Body oriented psychotherapy recognises the connection between repressed emotions and health- physical, mental and emotional. Stresses, strains, tensions and traumas held in the body can, over time, give rise to problems and illness.

Trauma experts increasingly agree that the body provides the key to healing.

Symptoms of trauma can become locked in the body if there hasn’t been an opportunity for adequate processing and support. Biodynamic body psychotherapy helps people who have experienced trauma to release distressing experiences in an atmosphere of safety, reclaiming their sense of inner safety and identity which might have been lost to overwhelming circumstances.

“..trauma is not, will not, and can never be fully healed until we also address the essential role played by the body” -Peter Levine, author of Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma

A trauma sensitive approach stresses the importance of a safe and respectful environment and a non judgemental and caring therapeutic relationship.

“..in order to change, people need to have physical experiences that directly contradict or replace past feelings of helplessness, frustration, and terror”  Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score

“Trauma compromises our ability to engage with others by replacing patterns of communication with patterns of protection.” Stephen Porges, Poly Vagal Theory. 

What is Biodynamic Body Psychotherapy?

The type of body psychotherapy I practice is biodynamic body psychotherapy, bio meaning energy and dynamic– movement, so biodynamic refers to the natural flow of energy or life force in a healthy self regulated system. Biodynamic psychology was founded by Norwegian psychologist and physiotherapist, Gerda Boyesen (1922-2005).

Biodynamic body psychotherapy works on the physical, emotional and cognitive levels to bring more energy into the body, express held emotions, bring the nervous system back into balance, at the same time reconnecting with your authentic inner voice, and the joy of being alive.

“And the day came when the need to remain closed became more painful than the risk to open”  Anais Nin

Different techniques and approaches.

Each client may benefit from a different approach. Some clients who are more ‘armoured’ for example may need help in getting in touch with their feelings and sensitivity, others may need help expressing their feelings more directly, or becoming more grounded and ’embodied’ – trusting their intuition and gut feelings. Others may need to learn to build stronger boundaries and emotional resilience.

Whilst there is always space to talk things through in sessions, and to come to new insights,  I also invite clients to ‘ground’ their verbal expression in an awareness of their breath and body sensations. Neuroscience shows how including the body and nervous system in psychotherapy is more likely to lead to lasting change. 

I invite you to contact me to discuss your needs and circumstances, or to make an initial introductory appointment.