Body-oriented psychotherapy is one of the areas of this science, which is based on the fact that positive changes in the state of mind can be achieved using effects on the body. This includes dozens of different schools and areas that share the same view of the physiological functions, which are an integral part of the whole personality. Thus, psychocorrection in this direction is carried out using physical contact, as well as bodily functions, including breathing, body tension, movement, etc.
The founder of body-oriented psychotherapy can be considered Wilhelm Reich, who departed from psychoanalysis and began to study the effects on the body. Adherents of this theory believe that everything that happens to the soul leaves an imprint on the body, which remembers almost all the feelings and experiences from birth. Therefore, working with physical sensations can affect the deeper levels of the unconscious, which will allow us to find a solution to the problems of the physical and psychological plane.
The child loves to move and knows how to listen to his body. The main thing he pays attention to is the pleasure he receives from his movements. So, in a fright, children run away when they are offended or feel pain - cry, when they are happy - they jump from pleasure. However, the older a person becomes, the less he shows his emotions, learns to live by the rules and norms of society, restraining bodily impulses. As a result, muscle tension, without getting a discharge, becomes chronic. Body-oriented psychotherapy calls them the muscle block (sometimes the term “shell” can be found). It does not allow to fully understand the suppressed feelings and emotions, being a kind of reaction of protection. Quite a lot of effort is spent on maintaining this "carapace", from which the body gradually loses its vitality and flexibility. As a result, psychological or physical problems arise.
The main task of this direction in psychology is to help the patient establish lost contact with the body, as a result of which processes are activated that can heal and restore the body. The techniques that are used here are as safe as possible, since the body cannot be forced to do something that is not characteristic of it.
Among other techniques that are used here, body-oriented psychotherapy exercises use the following:
To begin with, participants in psychocorrection should get acquainted with the simplest muscle clamps, for example, "stress-relaxation." Parts of the body (arms, legs, neck, back) alternately strain, then relax. No less interesting task - "Shadow". This exercise will require two participants. One takes on the role of Man, the other - his shadow. The latter in the end should not only repeat all movements, but also guess the thoughts and feelings of his partner. It is worth paying attention to the exercise “Justify the pose”. To complete it, participants walk in circles, and at the command of the host they freeze. You need to find an explanation for your posture.
Some classes use techniques and techniques that dance-motor therapy can borrow . The exercises taken from here are distinguished by seeming simplicity in appearance, while their essence is quite important for the general well-being of the participants of the psychocorrection group.
Body-oriented psychotherapy has such an important concept as grounding. This means that the patient must stand firmly on his feet, that is, feel contact with the ground (for tasks they are usually asked to take off their shoes or have shoes with a thin sole and without a heel). This is especially important if classes are held for people with alcohol or drug addiction.