Compassionate movement towards health
KATE O'BOYLE, MA, MUSABP, MIAHP
Somatic Psychotherapist
Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Phone: 087 - 234 - 4201
|
Mind - Body Healing Compassionate movement towards health |
KATE O'BOYLE, MA, MUSABP, MIAHP Somatic Psychotherapist Co. Wicklow, Ireland Phone: 087 - 234 - 4201 |
Mind-Body Healing utilizes Somatic Psychology as a basic healing tool in the process of moving towards balance and optimal health. Somatic Psychology is the study of the mind-body interface that values the body as a key to understanding our experience. Of Greek origin, the term is derived from the integration of psyche, referring to the mind, and soma referring to the body. By developing mindfulness of our inner and outer movements we can deepen into a unique, powerful and intimate relationship with ourselves and others.
The mind and the body are not only interdependent but are inseparable. Indeed anything that is experienced impacts us on physical, mental, emotional, energetic, transpersonal and spiritual levels. We are inherently whole and this inherent wholeness is described as embodiment. Mind-Body Healing, in the form of Somatic Psychotherapy, works from the principle that painful experience is stored in the body in the form of interrupted energy flow and tissue contraction, and by working with such contraction deep psychological wounding can be resolved.
Somatic Psychotherapy supports deeper connection with mind, body and spirit. It is a journey that invites emotional expression, movement, compassionate insight and inner peace. It uses the direct experience of the body in relationship with the mind as a healing tool and can help with any of the following:
§ Poor self esteem
§ Lack of confidence
§ Inability to connect with feelings or emotions
§ Difficulties with trust and intimacy
§ Difficulties establishing healthy boundaries
§ Difficulties developing healthy relationship
§ Feeling out of control
§ Loss & grief
§ Fear of conflict
§ Anxiety and stress
§ Depression
§ Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
§ Trauma
Any of these experiences can create imbalance in our daily lives and lead to emotional and psychological pain. They sometimes result in physical symptoms including high blood pressure, extreme arousal of the nervous system, weakened immune system, depleted energy and other physical disorders. Imbalance often has a negative impact on our relationships, and on our general perception of the world.
Mind-Body Healing provides opportunities and resources to explore behavioural patterns and belief systems about ourselves and others. Support is given to help shed the armour of patterned living, thereby allowing movement towards a state of health and vitality. The work provides a safe place where the pain of imbalance, conflict, wounding or trauma can be healed.
Mind-Body Healing has it's roots in the marriage between psychology and physiology. The brain is located in the central nervous system, closely connected to the peripheral nervous system. In this relationship the brain affects the sensory motor system influencing the movement of the skeleton and the muscles. Likewise movement in the body impacts on the functioning of the brain and in turn the mind. Moving the body is a major key to the discovery of the inner world and to the patterns that guide and influence our experience of living in the world.
The wiring of the nervous system is intertwined in the limbic center in the mid-brain, which is responsible for the functions of memory, emotion and learning. The limbic system connects all three parts of the brain - the reptilian, limbic and the neocortex. Emotion therefore is considered never to be divorced from thought and action. Emotions arise automatically from the autonomic nervous system and can be perceived as impulses to act. We don't choose the emotions we feel, but we have choice about what we do with them.
When emotions are repressed, denied or not allowed, our systems become contracted and blocked, and this can create pain in relationship with ourselves and others. In this work individuals are sensitively helped to flesh out feelings, emotions and painful issues. When repressed or blocked emotions are released through awareness, breath and movement, inner balance can develop. When emotions are expressed safely, the inner system is more able to move freely in the development and maintenance of general health. Movement is the common feature of creativity. Stopping movement takes us out of creativity and away from optimal health.
Powerful healing can take place by working directly with the body and its movement patterns to positively influence the mind. In order to contact the innate intelligence of the body, we must awaken the process of awareness. This awakening happens in the body-mind experience and allows for the healing to commence a journey of transformation. Moving the body is a major key to the discovery of the inner world and the development of powerful resources. By creating an inner culture of nonjudgmental awareness and discernment, the intellect and the living body can move to a place of peace and health.
The goal of Mind-Body Healing is to help heal from the pain of past wounding and traumatic events by offering the following:
§ Opportunities to explore feelings, thoughts and behaviours in a non judgemental manner
§ Non-verbal methods for sensitively bringing painful material to awareness
§ Integration of verbal and non-verbal expression
§ Work with sensations and movement, thus integrating the mind-body experience
§ Release of repressed feelings, anxieties and fears
§ Enhancement of the relationship to the body
§ Release of patterns of thoughts and behaviours that no longer support us
§ Promotion of intimacy and authenticity
§ Release from judgement and the inner critic
§ Release from the pain and other symptoms of trauma.
Individual sessions normally last 90 minutes. Time and cost may be negotiated depending on individual needs. Groupwork is also available.
For an appointment or further details you can contact Kate at:
087 234 4201
or
Links to Other Related Websites
Gorse Hill Centre, Ireland - excellent location for workshops and retreats for Body-Mind Therapists and artists.
BoMi - Bodywork, Massage, Movement & Somatic Therapies Guide
A guide to over 80 body-centered methods of healing and personal
growth. Related books, holistic practitioner listing, useful addresses and links
http://homepage.eircom.net/~kateoboyle1
Last updated 3 March 2007
