“Deep within us there is a natural intelligence operating that houses a multitude of information.”
~ Richard Strozzi-Heckler
Body Psychotherapy
Body Psychotherapy uniquely addresses physiology and neuroscience; when integrating mindfulness of body sensation as a primary tool, it can tell us exactly what is happening in the body, in the present moment, and in response to a specific event, thought, or emotion.
Body Psychotherapy is holistic; it takes the entire human being and his/her/their life experiences into account. It goes beyond traditional “talk therapy” as it offers mindful consideration to the crucial role of the body in the structure and process of the psyche. During a session, I pay close attention to sensation and body states, which allow unconscious material to manifest and possibly be worked with using breath, spatial awareness, consented therapeutic touch, movement, sensation, and imagery.
Body Psychotherapy is holistic; it takes the entire human being and his/her/their life experiences into account. It goes beyond traditional “talk therapy” as it offers mindful consideration to the crucial role of the body in the structure and process of the psyche. During a session, I pay close attention to sensation and body states, which allow unconscious material to manifest and possibly be worked with using breath, spatial awareness, consented therapeutic touch, movement, sensation, and imagery.
"Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen to them."
~ Shakti Gawain
~ Shakti Gawain
What Do Our Bodies Tell US?
We all hold different stories in our bodies. Just as we all have our own unique voice, so does each body has its own means of expression. Discovering your own body-mind means paying attention to the details and listening to your own body’s communication. You can learn how to listen to and interpret what is trying to tell you. If at first this concept is foreign, I will encourage you to be patient and gentle with yourself as you learn how to let your body speak to you.
As you experience your body’s wisdom beginning the body-mind psychotherapeutic process, you may ponder on:
- What am I aware of right now, both externally and internally? Where does my attention go?
- Where do I feel pain or tension? How long has it been there? Does it move from place to place around my body?
- Am I hot, cold, or warm anywhere in my body?
- How is my breath? How easy or difficult is my breathing?
- How am I feeling emotionally, and can I locate that emotion in my body? If so, what does it feel like? Is it familiar?
As you experience your body’s wisdom beginning the body-mind psychotherapeutic process, you may ponder on:
- What am I aware of right now, both externally and internally? Where does my attention go?
- Where do I feel pain or tension? How long has it been there? Does it move from place to place around my body?
- Am I hot, cold, or warm anywhere in my body?
- How is my breath? How easy or difficult is my breathing?
- How am I feeling emotionally, and can I locate that emotion in my body? If so, what does it feel like? Is it familiar?
Body Psychotherapy Modalities
There are many Body Psychotherapy modalities, and Focusing is one of the tools I enjoy using with my clients. Focusing is a body-oriented process of self-awareness and emotional healing. It supports that when we understand ourselves better, we feel better. The overall results of listening to your body may be insight, physical release, and positive life change. Body-Mind Psychotherapy tells us that our bodies are the most tangible record of ways in which our history has shaped us, and our bodies show us the ways in which we can move out of this shape into new possibilities.
Body Psychotherapy is one of the foundational pillars of Somatic Psychotherapy which was originally based on the work of Wilhelm Reich and developed by Alexander Lowen and John Pierrakos. Thus my approach includes Bioenergetics, which has greatly characterized the body-mind connection seen in modalities, which I also employ in my work, such as Gestalt, The Moving Cycle, Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Body-Mind Psychotherapy, and Somatic Experiencing.
Body Psychotherapy is one of the foundational pillars of Somatic Psychotherapy which was originally based on the work of Wilhelm Reich and developed by Alexander Lowen and John Pierrakos. Thus my approach includes Bioenergetics, which has greatly characterized the body-mind connection seen in modalities, which I also employ in my work, such as Gestalt, The Moving Cycle, Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Body-Mind Psychotherapy, and Somatic Experiencing.
Integrating Spirit into the Body, Mind, and Heart Principle
Lastly, the Spirit aspect is an integral part of the holistic healing process. From Eastern philosophies comes the idea that there is chi or prana, a life force, running through our bodies; an intelligent, pure creative energy or Spirit that needs to be able to flow freely in order for wholeness and total integration in our physical life to occur.
It is here in our home, earth and body, that we can develop fully as complete human beings, without needing to escape anywhere to find our essential identity or feel whole. In this way, the body thereby becomes the natural doorway to the deepest levels of the rest of human dimensions (Ferrer, 2015).
Embodied Spirituality points to the body as a creative indwelling where spiritual life resides and is waiting to emerge. I experience the body as an incredible intelligent vehicle possessing the astounding capacity to unleash the potential for personal development and conscious transformation. Hence, provided that you would like to embark on this life-changing adventure with me, I look forward to exploring the possibility of being a part of your creative process! - Lina
It is here in our home, earth and body, that we can develop fully as complete human beings, without needing to escape anywhere to find our essential identity or feel whole. In this way, the body thereby becomes the natural doorway to the deepest levels of the rest of human dimensions (Ferrer, 2015).
Embodied Spirituality points to the body as a creative indwelling where spiritual life resides and is waiting to emerge. I experience the body as an incredible intelligent vehicle possessing the astounding capacity to unleash the potential for personal development and conscious transformation. Hence, provided that you would like to embark on this life-changing adventure with me, I look forward to exploring the possibility of being a part of your creative process! - Lina
