Christoph Helferich, PH. D.
Abstract:
Emphasizing the existential value of the patient’s spontaneous visual production, this article can be seen as an appeal to imagery and spontaneous imagination in the field of body psychotherapy. The author begins by having his own personal experience as a patient recurred. This account is then set in a triple theoretical context: the visionary tradition of the Christian Middle Ages, dream theory, and the meaning of regression in body psychotherapy. The author’s conclusions show the specific logic and surprising precision of iconic narration, and the precious function of images that can be considered as a “bridge” between our words and the life and memory of the body
Perseus’ mirror or the therapeutic resources of flow and peak - Unfreezing the body in shock and panic
Drs Josette van Luytelaar
Medusa and Perseus’ mirror
In Greek mythology Gorgon’s daughter Medusa was so horrible that anyone who looked into her eyes directly would immediately turn into stone out of pure fear. Warned by the goddess Athena, Perseus used his shield as a mirror, reflecting her image. When looking at the reflection, he was able to cut her head off. Such is the case with shock trauma. Direct confrontation only leads to what it has already done: immobility in fear. A more fruitful approach to healing shock trauma lies in working with its reflection: flow and peak.
Abstract:
In this article the author investigates how body-oriented psychotherapy can contribute to restoring flow and enhancing peak experiences. Her underlying hypothesis is that flow and peak contain resources of energy and ego strength that can be used to unfreeze and heal shock. She researches the concepts of flow and peak experience as developed since Maslow’s introduction of the peak experience concept in 1968. More specifically, she explores the body aspects of flow and peak and the connections, similarities and differences between shock and peak experiences. Different therapeutic approaches to flow, peak and shock experiences are discussed. She makes an attempt to integrate the framework of the Bodynamic system with both Reichian theoretical insights and a newly-developed therapy from the scope of Bioenergetic Analysis: the treatment of panic attacks.
The energetic point of view: towards a bioenergetic character analysis..
Philip M. Helfaer, Ph. D
A portion of this paper was presented at the Biennial Conference of the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis, May 2001, Belgirate, Italy.
Abstract:
The paper establishes the foundation for a bioenergetic character analysis based on the energetic point of view. The energetic point of view and its place in bioenergetics is explicated, and this viewpoint is established as being on a conceptual par with the viewpoints of psychoanalysis. The development and learning of character analysis is seen as being based on personal development. The concept of character is delineated in a new light, and the centrality and meaning of sexual identity are discussed. Therapeutic relationship is delineated in specific ways in relation to the idea of functional processes, and the concepts of mind, the inner world, and the flow of life are placed into an energetic context. Defining a specific form of bioenergetic observation supports research possibilities, and bioenergetic character analysis is seen as a flexible tool capable of future developments.
Homeless body, homeless soul – A clinical case of failure in the dwelling of the psyche in soma.
José Alberto Moreira Cotta
This paper summarizes some of the main issues presented in my master thesis on Clinical Psychology, O Alojamento da Psiquê no Soma, Segundo Winnicott (The dwelling of the psyche in soma according to Winnicott) - PUC/SP, 2003, oriented by Prof. Zeljko Loparic, PhD.
Abstract:
In this work I will give commentary on Winnicott´s theory and its clinical application. I will mention some of the epistemological differences between the Freudian and the Winnicottian theories as well as certain aspects of what I consider some of the most important aspects of Winnicott´s work. I will also refer to my hypothesis that the neo-Reichian theory belongs to the Freudian paradigm and some assertions of Lowen´s character theory do not match an adequate understanding of the failure of the dwelling of the psyche in soma. To illustrate and confirm the clinical adequacy, actuality and applicability of this theory, I will describe some fragments of a clinical case of one of my clients and then articulate the case in the Winnicottian conceptual frame
Emotional expression and health. Some ideas from a lecture given by H. C. Traue in Salvador da Bahia.
Dr. Dörte Laschinsky
Abstract:
This article gives an overview of a lecture delivered by Harald C. Traue at the XVII International Conference on Bioenergetic Analysis. The main ideas of this lecture are reported and supplemented with quotations from different publications of Traue's work. The article is mainly centered on different types of emotional inhibition and their impact on health. Some attempts have been made to connect Traue's theory with Bioenergetic ideas as well as with clinical examples
Analysis of Alpha and Sensory Motor Response Brainwave Changes. Before and after Bioenergetic Exercise and Bioenergetic Analysis.
Dr. Pamela J. Bell
Research Presented: XVII International Bioenergetic Analysis Conference, Salvador Bahia, Brazil - October 7-12, 2003
Abstract:
In this study brainwave measurements are done to show what influence Bioenergetic Exercise and Bioenergetic Analysis had on the brainwave function. Results show that there is positive affect on the brainwave functioning (or the state of mind) of this group of subjects. When subjects in this study engage in Bioenergetic Therapies they have significant and positive changes that occur in their brainwave functioning. The result would be a quiet body, alert and focused mind without intrusive thoughts, and a relaxed state of mind without anxiety. Lowen and Reich has postulated the theory that body and mind are functionally identical. While there are other fields of science that have examined this theory, none have actually proved this theory in the field of Bioenergetic Analysis. The results of this brainwave study are evidence of this theory.