The Emergence of Somatic Psychology and Bodymind Therapy (Series: Critical Theory and Practice in Psychology and the Human Sciences)

Description

Somatic psychology and bodymind therapy examine the body and the mind as a whole, emphasising the reciprocal relationships between the two. This branch of psychotherapy focuses on the body, body language, emotional expression, psychosomatics, and sexuality. Somatic psychology is challenging the contemporary scene, shaking up our understanding of what it means to be human and how to heal human suffering. This book guides us to consider what life might be like when we relinquish the mind/body dichotomy. For example, what therapy means when we acknowledge the functioning of memory in every tissue of our embodiment.

Rooted in the ancient holistic disciplines or energy sciences, and becoming established in the work of early psychodynamic pioneers, this new discipline, with the current growth of its bodymind methodologies, draws from phenomenological philosophies, depth psychologies, and from the latest neuroscience. This unique text explores both the remarkable history and the contemporary burgeoning of somatic psychology, and addresses the theoretical challenges that must be met if it is to realize its impressive potential.

Now in paperback, this book is essential reading for any scholar of psychology and the healing sciences wanting to understand the exciting new developments in this field.

Reviews

"Barnaby Barratt's work is essential for students not only in the field of somatic psychology but for any clinicians who need to understand the intricate impacts of bodily experience on healing and human development. Its publication in paperback is a welcome event making it more widely available for academic courses and workshops." - Don Hanlon Johnson, Professor of Somatics, California Institute of Integral Studies, USA

"We can celebrate this new paperback edition. It means that this important new book by Barnaby Barratt will find the wider circulation it merits. The Emergence of Somatic Psychology and Bodymind Therapy is a truly unique account of an emerging field - unique not only because it defines the scope of the field and offers a very intelligent historical and philosophical reflection, but also because it contributes a visionary sense of our future." - Joe Coppin, Founding Program Chair Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Somatic Studies, Pacifica Graduate Institute, USA

"Dr Barnaby Barratt provides us with an outstanding, insightful and readable text that introduces both beginning and advanced students of psychology and psychotherapy into the blossoming field of somatic or bodymind science and therapy. I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone concerned with healing practices and the way in which body, mind and spirit, can be directed toward harmony and enlightenment." - Irv Katz, President, International University of Professional Studies, USA

Contents

PART I: INTRODUCING A NEW DISCIPLINE
1. Psychology at the Crossroads
2. Epistemic Shifting
3. Illustrations of Bodymind Therapy
4. Healing Matters
5. The State of Emergence
PART II: SOURCES: ANCIENT AND CONTEMPORARY
6. Psychoanalytic Discoveries
7. Somatic Psychodynamics
8. Philosophical and Cultural Studies
9. Western Traditions of Bodywork
10. The Influx of Asian Wisdom
11. Shamanic Practices and Transpersonal Psychologies
12. The Advances of Neuroscience
PART III: CURRENT CHALLENGES: POSSIBLE FUTURES
13. Bodies and Boundaries
14. The Inherent Sexuality of Being Human
15. Oppression and the Momentum of Liberation
16. Bodily Paths to Spiritual Awakening
17. The Future of Human Awareness
Bibliography

Authors

Barnaby B. Barratt (PhD, DHS) is a psychoanalyst, sexuality educator, sex therapist, and somatic psychologist, currently in private practice in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cape Town, and Visiting Professor at the University of Witwatersrand. His previous books include Sexual Health and Erotic Freedom andPsychoanalysis and the Postmodern Impulse. His most recent book is What is Psychoanalysis? 100 Years after Freud's 'Secret Committee.'