"During the group there were times when we created images as ways to express ourselves. I tended to create images that have some type of hope in them that materialized without my realizing it. I don't think I lack hope, but I fall back into old ways of being pretty easily. These groups helped me find more balance in every day."
–Client of BSE Group
Being able to live in our bodies is often the key to being present. Most people with a trauma history have a very difficult time relaxing. Their bodies and minds are full of noise or numbed out. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) is an incredible modality developed by Pat Ogden, PhD. which I use to support my client’s return to their native intelligence. Pat has created a training programs for therapists and alternative body therapists rich in theoretical foundations but experientially vibrant. I use SP both the theory and practice of SP to support my clients in becoming aware of what their body is trying to communicate with them. Learning to decode the subtle messages enhanced our daily life. Pat’s recent book, Trauma and the Body is a wealth of information on the practice of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Mapping the internal psychological system helps create order out of what can be a tremendous amount of confusing noise. Richard Schwartz, PhD has created a valuable method (Internal Family Systems) to explore the psychological aspects of ourselves. Central to that is his idea that we all have a Self that gets covered up by different manager parts that protect our exiled feelings from overwhelming us. In a addition to working in the body, IFS is a key component of my work with people.
Spirituality has always been a large part of my world, gaining more prominence in the 1970’s as I began more formal introduction into various meditation and retreat practices. During the late 1980’s and early 90’s I lived at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, practicing yoga, meditation and leading programs for the 15,000 guests who came every year. While at Kripalu I also began practicing Buddhist meditation and more recently Tibetan practices.