Body Psychotherapy

The benefits we can receive from what our bodies tell us is dependent upon how well we are able to listen and how we choose to respond. By paying closer attention to our whole selves–what I call our body-brains–in addition to our thinking-brains, we can begin to lead healthier lives, both physically and psychologically.

Some body cues might seem obvious: a growling stomach may tell us we’re hungry; yawning may spell fatigue. Often, however, our bodies give us more complex and individualized messages than that:

• A child abuse survivor may find he looks down and away at work, an old habit we discover in therapy is meant to deflect attention or anger from authority.
• A grown woman realizes she holds her breath while waiting for her partner to finish talking, just like she did as a child waiting for bad news.
• A man with chronic pain finds that years of bracing himself against criticism has left him tense, tired, and wary of people.
• A young woman with bulimia makes the connection that the rawness in her throat feels satisfying in a way, like she has punished herself for being imperfect.

Body-Centered Psychotherapy gives us access to memories, emotions, and beliefs that are otherwise beyond words and cognition. If you have struggled to understand how your body and mind are seemingly on different pages, Body-Centered Psychotherapy can get them communicating again.