Perhaps the only thing you know about Kabbalah is that Madonna does it; maybe all you've read of the Hoffman Process is that Ruthie Henshall credits it with bringing her back from the brink of self-destruction. But if you're questioning spiritual or personal issues in your own life, which do you turn to? We take a look at exactly how these therapies and teachings are
supposed to help - and whether, in fact, they do...
The Alpha Course
What is it?
The Alpha Course was started in the late 1970s as a means for 'new' Christians to have questions they might have about their faith answered. In 1990, a curate noticed many of the people attending the course weren't Christians at all, but were there out of curiosity. Some became Christians, some didn't, but the Alpha Course was then tailored to appeal to non-Christians and packaged as an opportunity to investigate all things relating to the Church. The slant is very much "Come here to ask questions", not "Come here to be converted".
What's actually involved?
A ten-week course (usually one evening a week, but including one weekend). Each meeting starts with supper and a speaker before turning into a forum for debate. "The intention is very much that it should be a cosy, unintimidating environment where all sorts of 'big' questions can be discussed, from 'How can God possibly exist when there is such suffering in the world?' to 'Why did my father die when I was five?'," says spokesperson Mark Elsdon-Dew. The group is not necessarily led by a clergyman - it could be someone who's simply a member of a congregation.
Would it work for me?
You won't necessarily get answers, but you will have the opportunity to pose questions. It could be for you if, as a non-Christian, you find you're curious and/or eager either to find out more or have a really good debate about the possibility/impossibility of God and Christianity. Turn up as and when you feel like it, the course is intended for anyone from sceptics to those with specific questions, as well as people who have no knowledge of Christianity at all. The majority of people who try Alpha attend on a friend's recommendation.
It is free to join the Alpha Course.
Kabbalah
What is it?
Kabbalah is not a religion, as you might think, but rather a practical application that can be embraced by anyone, of any religion, and is intended to help you live your life to the full.
In Kabbalah, everything starts with you; central to its wisdom is the belief that everyone is granted the power to transform their life, be it in love, happiness, health or work. Above all, Kabbalah is a practical as well as spiritual process to be applied to everyday life. It teaches you to be proactive rather than reactive while promoting sharing, tolerance and personal responsibility. Kabbalah focuses on 'giving', the idea being that the more you give, the more you receive. And we're not talking money here - despite what you may have read, Kabbalah is not for the super-rich and you are not obliged to make donations.
What's actually involved?
It's a very individual study - you incorporate as many of its principles or beliefs into your life as you like according to what you feel is relevant. As with many things, though, it's generally held that the more you put in, the more you'll get out. Meditation is key, as it's believed that through it you'll feel calmer and better able to deal with negative situations. A visit to the Kabbalah Centre in London, where you can speak to a teacher one-on-one, is a good place to start, or you can attend one of the many courses offered. Alternatively, you can study at home. A ten-lesson course called The Power Of Kabbalah includes lessons on meditation and stress management.
Would it work for me?
Given that its basic principles focus on being a better person, Kabbalah seems suited to most. Study is intended to give you practical tools to make life easier and calmer - who wouldn't want that? It's probably not about to tell you anything new, instead it reinforces common sense with an emotional support so you can live your life your way.
Kabbalah is free but you have to pay for text books etc.
Jungian Analysis
What is it?
A therapeutic approach to the treatment of many psychological problems, including depression and anxiety, based on the work of psychoanalyst Carl Jung (see portrait). Many of us presume that as we get older we'll achieve an understanding of who and what we are. "But that doesn't always happen, and that's when we need help," explains Liza Glenn, associate member of the Society Of Analytical Psychology. "The focus is on understanding symptoms, rather than just treating them. Analysis is about building a relationship between therapist and client so they can identify behaviours and, when it seems those are holding them back, start making changes."
What's actually involved?
Analysis can run anywhere from 18 months to three years. Most people have sessions once a week, those who are acutely distressed go two or three times. Analysts are trained to listen, understand, and read between the lines to see what someone is not saying.
Would it work for me?
It might if you're unhappy and lacking fulfilment. Jungian analysis may be useful to those who feel that life is threatening to overwhelm them. This feeling could be triggered by anything from a bereavement to a series of failed relationships or problems arising from childhood.
Jungian analysis costs up to £100 per session.