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

Module 3 : Embodying Self through the Experiential Anatomy of Body-Mind Centering® - Part 1

This course offers an embodied exploration of the Skin, Skeletal, Organ, Muscle and Fluid systems of the body, through touch, movement, voice, and dialogue. Study includes both theoretical and experiential aspects, with a strong focus on the embodiment of each system. The personal meanings and psychological expressions embodied within these different  tissues are also explored.

 

The Body-Mind Centering® 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 can 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, spontaneity of being, and a deepening connection to self.

 

1: The Skin, Touch and Tissue Layers

We explore the layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues, and how personal boundary issues are embodied within them; the significance of touch for physiological and psychological development; touch in bodywork practice, and the ethics of touching. The Body-Mind Centering® approach to Touch and Repatterning is introduced. Students also learn to identify and make contact with the various tissue layers of the body.

 

2, 3 & 4: The Skeletal and Connective Tissue Systems

Bones, joints, ligaments and connective tissue are studied, and awareness brought to these tissues and the qualities of touch, movement and awareness expressed through them. Techniques of Touch and Repatterning through the skeletal system are taught, to experience the inner core support that this system provides. Attention is given to working with postural and movement problems, and injury prevention.

 

5, 6 & 7: Organ System: Cardiovascular & Respiratory, Digestive & Urogenital

The organs give volume, internal support, power and emotion to movement and vocal expression. They carry our ‘gut feelings’ and embody emotional attitudes and responses. Physiological and emotional functions of the organs are explored, and techniques of Touch and Repatterning taught. Through focused touch, movement and voice we can find the internal support of the organs for the skeletal-muscular framework, and discover and give expression to feelings and attitudes embodied within them.

 

8 & 9: Muscular System

The muscles bring activity, vitality and power to movement. They function through largely unconscious neuro-muscular patternings, influenced by the emotional, physical and mental experiences of life; this can create tension, pain and restriction, as well as strength, flexibility and grace. Through bringing subtle awareness to these patterns, postural and movement problems can be addressed, emotional attitudes made conscious, and new choices experienced. Touch and Repatterning through the neuromuscular system is taught.

 

10: The Fluid Systems

The circulatory systems of blood, lymph, cerebrospinal, interstitial, connective tissue, cellular, synovial and fat are a connected and constantly transforming system of fluids which provide the matrix for life within the body. All life processes are dependent upon them. They mediate communication, nourishment, healing, protection and transformation. Their flows and rhythms support movement and emotional expression, as well as specific qualities of touch; we explore how the fluids inform each individual’s quality of touch in bodywork practice.

 

No new dates planned for this module