Body Stress Depresses
01 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: continuum movement, free phone consultation, mental-health, Somatic Psychotherapy
Pasadena Therapist, Daphne Georghiou, MA, MFT, RSMT ~ Holistic-Somatic Psychotherapy in Los Angeles and Pasadena, serving individuals, couples, children and families. Please call me for a free phone consultation ~ 310-622-4594.
One of my long-time teachers, a pioneer in Somatic Therapy and body healing (Emilie Conrad of Continuum Movement) has always stressed, that there is “no hope in speed.” Put simply, unless we allow the organism of our body to slow down all the way, there is no chance for any kind of natural body reorganization (bones, joints, blood, cells, organs etc.) to transpire, and potentially move in the direction of restoration and balance. In speed, no kind of somatic healing is possible. Nothing makes more sense than this; yet our culture is so much about getting from point A to point B, and doing it very quickly! We are in constant flux and forward motion–either future tripping, or getting tripped up by what happened in the past. One might say our society promotes and idealizes a kind of “getting ahead” phenomenon. This addiction radicalizes a physical sense of what some somatic teachers like to call the “forward thrust”–where the body actually takes on, structurally and otherwise, a physical representation of being a step ahead. The problem is that the structure of our bodies and our temperaments takes on the shape of moving with speed, way beyond our natural capacity as human organisms, and this keeps us in a state of (somatic) chronic stress, and thus, disconnected from our feelings (which are housed in the body). The effect of constant, fast forward motion on the body, also manifests as constriction in joints, and compression in tissue; hence, body pain and strain results. We end up feeling somatic discomfort, but we also don’t have access to our feelings and this can lead to Depression.
But all is not lost, my friends. This is easily alterable. Keep a look out for an upcoming post on some easy but fruitful ideas on how to combat the “forward thrust” and avoid body stress depression, via somatic psychotherapy. In the mean time, please go forth and investigate for yourselves! Questions or personal body-stress issues? Email me: daphne.georghiou@gmail.com. And visit my websites: www.somaticpsyche.com and www.therapyofmotion.com.
About pasadenaholistictherapist
Daphne Georghiou, MA, RSMT, MFT is a licensed professional and a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy). She is a practicing psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute – a Jungian and Depth psychology based school. Daphne is also a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist through ISMETA (International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association). Daphne is a certified Continuum Movement Teacher, authorized by Continuum founder and somatic movement pioneer, Emilie Conrad. She is also a certified Halprin Life-Art Process practitioner from Tamalpa Institute – the first in-studio training center for body-based Expressive Arts Therapy, and art-based Somatic Movement Therapy. Daphne’s work as a psychotherapist draws upon dance-therapy pioneer, Anna Halprin, and Daria Halprin–co-founder and director of the Tamalpa Institute. Daphne’s holistic, somatic and creative arts orientation, allows you to feel a sense of ease in the therapy room. She is dedicated to assisting individuals successfully bring mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality into their every day living.
Universe of Spirals
19 May 2011 1 Comment
Pasadena Psychotherapy ~ Los Angeles Therapy ~ Holistic Counseling ~ Somatic Psychology
We live in a universe of spirals and curves–it’s all over our planet and in our DNA. Yet, we continue to live our lives moving in a linear fashion, moving hastily from point A to point B. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of thrusting ahead, forgetting sometimes to exhale as much as we hold or breath in, and leaving our creative juices in the pot for too long.
Moving with speed, also means that you are not feeling all your feelings–it’s as simple as that. And if you don’t allow your feelings full, healthy expression, they will come back to haunt you, my dears.
So, this kind of biting off more than you can chew can, over time, can lead to a building of anxiety and even emotional pain.
If you’re thinking that this is you, that’s great! Because, in recognizing this, you’re already 50% there…There, meaning the road to transforming yourself out of anxiety or despair. If you’ve slowed down enough to have questions about this, feel free to call me for a free consultation: 310-622-4594.
For a human organism to reorganize and heal, in any capacity–body, mind, spirit/soul–it’s important to acknowledge that we naturally move in spirals and curves. Its also crucial to note that SLOWING DOWN is necessary to feel this fluid motion.
Find ways to drop into your cells and enter the fluid system of your body. Learn to follow your natural spirals and curves and see how it transforms all areas of your life . If you want to experience this on a visceral level, take a class by Therapy of Motion–check out Continuum Soul.
Or, give your cells a break today. Pause and close your eyes for a few minutes and feel yourself land in your lower back. Take a long bath. Meditate and do some yoga. You deserve to be happy!
Until next time, I wish you all a day of dropping in your cells and coming to your senses!
~Daphne
Happy First Day of Spring!
21 Mar 2011 1 Comment
Hi all,
Yesterday was the Spring (Vernal) Equinox, where the cosmic scales came into perfect balance–equal day and equal night. Now is the time to celebrate the growing light, as the dark half of the year is behind us. This is a potent time of year to meditate upon that which you would like to see bloom in your heart and your soul. Budding Spring reminds us to plant the seeds of all that we desire to see grow in our lives–greater wisdom, health, abundance, wealth, patience…What might it be for you? What old story that no longer serves are you yearning to let go of?
With all the distress and amounting devastation our planet is enduring presently, if you are reading this, chances are you are VERY LUCK INDEED! Our general, mind-tripping woes can be shifted into creating energy for prayer to sustain the lives of people and our planet. Everything matters. Learning to become emotionally independent is crucial now more than ever.
(The moon governs the emotions, and not just metaphorically speaking). The Super Moon yesterday is a good reminder to hone in on the past only so much as it allows us clear vision for how we wish to carry our body-beings forward. Dwelling too well on the past, can have hazardous effects, though it’s also important to allow the wounds of the past to inform us, heal us. In some aspects, the moon represents our past limitations in life. As the moon has come super close and our shadow may be more visible, it’s easy to dive right into self-pity. I urge you to use the rich archetypal energy of this now waning full moon in Pisces, to watch your flowers grow. Fear and doubt, while wonderful teachers, don’t offer nourishment for the soul. Nurture your seeds, take heed of your past challenges, only to let go of fear and doubt, and dive into the depth of the the joy of the PRESENT. The key to creating that which you desire, is LETTING GO…surrendering to the present moment.
Find ways to drop into your cells and enter the fluid system of your body. Learn to follow your natural spirals and curves and see how it transforms all areas of your life. See how your aquatic essence serves in allowing you to naturally let go. If you want to experience this on a visceral level, take a class by Therapy of Motion–check out Continuum Soul.
Or, give your cells a break today. Pause and close your eyes for a few minutes and feel yourself land in your lower back. Take a long bath. Meditate and do some yoga. You deserve to be happy!
Until next week, I wish you all a day of dropping in your cells and coming to your senses!
~Daphne
About pasadenaholistictherapist
Daphne Georghiou, MA, RSMT, MFT Intern is a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy), and she holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute – a Jungian and Depth psychology based school. Daphne has a extensive experience supporting people overcome depression, anxiety, grief, body-image and life-transition issues. She is a holistic-somatic psychotherapist, who will guide you to the road of healing, and facilitate a therapeutic environment aimed at inspiring you to take charge of your own life. Daphne is a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist through ISMETA (International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association). Daphne is a certified Continuum Movement Teacher, authorized by Continuum founder and somatic movement pioneer, Emilie Conrad. She is also a certified Halprin Life-Art Process practitioner from Tamalpa Institute – the first in-studio training center for body-based Expressive Arts Therapy, and art-based Somatic Movement Therapy. Daphne’s work as a psychotherapist draws upon dance-therapy pioneer, Anna Halprin, and Daria Halprin–co-founder and director of the Tamalpa Institute. Daphne’s holistic, somatic and creative arts orientation, allows you to feel a sense of ease in the therapy room. She is dedicated to assisting individuals successfully bring mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality into their every day living.
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Hello world!
24 Feb 2011 1 Comment
Welcome to Somatic Psyche’s blog:)
Here you will find news and updates from the world of somatics and therapy, holistic psychotherapy, and creative arts therapies, to name a few..
Comments always appreciated.
About pasadenaholistictherapist
Daphne Georghiou, MA, RSMT, MFT Intern is a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy), and she holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute – a Jungian and Depth psychology based school. Daphne is a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist through ISMETA (International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association). Daphne is a certified Continuum Movement Teacher, authorized by Continuum founder and somatic movement pioneer, Emilie Conrad. She is also a certified Halprin Life-Art Process practitioner from Tamalpa Institute – the first in-studio training center for body-based Expressive Arts Therapy, and art-based Somatic Movement Therapy. Daphne’s work as a psychotherapist draws upon dance-therapy pioneer, Anna Halprin, and Daria Halprin–co-founder and director of the Tamalpa Institute. Daphne’s holistic, somatic and creative arts orientation, allows you to feel a sense of ease in the therapy room. She is dedicated to assisting individuals successfully bring mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality into their every day living.
