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 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.
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 recognising 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 make 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.
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 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.
Why choose Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy
Formed in 2013 by Mark Vahrmeyer and Sam Jahara, Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy offers expert psychotherapy to individuals 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 Mark Vahrmeyer, Gerry Gilmartin and Susanna Petitpierre.
If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, search our team of therapists.
Frequently asked questions
How does body-oriented psychotherapy differ from traditional talking therapies?
During traditional talking therapies, the focus is on verbal communication to work through emotions and feelings. During body psychotherapy, techniques that involve the body are incorporated such as mindfulness, breathing, grounding, and body awareness without involving touch.
What issues can body-oriented psychotherapy help with?
Body-oriented psychotherapy can help with a wide range of issues including:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Relationship difficulties
- Body image issues
- Chronic pain
Is body psychotherapy suitable for everyone?
Body-oriented psychotherapy is generally suitable for a range of individuals, regardless of age or health status. This therapeutic process can be tailored to each individual to work through trauma in the body.
What if I can’t make a session one week?
It’s important that therapy is regular, however we understand that sometimes things can’t be helped. Your therapist will discuss cancellation policies during your first session.
How long does a body psychotherapy session usually last?
Sessions are typically held for about 50 minutes, also known as a ‘therapy hour’. However, some of our therapists may offer longer sessions, double sessions, or multiple sessions per week.
