Bioenergetic Self-Care for Therapists

Between Openness and Boundary Setting

Authors

  • Vita Heinrich-Clauer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30820/0743-4804-2015-25-41

Abstract

In this paper I will present neurobiological findings on the somatic effects of resonance phenomena, empirical results on the respective occupational risks of therapists, and bioenergetic concepts and techniques regarding the subject of self-care. While I was thrilled to have described the phenomena of somatic resonance in the late 1990s and it’s potential for work with embodied countertransference in the therapeutic process, the discovery of mirror neurons a short time later validated these exciting phenomena on the neurobiological level. Since then I have also immersed myself on the flip side of empathy. We as resonating therapists are in danger of losing our own living vibration, possibly even becoming sick. Bioenergetic exercises can, with a correspondingly modified non-clinical focus, be very helpful for the self-care of therapists. The illustrations (cartoons) hopefully bring some humor to the presentation of this important and hitherto neglected topic.

Author Biography

Vita Heinrich-Clauer

Dr. Vita Heinrich-Clauer, Dipl. Psych., CBT, IIBA Faculty, psychotherapist, supervisor, author. Member of the IIBA since 1985, Board of Trustees IIBA from 2002 to 2008. Editor of the reader, Handbook Bioenergetic Analysis.
041-072 36078

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How to Cite

Heinrich-Clauer, V. (2015). Bioenergetic Self-Care for Therapists: Between Openness and Boundary Setting. Bioenergetic Analysis, 25(1), 41–72. https://doi.org/10.30820/0743-4804-2015-25-41

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Articles