Psychic First Aid

[brokers]

Considering some of the suspicions regarding the possible nature of our next Jaunt destination, it seems that it would be wise to remind everyone - and to inform those who have had very little experience with Traveling - that it is possible to learn how to shield your thoughts from outside intrusion. It may not be perfectly effective against intrusion originating outside the Network, but should provide some protection, and will help insulate your mind against your fellow Travelers. I would be willing to teach the method to anyone who has not yet had the chance to learn it, though I will warn you that some facility with telepathic communication is usually necessary to put the concepts into practice.

There are also methods by which psychic damage can be eased, and potentially fully healed, though it is not a simple process. I have some experience with this, and I believe there are several others who have practice in the techniques as well, if they are willing to identify themselves in case anyone requires aid, whether now or in the future.

Comments

[biiowiired]

Not inherent maybe, but I've seen my share of evil medical professionals. All the same, I'd still be interested in what you have to teach once I get more familiar with the psychic fabric here. Whether I'm interested in being healed will depend on how desperate I am to trust a stranger.

[rustyhonesty]

That makes sense, actually. Of course it's more ideal to be able to shield someone, but if that doesn't work, it's also good to know you can aid them heal the damage that got done... it's the same as with physical wounds.

[eldritchwheelies]

It's impractical for me to do it using just sleight of will. I'd need to very precisely draw a magic circle and the runic circuitry to power it, which I normally used my cell phone for. That's caused problems.

I wasn't a parapsychic before I got here and I'm not a very good one right now.

[brokers]

I have found that it is much closer to physical healing than to psychotherapy, but having some grounding in early psychological theory may help you differentiate between symptom and cause.

[brokers]

It is good to hear from you as well. I am glad there are still some familiar faces here.

And I would be glad to teach you. If I recall correctly, you have a firm background in the use of the psychic network already.

[brokers]

Of course. I will not be difficult to find once you are ready to make inquiries about the functions of the network - just ask for Liara, or barring that, "the woman with blue skin".

[brokers]

It is quite similar, yes. Both in function, and in the fact that harm can be done both deliberately and by accidental or environmental means.

[brokers]

It is unlikely that it would affect the psychic network even if you were able to create the necessary shield without your tools - but the methodology may provide a useful mental framework to center your protections on in the beginning.

[professorwolf]

I do. I've learned how to stay myself while still infiltrating, now, which is probably the most useful skill I have. What do you feel is most closely associated with the healing?

[fridgeninja]

That's almost exactly what I have.

So... how do you tell the difference?

[biiowiired]

I'm... the guy with gray skin. I guess. The Ψiioniic.

Private | Level 2

[triggerhappytraitor]

If you are able to learn it... may I request a favor?

[[Considering the context and what Lyall already knew about his.. issues... with the network, he's fairly sure he doesn't need to explain what he's asking]]

[Private, no protections, but Tachibana's 2 keeps him safe!]

[professorwolf]

Oh... yes, certainly.

[Yes, he can guess what Tachibana wants.]

I doubt it will make you completely at ease with this, but it may help, yes.

Private | Level 2

[triggerhappytraitor]

If there's a chance it can help, it's worth trying.

[[and as he does trust Lyall... (and Hajime also trusted him, so he was doubly sure it was a trust that wouldn't be betrayed) it would be... hopefully easier than working with a total stranger.]]

Thank you.

[professorwolf]

I'll certainly do what I can for you. It's the least I can do.

[He is quite fond of the fellow, after all, and watching him flinch every time he gets a psychic message isn't easy. He'll let the conversation go, now, unless Tachibana has more to say-- after all, it's not like Tachibana enjoys this!]

[rustyhonesty]

Do you know if it's possible to use psychic healing on yourself, if you're able to or need to? Most skills seem to be the kind that you can use on yourself or others, but with healing it sounds a bit trickier...

[brokers]

Protection - in a sense, it is a refinement of the process we use to shelter our minds from outside interference.

[brokers]

With practice, and patience. Some situations will be clearer than others - a friend having difficulty sleeping after a traumatic experience may, for example, be relatively straightforward.

If it would help, I can share a conceptual model with you.

[fridgeninja]

That sounds interesting.

Please.

[professorwolf]

Oh dear. I may need extra lessons, then. I never did pick that one up.

[He's one of the few people who pretty much expects his mind to not be terribly private, so he never bothered...]

[brokers]

Never?

Well, we can certainly remedy that. It is, believe it or not, one of the simpler aspects of the psychic network to learn, if not to master.

[brokers]

I do not think anyone has tried - but I think it would hold the same risks as diagnosing and treating yourself for serious physical illness or injury does. Namely that it is far too easy to convince yourself that you are less hurt than you actually are.

[professorwolf]

I never really saw a need. I have my pack in my head a lot of the time, and I wouldn't want to keep them out, so....

[There's the awkward sense of what might be a shrug.]

I suppose I'll have to now, though. Can you walk me through the basics?

[brokers]

It is not automatic - even if you learn it, you do not need to use it.

In essence, you draw a boundary around your mind, and reinforce it with your will. It is easiest if you visualize it in a way that is meaningful to you: what do you see as a protective barrier?

[professorwolf]

Oh, no, I know that. At least I think I did. I just meant now I'll have to learn it.

[He sounds resigned but a little amused.]

That does sound fairly simple. Though what seems protective to me might not work.

[He immediately got mental images of fur and teeth, and that definitely doesn't work as a mental barrier, he thinks. Not unless he wants someone poking at his mind to get bitten. So he goes with,]

A general wall should suffice.