The Physique Holds the Therapeutic

Embodiment is a time period that’s ubiquitous within the subject of psychological well being. Its most simple definition refers to a tangible or seen type of an concept, high quality, or feeling.

In up to date psychotherapy, the time period embodiment has taken on a barely totally different that means. Many therapists at the moment are acquainted with the concept that the “physique retains the rating” (van der Kolk, 1994; 2014). “Our points are in our tissues” (creator unknown) is one other phrase usually utilized by somatic educators and body-based practitioners (yoga, therapeutic massage, and others) to explain the significance of bodily consciousness.

These concepts influenced the definition of embodiment and what has develop into often known as embodied practices, notably inside the subject of traumatic stress. These practices underscore the significance of observing and noticing one’s inner felt sense. Embodiment implies that the central focus for emotional restore, transformation, and restoration is thru turning into conscious of our bodily being by way of the senses. It’s a technique to embrace the physique as a spotlight for well being and well-being by way of self-appreciation and self-acceptance of what we bodily sense and really feel within the second (Malchiodi, 2020).

This attitude additionally proposes that embodiment is not only a one-time occasion however is an ongoing apply of creating a relationship with one’s physique. It entails varied mind-body consciousness approaches (see Somatic Experiencing® or the fields of expressive arts remedy or dance/motion, for instance) to maintain attention to how one’s physique responds and feels within the current second.

Physique-based consciousness is a type of “somatic intelligence” that will increase a person’s understanding of the connections between exteroception (exterior sensations) and interoception (the interior felt sense).

Trauma and the Disembodied Self

They usually expertise a disconnection between exterior sensations and their inner felt sense. That is notably true in dissociation associated to posttraumatic stress. Because of this, introducing embodied apply to people with traumatic stress may be sophisticated.