Body psychotherapy
Body psychotherapy is a scientifically validated and accredited field of psychotherapy. It combines traditional psychotherapeutic techniques with a focus on the bodily experience of emotions, sensations, and perceptions. Body psychotherapy effectively targets the core of the issue and yields results through present-moment experience.
Although our physical wisdom is sometimes drowned out by the sounds of everyday life, it is still resonating within us, waiting to be rediscovered. In the course of body-psychotherapy, we learn to listen to the body, recognize its signals and understand our inner needs and boundaries. This helps us to better navigate the world around us and discover our own inner strength.
Connecting with our own body is a journey that can be guided by breathing techniques and working with emotions. This connection allows us to better recognize and live our authentic essence, leading to an improved quality of life. By incorporating body elements into therapy, we deepen our experience and move more quickly toward self-awareness. Body Psychotherapy is represented in the Czech Republic by the accredited Czech Association for Body Psychotherapy ČAPZT. On the European level it is represented by the European Association for Body Psychotherapy EABP.
With your consent, body psychotherapy techniques may be included.
We use a variety of methods in therapy, but always with your current feelings and needs in mind. It is important that the pace and progression of therapy is what works best for you at that time. The priority is not to stick rigidly to one method, but to always respect and listen to what you need.
Ing. B.Sc.(Hons.) Zdeněk Nový – body psychotherapist
This method allows us to delve deep into our inner world through the physical body. The main pioneer of this discipline was the turn-of-the-century psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich, and his distinguished student, the psychoanalyst Alexander Lowen. Lowen not only developed Reich’s theories, but was a living example of their effectiveness – he managed to maintain his energy and joy in life until the late age of 97.
The concept of body-psychotherapy is based on the perception of the held energy in our body that limits us from fulfilling our natural inner movement and freedom. As children, we often went through situations where we were not allowed to authentically experience emotions and respond to external impulses, which left an energetic imprint on us. As adults, we have also encountered moments when our experiences were not sufficiently processed for us. Whether it was deep sadness, unfulfilled anger or dissatisfaction. These unexperienced emotions create an inner burden within us, a limitation that prevents us from living with ease and insight.
Step by step, we focus on building a deeper connection with our inner self, gaining a firmer grounding and confidence in ourselves. This allows us to quiet the constant stream of thoughts and strengthens our inner grounding and stability.
In body psychotherapy, traditional psychotherapeutic techniques such as professional interviews, psychological associations, and imagery are combined with deep work with the physical experience. Together we look for ways to release this burdensome energy and let go of past difficult experiences so that a new inner space of lightness and peace can emerge.
Body psychotherapy includes breathing techniques, voice work (e.g., relaxation through different words or sounds), and stretching of individual parts of the body.
Body psychotherapy does not only operate on the level of thought concepts and intellectual understanding. Often our difficulties and blockages are so deeply rooted in our subconscious and in our body memory that it is impossible to simply “think” or analyze them. Instead of trying to understand them intellectually, in body psychotherapy we try to literally “feel” these deep wounds and blocked emotions. In the guided and safe environment of a therapeutic session, we can let go of these old and entrenched energies, experience them, release them, and then regain new energy and a sense of release.
During our sessions, I will guide you through techniques that you will gradually incorporate into your daily life. We will build on them in each session to anchor your new life experience more deeply. I respect your needs and the pace of your process.
Depression, anxiety and burnout are not just psychological disorders. They are also the voices and signals of our deeper Self trying to tell us something. They are defense mechanisms that have arisen in response to some of the life situations we have faced. Instead of ignoring or suppressing these signals, body-psychotherapy offers us the means to a deeper understanding of what our body and mind are trying to tell us. Through this deeper understanding and connection with the body, you can find an authentic source of inner contentment and peace. For more, see the frequent topics section.
As your body-psychotherapist, I will accompany you on your personal journey to discover your own essence and your deepest inner resources. On this journey we will draw together on my experience and skills gained during my five-year accredited training at the Czech Association for Body-Centered Psychotherapy
In body psychotherapy we meet 2 to 4 times a month, depending on our possibilities. The number of meetings is individual for each client. We will discuss everything during the sessions. We will sensitively heal the wounds of life and find resources for a more satisfying life.
Learn more about pricing and rules.
Using the tools of body psychotherapy, you will gradually learn skills that you can incorporate into your daily life. In this way, you become your own guide and support in your personal growth.
Body Psychotherapy Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be particularly prepared for body psychotherapy?
Body psychotherapy and its techniques do not require special preparation. I guide the therapeutic process so that it is not too demanding for you, but at the same time leads you where we agree you need to go. Everything you need will happen gradually and you will gradually feel how to prepare yourself. Body psychotherapy is accessible to people of all experience levels.
What is body psychotherapy?
Body psychotherapy is a therapeutic method that combines the physical and psychological aspects of the individual in order to achieve deep healing and integration. It is believed that our body carries information about our emotional and psychological states, and by accessing bodily expressions we can better understand and heal mental and emotional issues.
How does body psychotherapy differ from traditional psychotherapy?
While traditional psychotherapy often focuses primarily on the mind and emotions, body psychotherapy broadens this perspective by actively engaging the body in the healing process. This includes conscious breathing, movement, touch, and other techniques that focus on bodily experiences and sensations.
Is body psychotherapy safe?
When performed by a qualified therapist with respect and sensitivity to the client’s needs, body psychotherapy is a safe method. However, it is important to discuss any medical limitations or concerns before beginning therapy.
What advantages can body psychotherapy have over other forms of therapy?
Body psychotherapy can offer a deeper understanding of patterns of behaviour and reactions, integration of body and mind, and can be particularly effective for people with trauma. In addition, by focusing on bodily expressions, it can offer clients specific tools and techniques for dealing with stress and tension in the body.
How long does it take to see results from body psychotherapy?
As with most therapeutic approaches, the duration and frequency of sessions vary according to the individual needs and goals of the client. Some people may experience relief and progress after a few sessions, while others may need more time.
How often does one go to body psychotherapy?
The usual frequency of meetings is 2 to 4 times a month depending on our capabilities. However, if the situation does not allow otherwise, we can meet once a month.
Is body psychotherapy compatible with other forms of treatment or therapy?
Yes, many people successfully combine body psychotherapy with other forms of treatment, including traditional psychotherapy, medication, yoga, meditation, and other complementary therapies.
Is it normal to have emotional or physical reactions after a session?
Yes, there can be emotional and physical manifestations in psychotherapy, which is the body’s natural response to the healing process. In and after therapy, there are both relieving and challenging experiences. All are part of the healing process.
How does body-psychotherapy reflect the relationship between body and mind?
Body psychotherapy understands the body and mind as an inseparable whole. It believes that emotional and psychological trauma can be stored in the body and can affect our physical feelings and vice versa.
Can body-psychotherapy techniques be used outside the therapy room, e.g. at home or at work?
Yes, body psychotherapy techniques can be applied in everyday life. I often recommend practicing breathing exercises, body awareness or gentle movements outside of sessions.
Is body psychotherapy suitable for children and adolescents? How does the approach differ depending on the age of the client?
Body psychotherapy can be adapted for children and adolescents, taking into account their specific needs and developmental stage. The emphasis is on play, movement and creative expression.
Can body psychotherapy help treat chronic pain or other physical symptoms?
Many people seek body psychotherapy as a way to deal with chronic pain or physical symptoms that may be psychosomatic in origin. The client’s difficulty usually lies in unreleased energy in the mind and body. We try to dissolve this in the sessions.
What are the types of body psychotherapy?
Body psychotherapy, also known as somatic psychotherapy, has become popular in recent decades and is associated with research in neuroscience, trauma, and developmental psychology. There are several studies and research that examine the effectiveness of body psychotherapy:
- Polyvagal Theory: Dr. Stephen Porges introduced Polyvagal Theory, which examines how the nervous system responds to stress and trauma. His work provided deep insight into how the body responds to threat and how body-psychotherapy can help regulate the autonomic nervous system.
- Neuroplasticity: In the field of neuroscience, the concept of neuroplasticity has been demonstrated, showing that the brain is able to change and adapt based on experience. Body psychotherapy can promote such changes through body awareness and movement.
- Trauma Research: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Counts the Wounds, has conducted a number of studies on trauma and its effects on the body. His work shows how somatic techniques can help process and integrate trauma.
- Randomized Controlled Trials: There are randomized controlled trials that examine the effectiveness of somatic therapies compared to other forms of treatment. The results of these studies often show that bodily psychotherapy can be effective for certain groups of people or specific problems.
- Research on specific techniques: Some body-psychotherapy techniques, such as Alexander Lowen’s Bioenergetics or Dr. Peter Levine’s SE (Somatic Experiencing), have been the subject of separate research studies that have demonstrated their effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health problems.
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Zdeněk Nový
Body psychotherapist
I work as a body psychotherapist in my private practice. I completed a 5-year psychotherapy training program that incorporates a focus on bodily experiences. About me.