THE EMBODY LAB BLOG
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Rumi: ‘The Cure for Pain is in the Pain’
Healing your wounded heart isn’t easy, but it’s worth it — where to begin to lean into curing your pain.
Bereavement Companionship and Somatic Group Work
Bereavement companionship circles offer a safe haven for the bereft to share vulnerable grief stories associated with a significant loss of a loved one. The collective wisdom of the group springs forth from the tapestry of interweaving grief stories. Connections are deeply cultivated in group storytelling and leave participants feeling less isolated along their grief journey.
The Transformative Power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) For Individuals and Therapists
Internal Family Systems (IFS) stands out as a profound therapeutic approach for individuals navigating personal healing and therapists facilitating transformative sessions. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS introduces a distinctive framework centered around the concept of the Self. The following information was shared in a live conversation between Dr. Scott Lyons, Dr. Richard Schwartz, and Dr. Peter Levine on the topic of Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Integrating Yoga Therapy and EMDR: A Somatic Approach to Trauma Healing
There is a synergy between Yoga Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in facilitating comprehensive trauma healing. Drawing upon the insights of 30 years of teaching and an understanding of the Kosha model and Ayurvedic principles, this integrative approach offers a holistic framework for understanding and treating trauma.
Burnout and the Radical Path of Non-Abandonment of Self
It takes an enormous amount of courage and vulnerability to talk about and get curious about burnout. At its core, burnout actually reflects a very important set of primal human needs and wishes - safety, belonging, and dignity. Burnout is simply a response to overwhelming life experiences. An adaptive strategy to the underlying need for safety, slowing down, and a holding environment where all parts of oneself are welcome, seen, heard, and acknowledged.
Understanding the Healing Power of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers a unique approach for those seeking solace from the long-term effects of trauma. Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The Body Keeps the Score,” says that EMDR is one of the most effective ways to heal trauma and find relief from the symptoms of PTSD.
Unlocking Emotional Release: A Somatic Tool to Release Anger
Imagine having a tool that not only liberates pent-up anger and tension but also empowers your personal boundaries, safeguarding your emotional well-being. In this article, we'll embark on a transformative journey to unearth the power of somatic healing.
Jealousy and the Radical Path of Non-Abandonment of Self
At its core, jealousy reflects a very important set of needs and wishes. Jealousy is simply a response to life experiences. An adaptive strategy to the underlying need for safety, love, and connection.
How I Found Somatic Healing
The first time I ever experienced an emotion in my body was one day in a yin yoga class, in pigeon pose. I felt these sensations bubbling up from deep within my hips, rising to the surface when I had historically fought so hard to push them down throughout my usual day-to-day life.
Art Therapy: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that encourages individuals to express themselves creatively through various art forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and other artistic media. This therapeutic modality utilizes the creative process to enhance emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Exploring the Hakomi Method of Mindful Psychotherapy
The Hakomi Method offers a unique approach to psychotherapy that combines mindfulness, compassion, and somatic awareness to foster personal growth and healing. Originally developed in the late 1970s by Ron Kurtz, Hakomi is influenced by humanistic psychology and Eastern philosophical traditions.
Embracing Nature: Eco Therapy for Somatic Trauma Healing
Eco therapy, also known as nature therapy or “green therapy”, is a therapeutic approach that taps into the healing power of nature to address various mental and physical health issues. Drawing inspiration from the vast expanses of natural resources and the calming effects of the great outdoors, eco therapy offers a holistic path towards healing and personal growth.
Excerpt from “The Mind-Body Guide to the Twelve Steps: Finding Joy, Sensuality, and Pleasure in Recovery—Integrative Spiritual and Somatic Practices for Healing from Trauma and Addiction”
Twelve Step recovery offers a profound approach for recovery from all types of addictions. The Steps can bring awareness to, and eventually freedom from, our dependency on unhealthy patterns, substances, and behaviors—whether it be drugs, alcohol, or sugar; overeating or undereating or compulsive exercise; compulsive shopping, workaholism, debting, or underearning; technology or sex or gambling or unhealthy relational dynamics—all of the ever-present behaviors that result in the devastation of our bodies, our relationships, and the Earth.
Reigniting the “Spark” Through Intimacy Coaching
As partners become more familiar and comfortable with each other, it is natural to begin moving from the “honeymoon phase” into a more mature type of love. Some couples may choose to throw the towel; however, with a commitment to growth, couples can continue to deepen their connection far beyond the initial rush of new love. Intimacy coaching is one tool that can help couples accomplish just that.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Anxiety, Depression, and Couples Therapy
By embracing emotions as valuable sources of information and guidance, EFT helps individuals develop deeper self-awareness, cultivate healthier emotional responses, and empower them with the necessary resources to confront challenging situations with resilience and strength.
Mindfulness Therapies for Cultivating Presence and Inner Peace
Mindfulness is the art of being in the present moment, aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. Emerging from a long line of ancient traditions, mindfulness therapies present an antidote to the stress of fast-paced modern life. They focus on bringing the practitioner back into the present moment and away from ruminating thoughts and anxiety.
EMDR Treatment: How Rapid Eye Movements Can Help Trauma Recovery
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that can be used to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s after she discovered a decrease in her anxiety while moving her eyes from side to side.
Why to Include Coaching in Your Healing
When is it time to focus on healing - processing stuck emotions and changing old patterns of behaviour - and when is it time to focus on “doing”?
The Art of Somatic Coaching with Richard Strozzi-Heckler
We recently caught up with Richard Strozzi-Heckler during his Master Class on The Art of Somatic Coaching. Here’s what he had to say about developing one’s skills as a somatic coach.
What Advice Would You Offer to Someone Starting Out Their Coaching Journey?
We recently caught up with the some of the faculty from our Mind-Body Coaching Certificate and asked them what advice they would offer to someone starting out their coaching journey.
Find out what they had to say….