The body is the map
of our emotional past
Body Psychotherapy
What is Body Psychotherapy?
- An in-depth talk and movement therapy.
- Connects the emotional, physical and psychological aspects of ourselves.
- Aims to improve wellbeing by integrating the mind and the body.
We often don’t realise how closely connected the mind and body are. Our body is the map of our emotional past. How we describe feelings reflects this mind–body link, e.g. butterflies in the stomach, hot under the collar, cold feet, etc.
The body acts as a storehouse of emotion. Many times, hidden behind physical discomfort, pain, illness or injury is emotional tension that has been stored in different areas of the body, often unknowingly.
When an emotion is too strong or too overwhelming for us to cope with, the body stores it to be addressed at a later time when we are ready. If left unaddressed for too long these emotions can manifest themselves in physical symptoms such as blockages, stiffness or weakness in the body. Physical releases can trigger emotional releases and vice versa, so working through emotional pain can help to heal the body and restore balance.
Improvements you can expect from Body Psychotherapy
Body Psychotherapy can help you understand how your body and mind work together to:
- Cope with day-to-day pressures.
- Feel less burdened.
- Get to the root of physical aches and pains.
- Increase your emotional wellbeing.
- Improve your relationship with self and others.
- Have a better quality of life.
Body Psychotherapy will give you the opportunity to understand what your body is telling you about your emotions. This knowledge can help you to make choices to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
When Body Psychotherapy can help
When our mind–body connection is out of balance, physical and emotional problems can arise. For example:
- Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Chronic or unresolved physical issues.
- An abusive or difficult relationship.
- An overwhelming feeling that you can’t cope with.
- Feelings of panic.
- Stress/anxiety/depression.
- Past issues that are impacting on your current life.
- Work issues, low confidence/self-esteem.
- Body awareness whilst moving, sitting or lying down.
- Visualisation and guided imagery.
- Relaxation.
- Touch via a therapeutic massage called biodynamic massage.
- Gentle exercises and postures.
- Working with art materials/objects.
These methods are vehicles for self-discovery, and we will work together to agree the best techniques for you. As you start to become more aware of your body’s hidden messages, you will be able to gain control of your mental and physical reactions to past and current experiences. This in turn can help improve your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Contact me to talk in confidence about how to move forward.