Body-mind psychotherapy (BMP) takes the basic tools of mind-body integration and joins them with an awareness of emotional development. Working with techniques such as body awareness, touch, breath, and movement, BMP reintroduces the body and its innate wisdom to the theory and practice of psychotherapy. This alternative practice is one of the exciting frontiers of therapy and will enrich the work of therapists, medical practitioners, and bodyworkers.Body and mind are functionally inseparable. The cultural separation of body and mind, however, has confused our thinking and created obstacles for psychological health. This separation is itself firmly planted in the practices of standard psychotherapy. In the first part of the book, Aposhyan discusses this false division and goes on to articulate the theoretical basis for the unity of body and mind. Drawing on research in neuroscience and developmental conceptions of human attachment, bodily processes including nonverbal attunement, processing, and regulation are shown to be basic to what transpires in therapy. This account culminates in a chapter on the links between biology and consciousness that are critical for therapeutic that addresses the whole person.Part 2 provides an overview of the basic form of BMP. Beginning with the tasks of therapy, the chapters in this part describe the format of therapy in terms of a cycle of interaction between body and mind concluding with a consideration of the primary goal of BMP--i.e., a synchronization of body and mind founded in body awareness. The therapy professional is also offered methods to cultivate his or her own embodiment. For the psychotherapist, personal embodiment is the single most important key to integrating the body into psychotherapy practice.The body systems are reviewed in Part 3. Aposhyan takes the reader on a detailed tour of various important systems including the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems as well as the skin, fluids, viscera, and endocrine systems. The result is an articulate picture of an integrated set of body functions all of which have their distinct roles and yet communicate with and have a bearing upon the functioning of each other. The specific techniques of BMP are grounded in this detailed picture of the various body systems. In Part 4 Aposhyan instructs readers in how to anchor in the body the change affected by BMP. Discussions here consider change at the cellular level and address specific clinical issues critical to BMP. Body-Mind Psychotherapy offers a simple, user-friendly, and safe approach to integrating the body into therapy and psychological exploration. The techniques involved are consistent with research from neuroscience, psychological development, and traumatology. As a result, the reader will find BMP both an effective and research-based therapeutic approach.

Somatic psychology and bodymind therapy (the simultaneous study of the mind and body) are challenging contemporary understandings of the psyche, of what it means to be human and how to heal human suffering.

Exploring Body-Mind Centering features 35 essays on Body-Mind Centering (BMC), an experiential practice based on the application of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical, and developmental principles. Using the work of BMC founder Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen as a springboard, the book showcases diverse situations—from medical illness to blocked creativity—in which this discipline is applied with transformative results. Exploring Body-Mind Centering is divided into three sections, preceded by an introduction framing BMC as a pathway to becoming aware of relationships that exist throughout the body and mind and using that awareness to act. The first section lays the groundwork for this process, with real-life experiences and exercises that encourage readers to interact with the text. Section two contains valuable case stories describing the experiences of BMC students and practitioners as they work with clients. Section three shows how BMC can be integrated with other disciplines and practices that include the arts, medicine, and yoga. The book concludes with a biography of Cohen, a profile of the School for Body-Mind Centering, and a history of BMC.

A wide range of ancient Eastern and modern Western philosophies are connected in this exciting new therapy. Free your bodily tensions and release long-held emotions, enhancing your mental and physical health. Rosenberg's Integrative Body Psychotherapy helps develop both personal and internal growth, focusing on the whole person — the body, mind, emotions and spirit. An integration of various disciplines, this approach is ideal for professionals looking to develop a holistic and integrated philosophy of health. This book helps both professionals and lay readers learn: -The basic tools of Integrative Body Psychotherapy -Segments of the body, and how they work together -The stages in development of the self -The physical/energetic level of sexuality -The intra-psychic level of sexuality -The interpersonal level of sexuality -The transpersonal experience What readers are saying about this book: The authors' broad perspective is a welcome relief from the narrowness of most self-development systems. Body, Self, and Soul is thoughtful, practical, and very well informed. — Michael Murphy, founder of Esalen Institute

The human heart forms the essential link between body and spirit. In Heart Open, Body Awake, master somatics teacher Susan Aposhyan presents a simple yet richly detailed four-part practice to experience this link in all its unfolding wonder: opening our hearts, feeling our bodies, allowing ourselves to move and be moved, and connecting with the world in its fullness. Aposhyan weaves together insights from a range of scientific, psychological, and spiritual traditions to present a practical path toward embodied spirituality. Beautiful anatomical illustrations help readers to visualize the body systems, processes, and movements described in the book. Through the practices offered in Heart Open, Body Awake, your sense of spiritual wellness can become as near and palpable as your sensitive, beating heart.

This groundbreaking clinical guide explores the theory behind embodiment in psychotherapy, the science that underlies its methods, and how this knowledge can offer greater depth to clinical practice. Experts across the cognitive and behavioral sciences analyze the complex roles of the body in helping create the self and convey agency, and the essential cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes expressed in movement, gestures, and facial expressions. Diverse techniques are shown bridging gaps between emotional and bodily awareness and verbal and nonverbal communication to reinforce self-regulation, navigate social relationships, and support the therapeutic bond. These practical guidelines demonstrate the versatility of embodiment work in use with individuals, couples, and groups in addressing a wide range of emotional, interpersonal, and somatic concerns. Among the topics covered: · Embodiment as an organizing principle. · Generating body focus: the gate to embodied work and emotional awareness. · Embodiment of social interaction: our place in the world around us. · Resource activation: bringing values into the flesh. · Therapeutic alliance: grounding interaction in space. · The power of embodying values in work place teams. Expanding on while strengthening traditional theory and methods, Embodiment in Psychotherapy brings new directions in healing to researchers, clinicians, and psychotherapists of all schools in psychiatry, counseling, coaching, and social work, as well as psychology students, trainers, managers, and supervisors.

This acclaimed work, first published in 1985, presents in full detail, the most effective aspects of bioenergetics, Gestalt therapy, psychomotor therapy, Reichian orgonomy, and many others, are fully detailed, along with a wealth of practical therapeutic techniques. This book is divided into four parts: the historical and theoretical perspective; the body as the locus of personality assessment; the body as the locus of psychotherapeutic intervention; and personal and ethical considerations.