The Emergence of Somatic Psychology and Bodymind Therapy

Somatic psychology and bodymind therapy examine the body and the mind as an integrated whole, and thus present a new approach to the study of human experience and consciousness. This branch of psychotherapy focuses on the body, body language, emotional expression, psychosomatics, and sexuality. Somatic psychology is challenging the contemporary scene - shaking up our understanding of what it means to be human and how to heal human suffering. This book guides us to consider what life might be like when we relinquish the mind/body dichotomy. For example, we might consider what therapy would be like if we acknowledged the functioning of memory in almost every tissue of our embodiment.

Rooted in the ancient holistic disciplines or energy sciences, and becoming established in the work of early psychodynamic pioneers, this new discipline, with the current growth of its bodymind methodologies, draws from phenomenological philosophies, depth psychologies, and from the latest neuroscience. This unique text explores both the remarkable history and the contemporary burgeoning of somatic psychology, and addresses the theoretical challenges that must be met if it is to realize its impressive potential.

Barnaby B. Barratt is a psychoanalyst, sexuality educator, sex therapist, and somatic psychologist. Formerly Professor of Family Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at Wayne State University, USA, he has directed several graduate programmes in clinical and somatic psychology. His previous publications include Sexual Health and Erotic Freedom and Psychoanalysis and the Postmodern Impulse.