Implications of the results of neurobiological research for body-psychotherapy with respect to emotions

Authors

  • Margit Koemeda-Lutz
  • Hugo Steinmann

Abstract

Contemporary neurobiological theory and research indicate the necessity to systematically integrate the human body in psychotherapeutic treatment. Psychotherapy is conceived as a process heading for growth and change. According to recent findings from neurobiological research, the process of growth and change in psychotherapy is only to a minor extent achieved by cognitive insight. Growth and change require significant emotional experiences within a therapeutic relationship, the destabilization of automated dysfunctional regulatory mechanisms, the implementation and rehearsal of alternative reactions and behaviors. Bioenergetic analysis, rooted in psychoanalysis and in the tradition of Wilhelm Reich and Alexander Lowen, has explored the complex relationship between body and mind and has developed a great variety of body-oriented techniques. Experiential data has been assigned priority over objective measurements. Three experiential situations are described utilizing body-psychotherapeutic techniques. In psychotherapeutic settings the application of these techniques requires the patients' informed consent and considerations of the relational context and of transference and countertransference aspects.

Key words:
Psychotherapy; Neurobiology; Bioenergetic analysis; Emotion; Regulation mechanisms; Central and peripheral nervous system

Author Biographies

Margit Koemeda-Lutz

Dr. Dipl.-Psych. Margit Koemeda-Lutz, Studium der Psychologie, Soziologie und Literaturwissenschaft an den Universitäten Konstanz und Zürich. Mitarbeit in einem Bildungs-, später in einem neuropsycholo-gischen Forschungsprojekt der DFG an der Universität Konstanz. Promotion 1985. Ausbildungen in Verhaltenstherapie, Psychoanalyse und verschiedenen Formen der Körperpsychotherapie. Bioenergetische Analytikerin und Therapeutin in privater Praxis in Zürich und Ermatingen. Lehrthera-peutin, Supervisorin und Lehrbeauftragte der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Bioenergetische Analyse und Therapie (SGBAT). Gründungsmitglied und im Leitungsteam der Breitensteiner Psychotherapiewochen (1981-2000). Verschiedene Fachpublikationen zu körperpsychotherapeutischen Themen.

Korrespondenz: Dr. Margit Koemeda-Lutz, Fruthwilerstrasse 70, Breitenstein,
8272 Ermatingen, Schweiz

Hugo Steinmann

Dipl.-Theol. Hugo Steinmann, Studium der Philosophie und Theologie in Gars, Luzern und München. Ausbildung am Szondi-
Institut in Zürich, Ausbildung der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Bioenergetische Analyse und Therapie (SGBAT). Seit über 25 Jahren hauptberufliche Tätigkeit als niedergelassener Psychotherapeut in Stans im Kanton Nidwalden. Vielfältige Lehr- und gelegentliche Publikationstätigkeit. Lehrtherapeut, Supervisor und Lehrbeauftragter der SGBAT. 1994-2001 Präsident der SGBAT. Seit 2002 Präsident des Internationalen Institutes für Bioenergetische Analyse und Therapie (IIBA).

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Published

2004-04-01

How to Cite

Koemeda-Lutz, M., & Steinmann, H. (2004). Implications of the results of neurobiological research for body-psychotherapy with respect to emotions. Psychotherapie-Wissenschaft, (2), 88–97. Retrieved from https://psychotherapie-wissenschaft.info/article/view/400

Issue

No. 2 (2004): Psychotherapie Forum 12/2 (veröffentlicht bei Springer Wien New York)

Section

Special Issue

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