Enhancing Schema Therapy Using Body Focused Interventions

There is increasing interest in somatic interventions in the field of psychotherapy and in the role of the body in trauma (e.g., Porges, 2011; Schore, 2003; Siegel, 1999). Schema therapy (ST) focuses on affective, cognitive and behavioural aspects of experience with less attention to somatic components. This workshop, will draw on techniques from sensorimotor psychotherapy (Ogden et al 2006), as well as the work of Van der Kolk (1994), Rothschild (2000) and Levine (1997) in order to address this imbalance by introducing practical ways of integrating body methods into ST.

• Drawing awareness to somatic aspects of schemas and modes
• Working within the ‘Window of Tolerance’ – guidelines for working with the body safely
• Somatic resources to improve emotional regulation