Body Psychotherapy Worksheet
By
HappierTherapy
Author bio
The Happier Therapy editorial team is made up of Masters and PhD counselling psychologists. Each worksheet is created by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The worksheet then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
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Body psychotherapy, a concept deeply relevant to our interconnected world, is based on the view that body and mind are inseparable. Therefore, emotional, mental, and relational problems are experienced in both the mind and the body, not purely the mind. In this guide, we explore the connection between your body and mind. Body psychotherapy uses physical awareness and movement to understand emotions and past experiences.
What Are The Theories Behind This Worksheet?
- Wilhelm Reich’s Theory of Body Armor: Reich believed that emotional trauma creates tension in the body, forming a kind of “armor.” This tension can lead to physical and emotional discomfort.
- Alexander Lowen’s Bioenergetics: Lowen’s approach focuses on how energy flows through the body. He believed that blocked energy could lead to physical and emotional issues.
- Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing: Levine’s theory centers on trauma recovery. He suggests that trauma is stored in the body and can be released through specific exercises and movements.
How Will This Worksheet Help You?
This worksheet aims to help you:
- Release Tension: Discover where you hold stress in your body and find ways to release it.
- Identify Emotions: Learn to recognize and name your emotions through physical sensations.
- Develop Body Awareness: Become more aware of your body’s signals and what they might tell you.
- Reduce Stress: Use simple exercises to reduce stress and improve relaxation.
How Should You Use This Worksheet?
To use this worksheet, find a quiet space to focus on your body. You can sit, stand, or lie down—whatever feels comfortable. Start with a few deep breaths, then work through the prompts at your own pace. There’s no rush; take your time to explore each part of the worksheet.
