Neurobiology-inspired?extension?of?psychodynamic?practice?through?consciousness-oriented body psychotherapy

Abstract

Some possible implications from neurobiology for psychodynamically based body psychotherapy are expounded by presenting a case study. In “opening body psychotherapy" the neuronal patterns underlying experience and behaviour, the psychic structure with its corresponding representations and its history can be recalled, experienced in a differentiated way, and expanded by making corrective new experiences. With mindful awareness, the encounter with the therapist can be experienced holistically in a sensomotoric-affective manner. A more or less micro-psychoanalytical work in mindfulness and a basic experimental attitude help to meaningfully modify psychodynamic psychotherapy and extend the analytical rules of abstinence and neutrality.

Keywords Neurobiology; Consciousness-centered body psychotherapy; Attentiveness; Centering of consciousness; Experimental approach; Corrective experience