Embodying

We're embodied minds

Psychotherapy is about changing the mind for the better so we can make more of our lives. In my experience, our culture seems to struggle with the idea that the brain and body are massively enmeshed thanks to our amazing nervous and hormonal systems. If René Descartes knew then what we're discovering now about the brain and weird quantum processes, he might have better reconciled the mind:body mystery by saying 'I think-feel-sense-do-relate, therefore we become.'

Some implications

Knowing that we’re embodied minds gives us more therapeutic options. For example, replacing judgemental thoughts with kinder ones usually leads to more pleasant feelings and body sensations. As using the brain to relax the body also brings peace to the embodied mind, body-based soothing activities can also support our thinking, feeling and everything else, as shown in this great video by Dr Russell Kennedy.

There are many body-honouring paths such as Mindfulness, Focusing, Body Psychotherapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing and Yoga. I was involved in Touch for Health before training to be a counsellor and have found great value in simple yet profound self Acu-touch and Acu-tapping practices which I may encourage you to do as stress management support for talking therapy.