Bioenergetic Analysis
Bioenergetic Analysis was one of the first somatic or body-oriented psychotherapies to be developed and was originated by Alexander Lowen, MD. in the early 1950's.
Rooted in psychoanalytic and developmental theory, it focuses on the dynamic inseparability of mind and body and integrates current mind-body research into its holistic approach.
Bioenergetics focuses on how body structure and posture, and breathing and movement patterns, express one’s history and personality. This "body language" refers to characteristic somatic patterns and, more importantly,
to how one deals with life situations and relationships.
For example, a client struggling with depression may feel unmotivated, hopeless, empty and even unlovable. His or her body will likely exhibit a corresponding depressed posture -- a sunken chest with rounded or burdened shoulders and shallow breathing, a weighted-down or depleted body with low energy and reduced vitality. These may also indicate a private sorrow or broken heart, or even a broken spirit. It is of course important to remember that each person is unique, and thus, each person's depression is unique and may be expressed in a different way.
Once these elements are identified and understood as relevant for that individual, then using specifically-designed breathing, stretching and expressive-movement exercises, changes can occur. Over time, the person's breathing can become freer, their energy and sense of well-being can increase as chronic muscular constrictions ease, their mood can improve, and they can exhibit resilience, a greater lightness of being, and optimism.
It is essential that any experiential work with the body also be understood and integrated psychologically. Correlating somatic patterns with psychological and emotional development is the foundation of Bioenergetic Analysis. Thus, enhancing self-knowledge and insight is as central to Bioenergetic Analysis as is working with the body.
To learn more about Bioenergetics, visit www.lowenfoundation.org. For a simple 4-part Bioenergetic exercise for grounding and energizing, download and print out the PDF entitled Deepening the Roots Within.
Rooted in psychoanalytic and developmental theory, it focuses on the dynamic inseparability of mind and body and integrates current mind-body research into its holistic approach.
Bioenergetics focuses on how body structure and posture, and breathing and movement patterns, express one’s history and personality. This "body language" refers to characteristic somatic patterns and, more importantly,
to how one deals with life situations and relationships.
For example, a client struggling with depression may feel unmotivated, hopeless, empty and even unlovable. His or her body will likely exhibit a corresponding depressed posture -- a sunken chest with rounded or burdened shoulders and shallow breathing, a weighted-down or depleted body with low energy and reduced vitality. These may also indicate a private sorrow or broken heart, or even a broken spirit. It is of course important to remember that each person is unique, and thus, each person's depression is unique and may be expressed in a different way.
Once these elements are identified and understood as relevant for that individual, then using specifically-designed breathing, stretching and expressive-movement exercises, changes can occur. Over time, the person's breathing can become freer, their energy and sense of well-being can increase as chronic muscular constrictions ease, their mood can improve, and they can exhibit resilience, a greater lightness of being, and optimism.
It is essential that any experiential work with the body also be understood and integrated psychologically. Correlating somatic patterns with psychological and emotional development is the foundation of Bioenergetic Analysis. Thus, enhancing self-knowledge and insight is as central to Bioenergetic Analysis as is working with the body.
To learn more about Bioenergetics, visit www.lowenfoundation.org. For a simple 4-part Bioenergetic exercise for grounding and energizing, download and print out the PDF entitled Deepening the Roots Within.
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"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
-- Anais Nin |
