Methods

About Integrative Body Psychotherapy

Integrative Body Psychotherapy, or simply IBP, offers a way of looking at one’s personality through the lens of the body and the energetic process within. What sets it apart from other schools of psychotherapy is that it utilizes personality and character analysis along with psychical techniques to detect — and release — chronic muscle tension, a necessary step toward overcoming withdrawal from life, which is a defense mechanism. IBP recognizes the body’s intelligence and ability to heal itself and encourages this process. In my work, I primarily use the Integrative Core Dynamics (ICD) method developed by the Center for Integrative Development. It is an approach based on the principles of vegetotherapy, character analysis, and the theory of segmental armoring, i.e. bodywork therapy developed by Dr. Wilhelm Reich almost a century ago. This integrative method uses physical contact, breath, movement, and voice to open the energetic flow within the body so that we can through that flow integrate the different levels of the body, feelings, mind, and spirit. In addition, I use bioenergetics principles and techniques as per Alexander Lowen, which are also based on the work of Dr. Reich. For grounding and embodiment, we use core energetics exercises, free movement, and various techniques to open the flow. The energetic flow takes us through the sensations, emotions, and thoughts, toward a grounded spirituality. Breaking through the adapted layers of personality into its destructive parts, and processing them in a safe therapeutic setting, we make room for the manifestation of our authentic self, and our essence which is constructive and inclusive.