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.

The 3 year diploma programme is intended for those working, or training to work in the fields of movement, dance, and the arts therapies; bodywork; psychotherapy and counselling; health, education, and the caring professions. Courses will involve both theoretical and experiential components, with a strong emphasis on the embodiment of taught material. In the field of Somatic Movement Therapy, ‘Soma’ has been defined as ‘the body experienced from within’ (Thomas Hanna), and it is to this aim that we will address our explorations.

This work is based on an understanding that what we need for our healing and growth lies within us, and is revealed as we become aware of and learn to follow our unconscious inner process. It seeks to empower the individual to participate creatively in the healing journey by developing trust in his or her inner knowledge and intuition, and acquiring skills with which to access the hidden wisdom of the body and mind. In our primarily mental and verbal culture, bringing awareness to the subtleties of body experience can be a powerful way to access these lost or hidden messages.

The training is designed both to support personal growth, and to develop skills with which to facilitate the unfolding of process through the body. This involves a three-fold approach:

· the awakening of awareness in the body and the learning of methods to facilitate the integration of mind and body in movement

· the practice of witnessing through touch, through moving, and through seeing another move, cultivating an attitude of non-judgmental acceptance and compassion towards self and others

·  methods to support the exploration and integration of personal material which may emerge in bodywork and movement practice.

Diploma Programme

Module 1

Infant Movement Development

October 2007 to May 2008

This course explores the process of Infant Movement Development from the perspective of Body-Mind Centering®, following and embodying through touch and movement the miraculous journey from conception, through embryological and fetal development, the great transition of birth, and the first year of infant life. Study includes both theoretical and experiential aspects, with a strong focus on the embodiment of each stage of development.

 

Module 3

Embodying Self through the Experiential Anatomy of Body-Mind Centering®

Part 1: Skin, Skeletal, Organ, Muscle, Fluid Systems

October 2008 to June 2009

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 will include both theoretical and experiential aspects, with a strong focus on the embodiment of each system. The art of Touch and Repatterning through each system will be taught, and the personal meaning and psychological expression embodied within the different  tissues explored.

 

Module 5

Embodying Self through the Experiential Anatomy of Body-Mind Centering®

Part 2: Nervous, Endocrine, Immune Systems; Psychoneuroimmunology

October 2009 to June 2010

This course offers an embodied exploration of the Endocrine, Immune, Somatic and Autonomic Nervous systems of the body, through touch, movement, voice, and dialogue. Study will include both theoretical and experiential aspects, with a strong focus on the embodiment of each system. The art of Touch and Repatterning through each system will be taught, the personal meaning and psychological expression embodied within the different  tissues explored, and the field of Psychoneuroimmunology introduced.

Module 2

Authentic Movement and Therapeutic Presence

October 2007 to March 2008

Four weekends of study in the discipline of Authentic Movement and its relationship to therapeutic and educational practice. Authentic Movement is taught as a support for practice in these fields, helping to cultivate clear presence in our work with others. The course offers an opportunity for immersion in your own movement  process, teaches witnessing skills, and explores the application of this work to your own professional practice.

Module 4

Holistic Anatomy and Physiology

October 2008 to June 2009

This course provides a thorough grounding in Anatomy and Physiology that embraces both a practical and holistic understanding of the human body. Beginning from the premise that the body and all its constituent systems not only take form and function physically but also act as repositories for the stories and life experiences of the individual, the course material will examine the concept of a "psychosomatic unity" (Reich) in conjunction with clinical theory and major pathologies. Each session will include, theory, hands-on work and movement practice as a means to embodied learning.

 

Module 6 : Somatic Psychology

October 2009 to March 2010

In our work with the body we experience the deep interrelationship between soma, psyche and spirit. Somatic Psychology seeks to give language and meaning to the fluid and organic experiences of somatic process, enabling us to dialogue and interact meaningfully with material arising from the unconscious in bodywork and movement therapy practice. This course will explore some psychological models emerging out of somatic and perinatal process, including both theory and practice; and address the role of the therapist and their embodied presence in relationship to the client, including basic skills of listening, supporting, witnessing, containing, processing and integrating.

Some modules may be taken independently. Please enquire for details of this, and of other workshops for personal and professional development which are offered from time to time, taught by staff and graduates of the Institute.

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

 

For further information or to request a registration form 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.