Somatic
Movement Therapy is an umbrella for many distinct disciplines.
Somatics became the umbrella term for techniques and
approaches that focus on the individual developing and deepening
a sense of the self within the body. The foundation
for this field was developed by the early practitioners
like F. Mathias Alexander, Moshe Feldenkrais, Ida Rolf,
Rudolph von Laban, and Joseph Pilates to name a few.
The essential first person viewpoint, the "experience
within" requires consideration in equal part with the
scientific and medical viewpoint. Somatics embraces
theory and practice, the work is a process. The facilitation
and support given in this process promotes the body/mind
unity and shifts our attention from the objective to the
subjective.
Today people are highly verbal, and computer savvy managing
their lives with beepers and cell phones. There is a great
emphasis on reasoning and thinking, the heart and soul are
being left out. In a world where regular exercise in a gym
three times a week is expected to give some benefit to general
levels of fitness, Somatic Movement therapy sessions provide
an alternative environment that involves hands on energetic
touch and utilization of simple exercises. The client begins
to deepen his/her awareness of moving in parts of the body,
increasing ease and range of motion and at the same time
experience a sense of relaxation.
There are many avenues Somatic Therapists take to help the
individual client in their own personal journeys. One
main reference point is the body's innate wisdom, deepening
this understanding enhances a sense of well-being throughout.
For
more info please call me, 314-443-0206
Mary Francis Hoffman PHD, REACE, RSME |
