Many idiomatic phrases indicate the somatic aspect of experience. For example, we refer to our ability to “take a stand”, to “be grounded”, to have a sense in our guts about something, to have an “open heart”, to “raise a wall”.

In Body Psychotherapy these are not just metaphors. They are the reality of our experience which manifests in our body. They are often keys to crucial decisions we made for ourselves or ideas unconsciously passed to us through family or culture. For example, many people learned to withhold the expression of emotions which were forbidden in their family. Some have the tendency to collapse or withdraw or avoid challenges because they have been discouraged in the past.
In Body Psychotherapy, we examine these body postures, patterns of tension or weakness, because they are linked to central issues of our existence and experiences. Working through all this, helps us develop self-awareness and open the way for new modes of being.
For example, a woman who was discouraged to speak out within her family environment might explore how she learned to clench her throat, shoulders and jaw in order to remain silent. As she works through her emotions towards her family, she might learn how to bring more energy to the upper part of her body so as to have the strength to speak up for herself. In a similar way, a man who finds it hard to relax and rest might explore how he forces his body to keep alert. He might then realize that he learned to get into this alert state as a child in order to avoid suffering from the lack of proper response to his needs (emotional/physical). This will enable him to consider new ways of being with himself and others.

Panagiota Kypraiou MSc Health Psychology, MBPsS - Body & Gestalt Psychotherapist (ECP) - Body Psychotherapy Supervisor - Parents' Education Groups Coordinator https://www.psychotherapeia.net.gr