Body-orientated psychotherapy

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 is often borne out of many counsellors and psychotherapists being traditionally focused only on the mind, and 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 in 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.

History of body psychotherapy

The roots of body psychotherapy can be traced back to ancient times, as people believed in the healing power of touch, movement, and physical activities like dance and yoga. However, it wasn’t until the early twentieth century when the body psychotherapy we know today began to take shape.

One of the first people to pioneer body psychotherapy was Wilhelm Reich, a psychoanalyst who believed that emotional issues could be stored in the body as physical tension. Reich developed techniques to help people release this tension which ultimately improved their mental health.

Since then, body psychotherapy has continued to evolve with new approaches and techniques being developed to address a wide range of mental health issues.

Techniques used in body psychotherapy

Body-oriented psychotherapy is an approach that recognises the profound connection between our bodies and our emotional psychological experiences. It invites individuals to tune into their body’s wisdom, encouraging healing and self-awareness.

Trauma, especially from early developmental years, is often stored in the body. However, through the gentle, supportive techniques used in body-oriented psychotherapy, this trauma can be given shape and form, allowing it to be expressed and processed in a safe environment.

Here are just a few examples of the techniques we may offer during a session:

Centring

Centring is a practice that helps individuals find a calm and balanced state by focusing on their body’s core. It involves directing attention inward, becoming aware of physical sensations. Centring helps clients manage stress and anxiety by providing a way to anchor themselves to the present moment.

Grounding

Grounding techniques are designed to help individuals connect with the present moment and physical environment. It involves becoming aware of the sensations in the body, and feeling connection to the ground. Grounding can be achieved through various exercises that you will be guided through by a therapist.

Breathwork

Breathwork involves using conscious breathing techniques to enhance emotional regulation, release tension, and promote relaxation. Different breathing patterns can influence the nervous system, ultimately helping to calm the mind and energise the body. Breathwork can involve deep breathing, paced breathing, or other structured breath exercises.

In essence, body-oriented psychotherapy offers a holistic approach to healing. Although this process doesn’t involve touch, it encompasses a range of different techniques to help regulate emotions, process trauma, and develop more self-awareness.

How can body psychotherapy help you?

Body-oriented psychotherapy can help with a wide range of physical and emotional problems from anxiety and panic attacks to negative body image issues and fear of intimacy. It’s a holistic approach to healing as it works with both the individual’s mind and body to address their physical and emotional needs. Body psychotherapy can help with:

• Integrating the body and mind
• Increasing self-awareness
• Releasing tension and trauma
• Reducing stress
• Improving emotional regulation
• Enhancing self-expression

Overall, body-oriented psychotherapy offers a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing, helping individuals connect with their bodies.

What can we do?

Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy is a multi-approach psychotherapy clinic. Psychotherapists trained in body-oriented techniques 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.

Why choose Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy

Formed in 2013 by Mark Vahrmeyer and Sam Jahara, Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy offers psychological services to individuals, couples, families and groups with a range of issues. Our skilled team of associates bring their individual expertise and knowledge in different types of therapies to ensure each client receives the help they need.

At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we offer tailored body-oriented psychotherapy to meet the needs of our clients. Get in touch with us now to see how we can help you, or alternatively browse our practitioners to find one that is right for you.

Body psychotherapy and related approaches is offered by Eva Papandreou, Mark Vahrmeyer, Gerry Gilmartin and Susanna Petitpierre.

If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, search our team of therapists.