Introduction to Working With the Body In Psychotherapy

The Body in Psychotherapy:  Integrating Gestalt and Reichian therapy with Contemporary Affect and Attachment Theory

Presenter: Daniel Schiff PhD

One cannot read the work of Perls, Reich, and many others who identify themselves as Gestalt or Reichian therapists without being struck by their depiction of the central role somatic (bodily) processes play in the organization of one’s experience and expression of emotions.  Current affect and attachment theorists, such as Tomkins, Ekman, and Schore paint a similar picture, stressing the intimate relationship between emotion, cognition, and physiological processes. If in psychotherapy one wants to help clients reach their deep emotions, it is crucial to understand the role of the body in emotional experience and expression.

This workshop will present an integration of Gestalt and Reichian psychotherapy and current affect and attachment theory. The focus will be on providing an understanding of the somatic underpinnings of emotion and patterns of emotional experience and expression (character structure), and the process whereby dysfunctional emotional patterns are activated and changed in psychotherapy, thus allowing clients to regain their capacity for pleasure and emotional intimacy. 

Information will be presented though a combination of lecture/discussions, demonstrations, and experiential exercises.

Learning objectives: By the completion of this workshop participants should be able to:

1. Describe the Gestalt and Reichian understanding of the role of somatic processes in the creation and organization of one’s experience and expression of emotions.

2. Articulate those issues being addressed by contemporary attachment and affect theorists that have bearing on the theory and practice of body-centered psychotherapy.

3. Explain the process via which emotions may be accessed and addressed in psychotherapy via utilization of body focused psychotherapeutic techniques.

4. Describe some specific body focused psychotherapeutic approaches that facilitate character change through a process of recognizing and modifying patterns of emotional experience and expression.

Date:  Saturday, June ? , 2010        Time:  9:30 AM – 5PM, with 1½ hour lunch break.

Location:  1033 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 402, Portland, OR 97205

CE credits:  6.  Gestalt Therapy Training Center-Northwest is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  GTTC-NW maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Participants:  For mental health professionals with beginning to advanced levels of knowledge and expertise.   Number of participants:  15 maximum

Fee:  $125 ($100 for graduate students and for all GTTC-NW trainees) holds place. 

Refund policy:  Fee is non refundable unless another participant is found              to fill vacated spot.

To Register:  Make out checks to GTTC-NW.  Send check along with your contact information to: Daniel Schiff PhD, 400 1033 SW Yamhill St., Suite 402, Portland, OR 97205.