Neurobiology and Psychological Development of Grounding and Embodiment

Applications in the Treatment of Clients with Early Disorders

Authors

  • Jörg Clauer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30820/0743-4804-2011-21-17

Keywords:

cooperation, deconstruction, embodied self, grounding, participation, triad

Abstract

Alexander Lowen’s concept of «grounding” is unique to Bioenergetic Analysis (BA). The bioenergetic grounding concept can scientifically be based on cerebral representations and integration of sensations – especially on proprioception allied with sense of equilibrium and touch. In addition, it is an operationalization of Freud’s principle of reality, i.e., it is oriented to reality in the here and now. Bioenergetic techniques, stimulating the integration of «body-maps” like vestibular perception, proprioception and touch, may improve consciousness, vitality and cohesion of the self in various groups of clients with early disorders. Neurobiology, modern philosophy and system theory not only proclaim the end of the Cartesian duality of body and mind, but also demonstrate, how the perception and consciousness of our self is based on such body-maps. In this paper the concept of grounding is mainly being conceived of as relational and rooted in the psychosomatic self. Furthermore, a developmental perspective of grounding is elaborated, based on scientific findings on the primary triad of baby, mother and father. These results may gain importance as organizing principles in body-psychotherapy. Three case vignettes illustrate principles of grounding, cooperation and deconstruction from the perspective of client and therapist.

Author Biography

Jörg Clauer

Dr. Jörg Clauer, born in Hamburg/Germany first became a biochemist and later a physician and medical doctor. He specialised in psychiatry, in psychosomatics and as a general practitioner. He started his psychotherapeutic education with Psychodrama, Bioenergetic Analysis (CBT) and with Body Enlightenment. Finally he became a Psychoanalyst and member of DPG and DGPT in Germany and IARPP as well. He has published articles on different subjects in a number of journals and books, for instance “Handbuch Bioenergetische Analyse” and is a member of the editorial stuff of the german journal “Forum der Bioenergetischen Analyse”. For many years he was on the board of the Northern German Institute of Bioenergetic Analysis (NIBA) and was a founding member of the European Federation of Bioenergetic Analysis/Psychotherapy (EFBAP).
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How to Cite

Clauer, J. (2022). Neurobiology and Psychological Development of Grounding and Embodiment: Applications in the Treatment of Clients with Early Disorders. Bioenergetic Analysis, 21(1), 17–55. https://doi.org/10.30820/0743-4804-2011-21-17

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Articles