Therapeutic Bodywork
Therapeutic Bodywork encompasses a wide area of practice--but it is not the same as massage. Most people are familiar with massage and its benefits (releasing tight muscles, stress reduction, etc.). What distinguishes Therapeutic Bodywork from massage is its focused approach to personal/psychological growth through increased body awareness, more deeply felt emotions, and the synchronizing of body, emotions, and spirit through the use of various body-mind modalities. It is Somatic Psychology.
In the Bodywork field, we say: "People hold their issues in their tissues." We say this because our emotions are expressed through our bodies. In other words,
emotions are embodied energy. Think about it, when you experience tension, pain, or restricted movement in your body--outside of an accident/injury--isn't if often related to an emotionally charged situation in your life? Therapeutic Bodywork focuses on these areas of restriction and pain, assisting them to "unwind" or "release." These releases allow many people to experience less anxiety, less depression, and an overall sense of peace and integration. Some releases are also related to specific traumatic experiences from a person's past--and they are able to move forward in their lives in new ways.
These benefits are the primary focus of Bodywork. Bodywork for trauma, personal growth and working through emotional issues is known by several different names (Somatic Psychology, Body-Mind Psychotherapy, Somatic Integration; Body Psychotherapy; Energy Psychology, etc.). There are now several graduate programs that offer training specifically in Somatic Psychology.
In the Bodywork field, we say: "People hold their issues in their tissues." We say this because our emotions are expressed through our bodies. In other words,
emotions are embodied energy. Think about it, when you experience tension, pain, or restricted movement in your body--outside of an accident/injury--isn't if often related to an emotionally charged situation in your life? Therapeutic Bodywork focuses on these areas of restriction and pain, assisting them to "unwind" or "release." These releases allow many people to experience less anxiety, less depression, and an overall sense of peace and integration. Some releases are also related to specific traumatic experiences from a person's past--and they are able to move forward in their lives in new ways.
These benefits are the primary focus of Bodywork. Bodywork for trauma, personal growth and working through emotional issues is known by several different names (Somatic Psychology, Body-Mind Psychotherapy, Somatic Integration; Body Psychotherapy; Energy Psychology, etc.). There are now several graduate programs that offer training specifically in Somatic Psychology.
What will a Therapeutic Bodywork session be like?
Sessions are different for everyone. In the first session, most people feel relaxed, and experience a sense of deep quiet/find themselves reflecting on insights/ emotions they have experienced during the session. People may feel an increased level of energy, heightened awareness, and greater emotional freedom. In following sessions, people may feel strong emotions and/or have powerful memories/images surface during bodywork. Bodywork can assist you to release and "let go" of blocked emotions/energy in your body. Because I am a licensed mental health professional, I am comfortable with you experiencing your emotions--and can help you focus on areas you are processing in therapy with your counselor.
What issues can be helped with Bodywork?
Touch is really our first language to develop, a way of communication. It is not difficult to see that "bad touch" communicates harm, injury and ill intent. Absence of touch often communicates neglect or lack of connection. Many people, due to trauma, have become "cut off" from their feelings. Therapeutic Bodywork can help people literally "get back in touch" with themselves, i.e. their feelings. In addition, Bodywork is a means to reverse the feelings of disconnection and disembodiment that are a byproduct of our very isolated and impersonal society. It is a way to experience deep nurturing, affirmation and care for the "True Self." Bodywork may be able to assist those who are working through issues in which the body has been impacted.
Specific issues may include: trauma (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect, negative body image, touch deprivation, eating disorders, depression/ anxiety, self-injury, and shame. Research is showing the effectiveness of Bodywork in helping process through these issues.
Specific issues may include: trauma (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect, negative body image, touch deprivation, eating disorders, depression/ anxiety, self-injury, and shame. Research is showing the effectiveness of Bodywork in helping process through these issues.
Can I do just Bodywork?
I require you first work a minimum of six months with a counselor before you begin bodywork sessions with me.
It is important for you to have an established/solid place for you to integrate/ process your bodywork sessions. In my clinical experience, counseling is the primary treatment and bodywork is the additional work that supports your work with your counselor. If you have never been in therapy, and would like to try Bodywork, you will need to begin work with a counselor first.
It is important for you to have an established/solid place for you to integrate/ process your bodywork sessions. In my clinical experience, counseling is the primary treatment and bodywork is the additional work that supports your work with your counselor. If you have never been in therapy, and would like to try Bodywork, you will need to begin work with a counselor first.
Therapeutic Bodywork is WORK. Unlike regular massage in which a person typically
leaves a session feeling refreshed and relaxed--this may not be the case with a Bodywork session. This is why it is important to be engaged in your own counseling/growth process.