Institute for integrative bodywork & movement Therapy

Training and Professional Development Courses

Based on the principles of Body-Mind Centering®, Authentic Movement and Somatic Psychology

Under the direction of Linda Hartley MA.

Background to the diploma programme

Body-Mind Centering® (originated by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen - USA) study and practice will form the basis of the programme. This approach offers a way to gently come back home to the body, to re-experience the integration of sensation, feeling, mind and spirit that is ours by nature. We learn to awaken awareness in the body through focused touch, breath, guided imagery, movement and vocal expression, allowing the innate cellular intelligence of the bodymind to guide our explorations; we learn to trust again the body and the knowledge that it carries.

Through focused touch and sensitively guided movement, areas of tension and blockage can be released, and the core of inner support and strength experienced. As habitual patterns in the body change or become more flexible, the mind also changes, allowing for greater openness, choice and spontaneity of being and perceiving.

· The core of the training will involve an in-depth experiential and theoretical study of Infant Movement Development, Experiential Anatomy, and the art of Touch and Movement Repatterning, based on principles of Body-Mind Centering®

· This will be supported by a module in Holistic Anatomy and Physiology, embodying anatomical structure and exploring the relationship between emotional and physiological functions of the body systems

· It will offer a module in Authentic Movement and Therapeutic Presence, where personal movement from the unconscious can be explored.  In this discipline we seek to develop the ‘internal witness’, a place of clear seeing and compassionate, non-judgmental  acceptance, so essential to any work with others

· Studies in Somatic Psychology will include: the development of the sense of self; the influence of birth on the development of the will and personality patterns; the body-mind-feeling connection and the field of psychoneuroimmunology; the relationship between emotional and neurological development; basic counselling skills and inner body dialogue; assessment and application.

The Diploma Programme is taught by Linda Hartley, faculty and guest teachers.

Some modules may be taken independently. For further information please click on the email link below then delete the numbers 123 from your message box; these digits have been added to the address in an attempt to reduce the volume of automated spam coming through this site info123@ibmt.co.uk then delete 123.