, darkness therapy, psychotherapeutic process, psychotherapeutic effets

The presentation shows a historical overview of an experimental scientific research ranging from perceptual isolation through sensory deprivation to restricted/reduced environmental stimulation technique/therapy. It involves laboratory experiments with immersion REST, flotation REST and especially chamber REST. These studies range from early 1950´s (McGill University, Canada) through 1980´s (University of British Columbia, Canada) until the present (University of Ostrava, Czech Republic). Examples of particular laboratory environments, and studies are discussed, as is the more recent development of applications to treatments of addictive behavior and other life problems. Summaries of results, and applications to practical life problems and issues are considered, and the variety of specific environments is shown. The second part of the talk presents the specific application of chamber REST, called „Darkness Therapy“ (DT). It stands for procedure when an individual voluntarily stays in specially prepared environment – apartment of absolute darkness, substantial acoustic isolation and solitude, for several days, most commonly for the duration of one week. The stay includes fresh food, beverages and daily visit of caretaker/therapist. Pilot results of procedure studies will be presented (e.g. cognitive functions, psychopathological symptoms, mindfulness, burn-out, ECG, HRV, melatonin & cortisol secretion) and there will be space for discussion at the end of the lecture.