Introduction to Working With the Body In Psychotherapy

Lessons from Gestalt and Reichian therapy and 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:

1. Be introduced to 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. Develop an understanding of the issues being addressed by contemporary attachment and affect theorists, and how they relate to the theory and practice of body-centered psychotherapy.

3. Develop an understanding of how body focused psychotherapeutic approaches can facilitate character change through a process of recognizing and modifying patterns of emotional experience and expression.

4. Learn how emotions may be accessed and addressed in psychotherapy via utilization of body focused psychotherapeutic techniques.

Date:  Saturday, June 21,2008           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 police:  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.