//English - Exposé

BodyPotential in Psychotherapy

Relationship structures, enactments and contexts

Ever since Wilhelm Wundt founded the first ever Physiological Institute for Psychology in Leipzig in 1879 and Sigmund Freud developed the concept of psychoanalysis round 1900 in Vienna our knowledge of the physiology of the brain and how to treat its disorders has expanded rapidly. For a long time brain physiologists and psychotherapists went their separate ways, but not anymore. Thanks to new insights particularly from research into trauma, dissociation and the early lives of newborns, both fields have been converging again and returning to where the soul belongs - in the body.

Because of the particularities of its own historical development mainstream psychoanalysis has long considered the inclusion of the body and its unconscious and conscious potential for movement as inherently difficult in theory. But modern psychotherapy is currently in a state of radical change that is proving to be both creative and integrative. The old factional struggles seem to be making way for new holistic, integrative and multidisciplinary concepts of psychotherapy for practical and research use. However, this does not relieve our therapeutic problems as much as change them: the inclusion of the body and the resulting changes in setting necessitate more flexibility in forging a therapeutic relationship. But with this broader choice of relationships come more complex enactments, which are harder to interpret. By including not only classic transference structures, but also the introjects of the clients, the context for treating mental disorders changes considerably for the therapist. Present and transgenerational systems of disorders have to be examined and subverted. The clients themselves only rarely reflect upon anything other than their own direct symptoms, despite the fact that tapping into the complex individual - familial and historical - chain of introjects usually proves highly valuable for finding new solutions.

Well-known experts in the field of theoretical and practical psychology will convene in this symposium to discuss "joint bodies of research and treatment" in both a narrower and a wider sense. The objective will be to spark a conversation about the potential of psychotherapy on the basis of concepts and practical examples with psychotherapists of every hue from universities and practices.

It seems important to us not only to refer to recent research findings and to demonstrate interesting methods of treatment, but also to ask in depth why one therapy process works whereas another does not. What are the assumed mental processes behind a relationship and an enactment from the therapist's point of view and the feedback of the patient? How do these two perspectives systemically fit or temporarily not fit together?

The body releases new potential for a deeper understanding of the suffering of the soul, for which it needs solutions it can experience first hand. However, unlocking the body dimension and interacting with it create a whole new set of dangers for both client and therapist, for which one should come prepared with professional knowledge and expertise. But it would be a shame for us experts if we were not to use this joint opportunity - and society's for that matter - just because we are afraid to confront and remedy these dangers.

We look forward to sharing some insightful days with you in Leipzig.

Daily topics:

29.05.2007 The body's potential and its areas of application: an overview

30.5.2007   The body's potential in relationships and interaction

31.05.2007 The body's potential in psychotrauma and group processes