Body Psychotherapy – Tree Staunton

The possibility that somatic symptoms can be addressed without touch has not often been explored. An abbreviated glossary of relevant terms This short list of relevant terms (Rothschild 1998) should lay a useful foundation for the rest of this chapter: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the division of the body’s nervous system that regulates viscera and smooth muscles: heart and circulatory system, kidneys, lungs, bladder, bowel, pupils, etc.

There are two branches: • The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is primarily aroused in states of stress, both positive and negative. Signs of SNS arousal include increased heart rate and respiration, cold and pale skin, dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure. • The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is primarily aroused in states of rest and relaxation. Signs of PNS arousal include decreased heart rate and respiration, warm and flushed skin, normally reactive pupils, lowered blood pressure.

These two branches usually function in balance with each other: when one is activated, the other is suppressed. Persistent extreme activation in one or both branches is referred to as hyperarousal. Stress can result from any emotional or physical demand (positive or nega- tive). It was first recognised by Hans Selye (1956) through the observation of ‘evidence of adrenal stimulation, shrinkage of lymphatic organs, gastro- intestinal ulcers, and loss of body weight with characteristic alterations in the chemical composition of the body.’ Stress causes activation in the SNS.

Generally regarded as a response to a negative experience, stress can also result from positive experiences: marriage, job change, moving, sex, etc. The most extreme form of negative stress is traumatic stress. Traumatic stress is a psychobiological reaction to a traumatic event (i.e. war, disaster, car accident, rape, assault, torture, surgery, molestation, loss of significant other, etc.). Occurring in the face of threat to life and/or limb, traumatic stress causes hyperarousal of the ANS and elicits the survival responses of fight, flight and/or freeze. It is necessary to survival.

In the past the practice of body psychotherapy has been taken less seriously in professional circles than more traditional psychotherapeutic approaches. Body Psychotherapy redresses the balance, offering insights into a spectrum of approaches within body-orientated psychotherapy. A range of experienced contributors introduce new areas of development and emerging theory and clinical material, covering: • The history of body psychotherapy • Theoretical perspectives on body psychotherapy, including post- Reichian and development of integrative methodologies • Body psychotherapy in practice, including applications for trauma and regression • The future for body psychotherapy This book shows how body psychotherapy can be healing, reparative and rewarding.

It will make essential reading for postgraduates and professionals, whether they are already involved in this field, or wish to learn more about incorporating it into their own practice. Tree Staunton is a UKCP registered Body Psychotherapist who worked for some years as a trainer, group leader and supervisor at the Chiron Centre for Body Psychotherapy, West London and now works as an independent consultant. She has previous experience working in the National Health Service as an Occupational Therapist and holds a BA degree in Conflict Resolution and Group Studies.

Contributors: Rose Cameron, Roz Carroll, Bernd Eiden, Margaret Landale, Babette Rothschild, Andrew Samuels, Nick Totton, Philippa Vick, Roger J. Woolger. Advancing Theory in Therapy. Series Editor: Keith Tudor. Advancing Theory in Therapy Series Editor: Keith Tudor Most books covering individual therapeutic approaches are aimed at the trainee/student market. This series, however, is concerned with advanced and advancing theory, offering the reader comparative and comparable coverage of a number of therapeutic approaches. Aimed at professionals and postgraduates, Advancing Theory in Therapy will cover an impressive range of theories. With full reference to case studies throughout, each title will • present cutting-edge research findings • locate each theory and its application within its cultural context • develop a critical view of theory and practice Titles in series Body Psychotherapy Edited by Tree Staunton Transactional Analysis: A Relational Perspective Helena Hargaden and Charlotte Sills Body Psychotherapy Edited by Tree Staunton First published 2002 by Brunner-Routledge © 2002 Edited by Tree Staunton Typeset in Times by RefineCatch Limited, Bungay, Suffolk Cover design by Sandra Heath All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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