Somatic Psychology
Overview and Reflection of Learning: Somatic Psychology
Have you ever heard the expression: “its all in your head?” This expression exemplifies the common perception of the mind and body as two distinct entities; in actuality, they are both integral parts of our being which mutually impact one another. There is a wealth of evidence of the reciprocal impacts if the mind and body, yet we continue conceptualizing them as disparate entities (see Aposhyan, 2004. Hartley, 2004 & Staunton, 2002.). This conceptualization has implications for our overall health and functioning.
The intimate connections between the mind and body have been recognized since ancient times. This is evident in the healing practices of many cultures which arose hundreds …show more content…
As infants, our first form of learning is non-verbal. We first learn about the world and ourselves via touching and moving. We form our perceptions of ourselves, the world and other based on sensory input and exploration through movement. It is in this manner that we form our personalities, boundaries and behavioral repertoires ( Staunton, 2002). According to Deane Juhan: “movement is the unifying bond between the mind and the body, and the sensations are the substance of that bond” (cited in Hartley, 2004. Pg. 37). My studies lead me to a better understanding of how different types of body oriented therapies can introduce new sensations. In turn, these sensations can overcome defenses such as poor postural alignment, behaviors and movements and replace them with more adaptive ones ( Aposhyan, …show more content…
With this information I feel prepared to support clients in discovering unconscious patterns of moving, feeling and behaving. We can then form a collaborative relationship in which we challenge and restructure these patterns to those which work better for the client. I’ve learned to really appreciate the power of the therapeutic relationship and of being a witness through authentic movement practices of my own. Now I have learned a plethora of techniques relevant to improve mind-body functioning and increase self-awareness. Moreover, I have considered the ethical concerns relevant to body-related
Have you ever heard the expression: “its all in your head?” This expression exemplifies the common perception of the mind and body as two distinct entities; in actuality, they are both integral parts of our being which mutually impact one another. There is a wealth of evidence of the reciprocal impacts if the mind and body, yet we continue conceptualizing them as disparate entities (see Aposhyan, 2004. Hartley, 2004 & Staunton, 2002.). This conceptualization has implications for our overall health and functioning.
The intimate connections between the mind and body have been recognized since ancient times. This is evident in the healing practices of many cultures which arose hundreds …show more content…
As infants, our first form of learning is non-verbal. We first learn about the world and ourselves via touching and moving. We form our perceptions of ourselves, the world and other based on sensory input and exploration through movement. It is in this manner that we form our personalities, boundaries and behavioral repertoires ( Staunton, 2002). According to Deane Juhan: “movement is the unifying bond between the mind and the body, and the sensations are the substance of that bond” (cited in Hartley, 2004. Pg. 37). My studies lead me to a better understanding of how different types of body oriented therapies can introduce new sensations. In turn, these sensations can overcome defenses such as poor postural alignment, behaviors and movements and replace them with more adaptive ones ( Aposhyan, …show more content…
With this information I feel prepared to support clients in discovering unconscious patterns of moving, feeling and behaving. We can then form a collaborative relationship in which we challenge and restructure these patterns to those which work better for the client. I’ve learned to really appreciate the power of the therapeutic relationship and of being a witness through authentic movement practices of my own. Now I have learned a plethora of techniques relevant to improve mind-body functioning and increase self-awareness. Moreover, I have considered the ethical concerns relevant to body-related