Description:

Invited Address Session 2 Part 1 from the Evolution of Psychotherapy 1995 – Bioenergetic Analysis: My Development as a Body-Mind Therapist
Featuring Alexander Lowen, MD, with discussant Judd Marmor, MD.
Moderated by Michael Munion, MA.

The split in the modern personality is between the head and the body, between the rational mind and irrational gut feelings. It reflects the split in this culture between science and the natural forces in life and nature which science attempts to control. The modern individual lives largely in his head and is out of touch with his body because he had deadened it to suppress the fear, the pain and the despair which he experienced in childhood. He may complain of depression, a sense of inner emptiness and a loss of meaning. He has no joy, and life is a struggle for survival. Generally he does not realize this because his energies are devoted to “making it,” to achieve success, power, money, fame, etc. These are the values of a narcissistic culture and the modern individual has a narcissistic personality. To work through these problems requires a therapy which is not split, which integrates work on the body with a deep and thorough analysis of the individual’s history and behavior. Bioenergetic Analysis aims to be such a therapy. The development of Bioenergetic Analysis reflects my personal development which cannot be separated from my therapeutic work. Two case histories are presented to illustrate the basic dynamics of this approach.

Educational Objectives:

1. To describe three facial expressions which express personality attitudes.
2. To describe three qualities of voice which reflect personality.
3. To name three techniques for increasing the body’s aliveness.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*