The History of Somatics: A Movement In Movement

There were two tracks at my graduate school in Somatic Psychotherapy. One was the Body Psychotherapy track, which is what I took and the other was Dance Movement Therapy. The classes that I was able to take in DMT sometimes made me wish I had chosen that track of studies.

The fitness culture has warped our beliefs around the purpose of movement. I've had clients say to me what's the point of moving their bodies if they're not trying to change their bodies. I get it. Physical movement has become synonymous with sculpting and shaping the body to look a certain way and that's it.

The importance of physical movement though is so much more. The word emotion comes from the Latin word emovere—to be moved. Many body oriented practitioners state that the issues get lodged in our tissues. It is through movement that you can digest, assimilate, and move emotion through your body.

Today, we're going to explore the movement modalities that have impacted the field of somatics. Let's first start with Dance Movement Therapy, which holds a special place in my heart from the classes I took and many of my colleagues and friends provide DMT sessions today.

Dance Movement Therapy

The roots of Dance Movement Therapy can be traced back to the early 20th century when pioneers in the fields of dance and psychology began recognizing the profound connection between movement and emotional well-being. One influential figure in this development was Marion Chace, an American dancer who, in the 1940s, began using movement as a therapeutic tool in psychiatric settings.

Chace's work laid the foundation for the emergence of Dance Therapy as a distinct discipline. Her approach incorporated elements of dance, movement observation, and verbal processing to help individuals express and explore their emotions through movement. This marked a significant shift in the understanding of dance, moving it beyond a purely aesthetic form and into the realm of healing and self-exploration.

In the 1960s, another important figure in the development of Dance Movement Therapy emerged—Marianne F. Bräunig. Bräunig, a German dancer and dance educator, began exploring the therapeutic potential of dance in the context of psychosomatic medicine. Her work focused on the integration of body, mind, and emotions through movement, paving the way for the establishment of formal training programs in Dance Therapy.

As Dance Therapy gained recognition as a legitimate therapeutic discipline, its practitioners continued to refine and expand upon its theories and methods. The American Dance Therapy Association and the European Association for Dance Movement Therapy were established in the 1970s and played pivotal roles in advancing the field and promoting research and professional standards.

Dance Movement Therapy has gained momentum and recognition in various clinical settings, including inpatient eating disorder programs, mental health facilities, hospitals, schools, and community centers. Its application has extended beyond traditional therapy, finding value in areas such as trauma recovery, body image issues, self-expression, and personal growth.

A DMT session engages a person in a therapeutic process that combines movement, dance, and verbal expression. The specific activities and structure of a DMT session can vary depending on the goals and preferences of the client and the approach of the therapist. However, there are some common elements that can be found in a typical DMT session.

First, you would start with a warm up that includes gentle stretching, breathing exercises, and body awareness activities. This helps individuals connect with their bodies, increase their sensory awareness, and prepare for movement exploration.

Next would be a movement exploration. Here individuals are encouraged to explore movement spontaneously or through guided exercises. They may be invited to express emotions, sensations, or themes through their movement. The therapist provides a safe and supportive environment for self-expression and encourages clients to connect with their authentic movement impulses.

A client is encouraged to engage in creative and improvisational movement. They may be given prompts, such as specific themes or images, to inspire their movement explorations. Through improvisation, individuals have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, release emotions, and tap into their inner resources.

The therapist may introduce structured movement activities or guided dances that focus on specific therapeutic goals. These activities can include mirroring, partnering exercises, symbolic gestures, or group dances. These help individuals develop body-mind connections, enhance communication and social skills, and explore different aspects of their experiences.

Throughout the session, the therapist engages in verbal dialogue with the client, reflecting on their movement experiences, and exploring the meaning behind the movements. This verbal processing allows individuals to deepen their self-awareness, gain insights, and integrate their movement experiences with their thoughts and emotions.

The session typically concludes with a cool-down phase, which involves slowing down the movement and relaxation exercises. The therapist provides space for individuals to reflect on their experience, express any thoughts or emotions that arose during the session, and set intentions for integration outside of the therapy space.

The field of Dance Movement Therapy continues to evolve, with new approaches and techniques being developed and integrated into practice. These include body-oriented approaches like Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals.

Laban Movement Analysis

Laban Movement Analysis, or LMA, is named after Rudolf Laban, a Hungarian movement theorist, choreographer, and dance artist who lived from 1879 to 1958. Laban dedicated his life to studying movement and its expressive potential, pioneering a system of movement analysis that revolutionized the field of dance and beyond.

The foundations of LMA occurred in the early 20th century when Laban began his explorations into the intricacies of movement. He sought to develop a systematic approach for observing, understanding, and describing movement in all its dimensions. Laban's work culminated in the development of a comprehensive framework that encompasses four main components: Body, Effort, Shape, and Space.

The Body component focuses on the physical aspects of movement, including body parts, body connectivity, alignment, and anatomical relationships. It involves an understanding of body systems, joint articulation, muscular engagement, and the use of body centers such as the head, pelvis, and limbs. Observing and analyzing the body component provides insights into movement quality, range, and efficiency.

The Effort component explores the dynamic qualities of movement. It examines how movement is initiated, sustained, and brought to a resolution. Effort encompasses four categories: Weight, Time, Space, and Flow. Weight refers to the degree of muscular tension or relaxation in movement. Time refers to the rhythm, speed, and phrasing of movement. Space involves the direction, level, and focus of movement in relation to the surrounding environment. Flow refers to the continuity and energy behind the movement, ranging from sustained to sudden. Analyzing the Effort component allows for a deeper understanding of the expressive qualities and intentions conveyed through movement.

The Shape component focuses on the forms and patterns created by the body in movement. It involves the exploration of body shapes, body parts' relationships, and the spatial configuration of the body in action. Shape encompasses concepts such as symmetry, asymmetry, expansion, contraction, and the relationship between inner and outer space. Analyzing the Shape component helps to identify the structural and expressive qualities of movement and their impact on communication and meaning-making.

The Space component explores the relationship between the body and the surrounding space. It considers how movement travels through space, how space is shaped by movement, and how individuals relate to their spatial environment. Space includes concepts such as direction, level, pathways, proximity, and the use of personal and general space. By observing and analyzing the Space component, one gains insights into the spatial patterns, orientations, and dynamics of movement.

LMA examines movement through multiple lenses, taking into account the physical, dynamic, and expressive qualities of movement. It considers how movement is shaped by individual characteristics, cultural influences, and psychological states.

An LMA session often begins with the practitioner observing the client's movement patterns. They pay attention to the components of Body, Effort, Shape, and Space to assess how the client moves and expresses themselves in different contexts. The practitioner may use various observation tools, such as video recording or notation systems, to document and analyze movement.

The client is invited to engage in movement explorations that include exercises to deepen body awareness, experiment with different effort qualities, explore shape and spatial patterns, or investigate the relationship between body and space. The practitioner guides and supports the client in these explorations, providing feedback and encouragement.

As the client engages in movement, the practitioner analyzes and interprets their patterns and qualities of movement. They may identify and describe specific characteristics of the client's movement, such as weight distribution, timing, spatial preferences, or shape qualities. The practitioner shares their observations and interpretations, facilitating a dialogue with the client to deepen their understanding and self-awareness.

The insights gained from the movement analysis are then applied and integrated into the client's specific context or goals. This can involve exploring how movement patterns relate to personal or professional life, enhancing expressive abilities, addressing movement challenges or limitations, or supporting personal growth and development. The practitioner collaborates with the client to develop strategies, exercises, or practices that can be integrated into their daily life or specific areas of focus.

Throughout the session, there is space for reflection and dialogue between the practitioner and the client. The client is encouraged to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions related to the movement explorations and the insights gained. The practitioner guides the dialogue, facilitating a deeper understanding of the connections between movement, body-mind experiences, and personal narratives.

The session typically ends with a reflection on the session's themes, insights, and next steps. The practitioner may offer recommendations for continued practice or exploration outside of the session. The client is encouraged to integrate the insights gained from the session into their daily life.

LMA's impact in somatic psychotherapy lies in its ability to deepen self-awareness, facilitate embodied expression, and support the therapeutic process. By exploring movement patterns and qualities, individuals can gain insights into their physical and emotional experiences for deeper self understanding. It illuminates the intricate relationship between the body and the mind, offering a pathway for individuals to navigate their inner landscapes.

Bartenieff Fundamentals

Bartenieff Fundamentals is a movement approach that emerged in the mid-20th century, developed by Irmgard Bartenieff, a movement therapist and dance educator. Bartenieff drew from her studies in dance, Laban Movement Analysis, and her exploration of human movement to create a comprehensive system for understanding and enhancing movement patterns.

Bartenieff's work began in the 1940s when she started teaching movement and dance at the Laban School in Germany. She was deeply interested in the relationship between movement, body organization, and psychological well-being. Bartenieff Fundamentals focuses on the fundamental patterns of movement that underlie human motion. It explores principles such as breath, core support, connectivity, weight shift, and dynamic alignment. Through specific exercises and movement sequences, individuals are invited to explore and refine these patterns, enhancing their movement efficiency and expressiveness. By addressing movement patterns at a deep level, individuals can uncover and release physical and emotional tensions, enhance self-awareness, and develop more harmonious relationships with themselves and others.

BF places emphasis on body connectivity, particularly the relationships between different body parts and body segments. A practitioner would guide an individual in movement exercises that focus on integrating and coordinating different body parts, such as exploring the connectivity between the pelvis, spine, and limbs. These exercises aim to enhance body organization, efficiency, and fluidity of movement.

BF acknowledges the role of breath and core support in movement. Individuals engage in exercises that explore breath awareness, deepening their connection to the breath and its relationship to movement initiation and coordination. Core support exercises may focus on engaging the deep abdominal muscles and exploring the connections between the core and other body parts.

BF identifies specific patterns of connectivity that underlie efficient and expressive movement. These patterns include the homologous pattern (e.g., coordinating movement between corresponding body parts on opposite sides of the body), the homolateral pattern (e.g., coordinating movement between body parts on the same side of the body), and the contralateral pattern (e.g., coordinating movement between body parts on opposite sides of the body). Individuals engage in movement exercises that explore and refine these connectivity patterns, promoting more integrated and coordinated movement.

BF recognizes the importance of understanding and utilizing body weight in movement. Individuals engage in exercises that explore weight distribution, weight shifts, and the relationship between body weight and dynamic movement qualities. These exercises aim to enhance body grounding, stability, and the ability to initiate and sustain movement with appropriate use of weight.

Authentic Movement

Authentic Movement emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, growing out of the expressive arts and psychotherapy movements of the time. Influential figures such as Mary Whitehouse, Janet Adler, and Joan Chodorow were instrumental in shaping and popularizing the practice.

Mary Whitehouse, an American dancer and dance therapist, is often credited with pioneering Authentic Movement. Drawing from her experiences in dance, movement, and psychotherapy, Whitehouse developed a practice that focused on accessing the wisdom of the body and the unconscious through spontaneous movement.

In the early stages of Authentic Movement, Whitehouse conducted individual and group sessions in which individuals explored movement impulses arising from within themselves. Participants were encouraged to move in response to their inner experiences, without concern for aesthetics or external judgment.

Janet Adler, expanded upon Whitehouse's work and introduced the practice to a wider audience. Adler's contributions included developing clear guidelines and principles for the practice, as well as facilitating professional training programs. Authentic Movement gained recognition and popularity as a form of movement therapy and a spiritual practice.

I engaged in many Authentic Movement experiences in my graduate studies and found the practice incredibly powerful. A session begins with the practitioner creating a safe and supportive environment for the individual's exploration. This may involve setting boundaries, establishing guidelines for respectful witnessing, and creating a space where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically through movement.

The practitioner guides individuals through body centering and grounding exercises to help them connect with their bodies and establish a sense of presence. This may involve activities such as deep breathing, body scans, and mindful movement to release tension and create a grounded state of being.

Individuals take turns assuming the role of the mover while others assume the role of witnesses. The witnesses attentively observe the mover without judgment, offering their presence and active attention. This witnessing role is crucial in providing a supportive, non-judgmental space for the mover to explore their embodied experiences.

The mover is invited to enter into a state of open, spontaneous movement. They follow their internal impulses and sensations, allowing their bodies to guide the movement without preconceived ideas or predetermined forms. The mover explores their authentic, present-moment experiences through movement, expressing emotions, sensations, memories, and images that arise.

After the movement exploration, the mover and witnesses come together for a period of reflection and sharing. The mover has the opportunity to speak about their experience, describing what emerged during the movement and how it felt in their body. Witnesses may offer reflections on what they observed, focusing on the qualities, themes, or dynamics they noticed. This dialogue deepens the mover's self-awareness and provides additional perspectives on their embodied exploration.

The session concludes with a phase of integration and closure. The practitioner may guide individuals through activities that support the integration of the experiences and insights gained during the session. This can include grounding exercises, relaxation techniques, or creative activities that allow individuals to embody and anchor their experiences into their everyday lives.

Authentic Movement sessions provide a space for individuals to connect with their embodied selves, access deeper layers of self-awareness, and explore the authentic expression of their experiences. It fosters a sense of personal presence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. It was Joan Chodorow who emphasized the importance of the witness role in the practice. The role of the witness is crucial in providing a supportive, witnessing presence, validating the mover's experiences without judgment.

Over the years, Authentic Movement's principles and approaches have been integrated into various somatic and psychotherapeutic modalities. As it continues to evolve, it remains a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation. By engaging with the body's wisdom, emotions, and unconscious impulses, individuals can embark on profound journeys of self-discovery, healing, and creative expression.

Feldenkrais Method

Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli physicist and engineer, was the founder of the Feldenkrais Method. Born in 1904, Feldenkrais developed an interest in human movement and the relationship between body and mind. His own experiences with a knee injury led him on a path of exploration, ultimately leading to the development of a unique approach to movement and self-awareness.

Feldenkrais believed that our habitual patterns of movement and posture can limit our potential for growth. He observed that many people move inefficiently and repetitively, leading to unnecessary strain, discomfort, and restricted range of motion. His goal was to help individuals discover new possibilities for movement, enhance their self-awareness, and improve overall functioning.

Feldenkrais drew upon his background in physics, engineering, and martial arts to develop his method. He combined principles of neuroplasticity, biomechanics, and somatic awareness. His method focuses on cultivating a deep understanding of one's own body through gentle, mindful movements and focused attention.

Feldenkrais believed that by exploring and expanding our movement repertoire, we can create new neural pathways, improve coordination, and enhance our overall functioning. He emphasized the importance of paying attention to subtle sensations and exploring movement with curiosity and non-judgment.

The Feldenkrais Method is taught through two main approaches: Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration (FI). In ATM classes, individuals engage in verbally guided movement sequences in a group setting. These sequences are designed to increase self-awareness, improve coordination, and promote a more efficient and pleasurable experience of movement.

In individual FI sessions, a trained Feldenkrais practitioner uses gentle touch and movement to provide personalized guidance and feedback to the client. Through these hands-on sessions, individuals can deepen their body-mind connection, release tension, and discover new movement possibilities.

Continuum Movement

Continuum Movement, developed by Emilie Conrad in the late 20th century, drew inspiration from her studies in various disciplines, including dance, yoga, and other somatic practices, as well as her own experiences of deep connection with the fluidity and pulsation within her body.

Conrad recognized the fundamental role of fluidity in the human body and its vital importance for health, vitality, and well-being. She believed that by accessing and engaging with the fluid nature of our bodies, we can tap into a wellspring of creativity, healing, and self-transformation. The practice of Continuum Movement involves gentle, wave-like movements, breathwork, vocalization, and deep listening to the body's internal rhythms. Through these explorations, individuals cultivate a deepening awareness of their own fluidity.

A session begins with participants focusing on their breath and using sound as a means of initiating and supporting movement. Conscious breathing and vocalizations are used to deepen body awareness, stimulate fluid movement, and create a meditative and present-moment state.

Participants are encouraged to explore the different qualities of fluid movement, such as undulations, spirals, waves, and pulsations. Through various body positions and movements, individuals engage with their bodily fluids, including blood, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, and interstitial fluids, fostering a sense of fluidity and vitality.

Continuum Movement invites participants to engage in subtle, micro-movements that stimulate the body's intelligence and self-regulatory mechanisms. These movements are designed to activate sensory awareness, promote tissue hydration, and facilitate greater body-mind connection. Participants are encouraged to notice and explore the sensations that arise, enhancing their somatic awareness and deepening their connection to their bodies.

Participants are invited to explore movement as a form of inquiry, allowing their bodies to guide the exploration rather than relying on preconceived ideas or patterns. This process cultivates deep listening, curiosity, and a sense of discovery. At the end of the movement experience, participants are invited to rest, sense their bodies, and notice any shifts or insights that may have emerged during the practice. Group sharing or individual reflection may be included to deepen the integration of the experience.

The practice of Continuum Movement has been integrated into dance therapy, body-oriented psychotherapy, and other forms of somatic education. The practice's emphasis on the fluid nature of the body resonates with the interconnectedness of all living systems.

Other practices

Other practices that I want to name briefly that have made an impact on the field of somatics are Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, 5 Rhythms Dance, Movement Medicine, and Ecstatic Dance.

Yoga

In the context of somatic psychotherapy, yoga found a natural home due to its emphasis on the mind-body connection and its holistic approach to well-being. Pioneers in the field of yoga, such as B.K.S. Iyengar and T.K.V. Desikachar, developed therapeutic applications of yoga, recognizing its potential to support psychological healing. They explored the use of specific postures, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to address various physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.

The integration of yoga into somatics became more prominent with the emergence of  Yoga Therapy, Yoga Psychology, and Yoga for Mental Health. These approaches recognize the inherent wisdom of the body and utilize yoga practices to facilitate self-awareness, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and trauma healing.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi, developed as a martial art, evolved into a practice that combines graceful movements, mindfulness, and the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Tai Chi is characterized by slow, flowing movements that are performed with relaxed muscles and deep breathing. These movements are often referred to as forms or sequences and are designed to cultivate physical strength, flexibility, balance, and mental focus.

Tai Chi has impacted somatics in promoting mind-body connection and enhancing self-awareness. The practice incorporates principles of mindfulness, relaxation, and energy cultivation, and facilitates grounding, embodiment, and the release of physical and emotional tension which are beneficial for individuals seeking healing and stress reduction.

Qi Gong translates as "cultivating vital energy." It is based on the understanding that Qi, or vital life energy, flows through the body, and by cultivating and harmonizing this energy, we can support our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Qi Gong practices typically involve a combination of movement, breathwork, meditation, and visualization. Through these practices, individuals learn to cultivate and circulate Qi, harmonize their internal energy, and balance the flow of Yin and Yang within themselves. The practice invites individuals to tune into the subtle sensations within their bodies, cultivate mindfulness, and develop a deeper connection with self.

5Rhythm

The 5Rhythms is a movement practice and philosophy developed by Gabrielle Roth in the late 1970s. It is a dynamic and improvisational movement practice that explores the body's natural rhythms and allows individuals to access their creativity, release emotions, and experience a greater sense of embodiment. The practice is based on the understanding that everything in life is in constant motion and that movement is a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and transformation.

The 5Rhythms consist of five different movement qualities or "rhythms," which are Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. Each rhythm represents a different energy and invites a unique style of movement.

In a 5Rhythms session or workshop, individuals are invited to explore each of these rhythms sequentially, moving through the different qualities and allowing their bodies to express and release whatever arises in the present moment. The practice is often accompanied by music that supports the exploration of each rhythm.

Movement Medicine

Movement Medicine, developed by Ya'Acov and Susannah Darling Khan, combines movement, dance, mindfulness, and shamanic principles to create a space for self-exploration and emotional integration.

Individuals are invited to explore movement as a way to connect with their bodies, emotions, and inner wisdom. The practice recognizes the body as an intelligent source of information and guidance and provides a space for individuals to listen, express, and embody their experiences.

Participants engage in guided movement explorations and dance. These explorations are often supported by diverse music, rhythms, and movement qualities, allowing individuals to express themselves and access different states of being. Participants are encouraged to connect with their sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and to explore how these aspects manifest through movement. The practice supports individuals in deepening their relationship with their bodies and accessing their innate wisdom. Through movement, participants are invited to explore their intentions, desires, and challenges, and to bring conscious awareness to their experiences.

Movement Medicine incorporates elements of ritual and ceremony, drawing from shamanic practices. These rituals create a container for the work, allowing individuals to connect with the sacred, release what no longer serves them, and invoke support from the spiritual realm. Movement Medicine often takes place in a group setting, fostering a sense of community and connection. Participants are encouraged to witness and support each other's journeys, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration and growth.

And last, Ecstatic Dance is a form of free-form movement and dance that allows individuals to express themselves authentically and explore the body's natural impulses and rhythms. It is a practice that encourages uninhibited movement, self-expression, and personal exploration without the constraints of choreography or prescribed dance steps. Ecstatic Dance sessions include live or recorded music specifically curated to evoke a range of emotions, cultivate a transformative experience, and often builds in intensity to create a journey-like experience throughout the session.

In Ecstatic Dance, there are no set dance routines or specific steps to follow. Participants are encouraged to let go of any inhibitions and allow their bodies to move spontaneously and intuitively. The focus is on inner-directed movement, honoring one's own unique expression. It is primarily a non-verbal practice. Participants communicate and connect with each other through movement, gestures, eye contact, and energetic exchanges. It offers an opportunity for individuals to express themselves and interact in a non-verbal, somatic language.

Participants are encouraged to honor their own boundaries and respect the boundaries of others. There is an emphasis on consent, non-judgment, and creating a supportive community atmosphere. While participants are encouraged to honor their own unique movement expression, there is also a shared sense of energy, connection, and collective movement in the space. The dance floor becomes a container for personal journeys as well as a shared celebration of movement and embodiment. Ecstatic Dance provides a space for self-expression, release, and personal transformation through movement.

It is through the movement practices we have explored here today that a person can support their body in moving out of a trauma response where they're stuck in dysregulation and lack of safety.

Relationship with Food

Let's take a moment to connect this all back to your relationship with food. What I have often seen in my private practice is that movement of emotion through the body is crucial to change your food coping mechanisms. When every emotion and sensation gets locked and contained inside of your body, expression needs to seep out in other ways. Eating is a way to feel something. Eating is a way to escape the intensity of everything your body is holding onto. Eating is a way to express an emotion through the comfort of food.

If all of your focus is on fixing what's occurring with food, the wisdom of your food behaviors is missed. Your emotions and sensations need space to be felt, seen, and expressed through non-verbal movement so that food is released of the responsibility of supporting you to feel and emote.

Dance movement therapists, Laban Movement Analysis practitioners, Bartenieff Fundamentals practitioners, Authentic Movement, The Feldenkrais Method, Continuum Movement, Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, 5 Rhythms Dance, Movement Medicine, and Ecstatic Dance are all practices you can explore today. Look up practitioners or classes in your area to start bringing somatic movement into your everyday life.

Thanks so much for tuning in this week! Next week on our continued exploration of the history of somatics we will explore the bodywork influences such as Rolfing, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Biodynamic Massage, Rubenfeld Synergy and so much more.