UK Body Centred Psychotherapy by Psychotherapist Shelley Treacher

“The body-unconscious is where life bubbles up in us.
It is how we know that we are alive..."
-D.H. Lawrence

Body Centred Psychotherapy relieves distress or tension

Having studied therapies for 10 years the most effective way I have found for relieving physical tension or emotional distress is Body Centred Psychotherapy.

anxiety, stress, anger, sadness, fear, illness, physical pain, relationship problems, immobilisation, dissociation, panic attacks, inability to focus

Recent research supports the notion that the mind resides throughout the body and that every cell stores information and communicates with other cells (see the European website for Body Psychotherapy : www.eabp.org)

Body-Oriented Psychotherapy is based on the theory that the mind and body function as one.

It explores the relationship between the various levels of experience (cognitive, emotional, physical and energetic). This will enable you to know your own strengths, resources, boundaries, limits and desires.

How a Body Oriented Session might look

One of the ways in which I use Somatic Therapy evolves from something called 'Sensory Awareness'.

What this means is that I direct people's attention to their inner experiences via their sensations.

The point of this is to bring you into connection with your real experience, of which sensations are an integral part. From this comes the strength of really knowing your resources and being able to use them more and more.

For example, if you feel stress, something in your body feels this, and is telling you that this is what you feel. Maybe a tightness in your abdomen, shallow breathing, a hurt feeling in your throat that wants to cry out, or a general fast-paced sensation…

At the same time there will also be the potential to experience pleasure; maybe a lightness in your heart area, deeper breathing, relaxed muscles…

I might draw your attention to the strongest of these sensations and explore it.

This detailed focus naturally leads to an energetic shift. You move on.

The body reveals its strength and ability to cope, which I look for and draw your attention to, and expand on.

What we are doing is tapping into your body's ability to heal itself.

“ I feel enlightened by the discovery that my inner sense can be my guide”
- Annabel, 23rd/final session

“This Therapy has cut through the crap for me. Something happens in every session. What I’ve got from it is a sense of myself”
- Angie, 12th/final session.

Try It For Yourself!

Notice now, for example, whether your senses are telling you something about this article.

Notice the computer screen, the letters, the words.

Feel your feet on the floor and your back being supported by the chair.

Take time to notice any affect this has on you.

Be aware of the words you have been reading and the ideas that you have read about.

Gently invite yourself to take a moment to look inside.

Are you experiencing any sensations?

If you stay with a sensation for a moment, what is it telling you about this work or yourself?

You may wish to close your eyes for a few moments.

There may be more for you to explore here.

Pay attention to whether your body wants to proceed with me.

A Brief Word about Touch

People often naturally assume that Body-Oriented Therapy involves touching the client.
This is not necessarily true. As with other Psychotherapeutic approaches, the use of touch is very sensitively handled, and will only be used in the most ethical of circumstances, with trust and assured permission. Although touch, as well as movement, may also be important in the healing process.

Helping you to live life more vibrantly.

Contact me to discuss how I may be able to help you with body centred psychotherapy.

For professional body massage, counselling services and psychotherapy in Bristol call: