WHAT IS BODY PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Body Psychotherapy is a distinct branch of the main body of psychotherapy with a long history and a large body of knowledge based upon a sound theoretical position. At the same time, it involves a different and explicit theory of mind-body functioning that takes into account the complexity of the intersections of and interactions between the body and the mind, with the common underlying assumption being that a functional unity exists between mind and body. The body does not merely mean the "soma," which is separate from the mind, the "psyche." Although many other approaches in psychotherapy touch on this issue, Body Psychotherapy considers this principle to be fundamental.
(from the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy Website – www.usabp.org)
(from the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy Website – www.usabp.org)
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Inside the Meditator's Mind: Insight through Neuroscience
by Alexandra O'Neill Naropa University 12/12/12 Although a person in meditation may be sitting in stillness, there is nothing stagnant about the meditation process. Current research examined in this paper paints a picture of the complex inner-workings of the meditative state. |
A Review of the Psychology of Spirituality and Personal Development
By Alexandra O'Neill Loyola Marymount University 03/16/2009 Are our actions determined by God’s will, or free will? Spirituality and science have a long history of conflicting views. While philosophers have contemplated mystical experiences and the metaphysical for centuries, psychologists are now studying the implications of such beliefs on behavior and quality of life. |
My Professional Geneaology: The Makings of a Future Somatic Psychotherapist
by Alexandra O’Neill November 19, 2012 To facilitate accommodation of new theories into my prior schema of knowledge, I situate my own lineage within the grander context of the history of Somatic Psychotherapy. I analyze the distinction between Body Psychotherapy (Somatic Psychology) and Body work. Furthermore, I discuss the utilization of contemplative practices, creativity, and intuition within my constitution as a future therapist. |
I learned to go: from that moment I let myself RUN
I learned to fly, from that moment I no longer wish to be upset to MOVE me
Now I am light
Now I fly
Now I see below me. - Nietzsche
Diversity/ Inclusivity Mission Statement
Examining Privilege and Power
I am committed to being a culturally competent therapist. First and foremost this means examining my own privilege, power, and subconscious biases that have been ingrained in me through socialization. Examining my privilege requires me to own my whiteness and understand the unearned privileges I receive simply because of my ethnicity. This understanding brings awareness of the inequalities that are still prevalent in our society today. With this awareness I can empathize with client’s who have experienced racism and or/oppression and affirm their struggle rather than minimize it by my ignorance. Part of this is also examining how language can be oppressive through the use of microaggressions, which are colloquial terms which exclude or degrade other marginalized cultures. Instead I use inclusive language such as asking a client about their “partner” rather than assuming their sexual preference using “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.” Furthermore, being a multiculturally competent counselor means understanding the power differential within different contexts such as the therapist relationship, interracial relationships, etc.
Being a Multiculturally Competent Counselor
In order to be a multiculturally competent counselor I have examined the ways in which socialization and habituation have ingrained prejudices in me. What has been impressed upon me most is that not knowing is a form of oppression in itself. Operating under the assumption that everyone will conform to a theoretical orientation informed by Western European culture is to deny the significant value of their culture. After studying Spanish for 7 years and living in Argentina, I consider myself a bi-lingual therapist. To be able to meet others in their own dialect reaffirms the cultural context of their experience and could provide an even deeper methods of healing. When language does not suffice, nonverbal communication will be my best tool as a Somatic Psychotherapist. Throughout my examination of cultural diversity I’ve realized the immense importance of the body as a tool in communication, and am very interested in utilizing other forms of nonverbal communication such as sand play, dance, and art to access that which is contained in the physical experience.
