Date of Paper
5-2012
Type of Paper
Clinical research paper
Degree Name
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Felicia Sy
Department/School
Social Work
Abstract
The field of body-oriented psychotherapy, of engaging the body and affect in the psychotherapeutic process, has grown tremendously over the last 20 years, and has shown to improve the treatment of both cognitive and somatic focuses of treatment. This paper uses existing research and interviews with practicing body-oriented psychotherapists to identify core concepts among various body-oriented modalities. Grounded theory was used to bring out the major themes from the interviews, which included: the importance of preparation and support, body awareness, memory stored in the body, touch, empowerment of client’s innate healing capacity, the clinician’s own practice, and a greater demand for the work. The concepts identified from research and interviews were then used to create a model for integrating this work into a clinical social work setting. Where there was once an emphasis on only treating individuals through talk, these findings support that a deep awareness to one’s body provides an opportunity for clients to connect with their own inner capacity for healing, and to live in a more embodied, integrated way.
Recommended Citation
Graczyk, Bree. (2012). The Body as Process: An Examination of Core Concepts in Body-Oriented Psychotherapy and a Brief Model for Implementation in a Clinical Social Work Setting. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/msw_papers/28