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The
Meaning of Strata and the
Geology of MFT
In geology, a stratum (plural: strata) is a layer of sedimentary rock or soil with internally consistent characteristics that distinguish it from other layers; however, it constitutes a solid form of bedrocks.
Each layer is generally one of a number of parallel layers that lie one upon another, laid down by natural processes, and are slowly changed by pressure, heat, and chemical action into rocks.
Like a solid form of bedrock, these strata can be compared to the systems of an individual, which include your partner, parents, children, siblings, extended family, community, culture and society in general.
Guiding You on the Path of Self-Healing
Layers Form Who We Are
Sedimentary rocks form as more-or-less horizontal layers because of the way in which sediment, sand, mud, rock debris, shell fragments, and so on, are deposited. The layering of sedimentary rocks is made of obvious because the compositional differences almost always produce layers with different thicknesses and colors. The strata are often typical of a particular time and place and allow geologists to relate rocks in different places.
Similar to the formation of these layers of sedimentary rock, the experience that we gain from interactions with our different systems influences our perceptions and behaviors, which also become layered together during our life span, forming the person that we are.
Therapy Is the Path to Transforming your Rock
Rock deformation is defined as all changes that occur to the volume and/or shape of a rock body. Often the strata is subjected to stress (either compression, tension or shear) and the rock shifts from its original position. With enough stress the rock strata can become ductile, meaning the rock has change and stays that way. Finally, if rocks are stressed enough, they can fracture, which is when the change is irreversible and the rock breaks.
Similar to the idea of rock deformation, people spend their entire lives under pressure interacting with their life systems. How you perceive your experiences of these interactions between systems influences your over functioning in like. Often the perceptions raised from these interactions are very positive and satisfying. However, sometimes these interactions do not jive and may become troubling or confrontational and the results can have a serious negative impact on your functioning in major life activities. This negative impact very often leads to dysfunction and imbalance in all aspects of your life.
People are resilient, we often see ourselves as being as hard as a rock. However, just like rock strata that has been changed gradually through erosion or quickly through the trauma of deformation, people can also experience deformation. A metamorphic rock is a result of a transformation of a preexisting rock. Psychotherapy can be thought of as a pathway of change transforming sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock. A Marriage Family Therapist can help create additional change or shift in the individual, couple or family. A shift toward a more dense type of rock and more functional than their original material, and much less susceptible to erosion breakdown in the future.
