Body Orientated Psychotherapy
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy we believe that the mind and body are intricately linked. That what is felt in one is felt and, in the case of the body, expressed in the other.
Our experience is that too many practitioners focus purely on the mind of the client and ignore the body. Yet, research increasingly shows the mind and body as one emotional system. Sadly, this lack of understanding it is often borne out of many counsellors and psychotherapists being traditionally focused only on the mind. Also perhaps from some not being connected to their own body. However, our minds and bodies work together on a daily basis. Therefore the body is also involved in experiencing and processing emotions.
In fact the interaction of what is essentially one emotional system is encoded in our language. Think about popular expressions such as:
“She is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders”
“He is a real pain in the neck”
“I have butterflies in my stomach”
“She is digging her heals in”
“He is dragging his feet”
What is Body Psychotherapy?
Research is now proving that trauma – the root cause of most psychological and emotional problems – is rooted in the body as well as the mind. Working with one without addressing the other simply leads nowhere at best and can be re-traumatising at worst.
It is now also becoming accepted that the only way we can regulate of our emotions – and avoid overwhelm – is through sensing them in our body and learning to breathe through them.
Body psychotherapy is a way of gently working that is non-invasive, aiming to bring sensations in the body into the consciousness of the client. Bringing mind and body together in harmony to better understand and work through our experiences.
In the modern world we are conditioned to spend most of our time in our heads and even when engaging with activities such as going to the gym or doing some manual work, we disengage from our bodies through watching the screens at the gym or listening to music as we work.
Body psychotherapy does not involve touch. It is an attuned way of working with an awareness of how our bodies respond to stress and trauma. Thus giving us holistic tools and techniques to regulate our emotions through our bodies.
What Happens in Body Oriented Therapy?
Your First Session
When you schedule your initial consultation, it is normal to feel a mix of relief and anxiety. During the initial consultation, your therapist’s goal is to determine whether they are the right fit for you and your needs. You also have a responsibility to decide whether you feel comfortable enough to open up and share your inner world with your therapist. It’s essential to determine a balance where you feel safe and at ease with your therapist while recognizing that they are not there to be your friend but your ally. Your session length will be predetermined and is usually 50 minutes.
Your therapist will ask you about the issues that brought you to therapy and try to understand what success in therapy looks like for you. It’s important to ask any questions that are on your mind to establish whether the therapist is the right fit for you. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision straight away, it’s always helpful to take some time to reflect on the session and how you feel afterwards. Starting therapy is a big decision and you want to approach it mindfully.
Confidentiality in Therapy
Confidentiality is a vital aspect of therapy. Your therapist will explain what confidentiality means and what its limitations are. In general, everything you disclose to your therapist is confidential, but there are rare instances where confidentiality may be broken, such as if you are at risk to yourself or others.
The Frame
‘The frame’ in therapy refers to the physical and contractual boundaries that make therapy possible. Each therapist will have their own version of the frame, but it generally covers when and where you meet, confidentiality, fees, and consistency in how your therapist interacts with you. The frame is there to protect you and the therapist and makes the relationship safe and possible.
Ongoing Sessions
Your therapy can last for as long as you like. Most people agree on a set number of sessions or enter into an open-ended contract where you and your therapist continue to meet weekly without a pre-determined end date. It’s easy to get into the rhythm of therapy and choose to continue for months or even years. This isn’t to say there is anything ‘wrong’ with you, but because you enjoy having an intimate relationship with someone to help you explore your inner world which can help you make significant changes to your life.
In conclusion, body-oriented psychotherapy offers a unique approach to therapy that integrates the mind and body to promote healing and growth. Through this type of therapy, you can explore and better understand the interface between your mind and body. Body oriented therapy offers a safe and confidential environment that can help you explore your inner world. Through this intimate relationship governed by boundaries, you can take the right step towards achieving the changes you desire.
What can we do?
Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy offers a more holistic process of counselling and psychotherapy. Body therapists can support you in starting to get curious about what your body is telling you. Through noticing your sensations and feelings in the moment you will learn to engage with your body to manage your emotional state long-term.
Body Psychotherapy and related approaches is offered by Mark Vahrmeyer, Gerry Gilmartin and Susanna Petitpierre.
If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, you can search for a therapist here.
