Bodynamic®

Bodynamic® is a pioneering system of somatic psychotherapy, based on 40 years of empirical research. It focuses on identifying issues associated with various stages of individual development and how these affect current interpersonal relationships.

The goal is to understand the origin of emotional imbalances and the defence mechanisms that arise from them. These defences are stored in the body and can lead to problems, dysfunctional behaviours, and mistaken beliefs that limit the quality of life and overall well-being.

One of the main tools of Bodynamic® is the Bodymap, which integrates data on each client's psychological and physiological responses. It maps over 125 muscle points and identifies patterns that originated during childhood. This graphical system allows therapists to recognize the roots of emotional issues and supports effective therapy focused on balancing the body and mind.

What is BODYNAMIC®? 

Bodynamic® is a specialized method of psychology and psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between our body and mind. Lisbeth Marcher and her team developed This approach in Denmark in the 1960s and 70s. Bodynamic® believes that people are social beings who crave connection and respect in relationships. This method helps individuals find and develop abilities they may have missed acquiring during childhood. It uses the body as an essential resource in therapy, precisely understanding how our muscles affect our feelings and behaviour.

Bodynamic® focuses on strengthening dignity and mutual respect in relationships. The Bodynamic system consists of several interconnected parts, such as seven developmental stages and muscle assessments in the body, known as Bodymap. Therapy often involves evaluating a person's life experiences, creating a muscle map, and subsequently working on strengthening them. Although Bodynamic® is mainly used in psychotherapy, it has also found applications in improving sports performance, team collaboration, and other areas.

Bodynamic International is the main organization that has been teaching and spreading this method worldwide for over 30 years, founded in 1982. In the photographs, we can see the first groups of experts who were students of the Bodynamic system in the 1980s and 90s. The work of Bodynamic® serves as inspiration for the further development of body-oriented psychotherapy.

When to Seek a Bodynamic® Specialist? 

A Bodynamic psychologist can be helpful for clients who feel that their emotions and bodies are interconnected and wish to understand their reactions and behavioural patterns more deeply. If you have difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, or traumas that manifest physically, the Bodynamic therapeutic approach can uncover deeper layers of these issues and help address them. This approach uses bodywork to release tension and restore psychological balance.

What Are the Most Common Reasons Clients Seek Bodynamic® Therapy? 

Clients most often seek Bodynamic® therapy for the following reasons:

• Resolving traumatic experiences - trauma, including developmental or shock trauma, that affects their current functioning.
• Anxiety and stress - issues manifested as physical tension, anxious feelings, or psychosomatic symptoms.
• Improvement of self-confidence and self-acceptance - working on recognizing and changing behavioral patterns that may hinder personal development.
• Conflicts in personal and professional relationships - finding ways to manage conflicts and communicate more effectively through better body awareness.
• Seeking emotional stability - assistance in regulating emotions and their expressions through a stronger connection between body and mind.

Bodynamic® therapy is designed for those who wish to find harmony between their thoughts, emotions, and physical expressions.

FAQ

What is Somatic Developmental Psychology and How to Better Understand Bodynamic?

Somatic Developmental Psychology is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the importance of the body in human psychological development. It examines how physical sensations, movements, and bodily awareness influence emotional, mental, and social growth. This approach is based on the belief that experiences are stored not only in our minds but also in our bodies, and that bodily experiences can deeply impact our psychological well-being and development.

The Bodynamic® system is a specific approach within somatic psychology that bridges the body and psychology with a detailed theory of muscle function and character structures. Developed by Lisbeth Marcher and her team in Denmark, it has been evolving since the 1970s. Bodynamic® analysis is a body-oriented psychotherapy focusing on the connection between bodily sensations and emotional states, highlighting how muscles and physical responses store memories and emotions.

What Are the Four Core Elements of the Bodynamic® System?

1. Ego Aspects: This model illustrates the dynamic evolution of the ego from bodily awareness to the social and spiritual dimensions of being, emphasizing the continuous expansion of consciousness throughout life.
2. Muscle Response Analysis (MRA): This involves detailed analysis of how specific muscles relate to psychological states and developmental stages. Bodynamic® therapists are trained to assess muscle tension and relaxation as indicators of emotional responses.
3. Ego Functions: These include psychological capacities that enable individuals to effectively interact with their environment, manage internal states, and maintain identity. These functions include boundaries, grounding, centering, and more.
4. Character Structures: Bodynamic® identifies seven character structures associated with different developmental stages and challenges. These are patterns of behavior, emotions, and thoughts that develop in response to relational dynamics and environmental factors.

How Does Bodynamic® Define Ego?

Unlike many other psychological systems, the concept of ego in Bodynamic® does not carry a negative connotation. Instead, it is regarded as an essential aspect of identity in a traditional sense. While connected to the cultural-historical theory of development (from Soviet psychologists), Bodynamic® uses the term "Ego" rather than "Self" because "Ego" (from Greek, meaning "I") is less ambiguously defined and has clearer boundaries compared to "Self," which is often used vaguely.

The Seven Developmental Stages of Childhood in the Bodynamic® System

In the Bodynamic® framework, seven developmental stages occur up to the age of 12, shaping a child's future relationship with themselves and others. Trauma experienced during these stages can lead to persistent relational challenges.

1. Existence Stage (Conception to 3 months post-birth): Focuses on existential security and unconditional worth. A lack of this can lead to lifelong issues with existential anxiety and shame.
2. Need Stage (Birth to 2 years): Emphasizes recognizing and fulfilling basic needs. Inadequate support may result in hopelessness or skepticism about having needs met.
3. Autonomy Stage (8 months to 2.5 years): Centers on managing emotions and impulses. Lack of support may impair the ability to integrate experiences and maintain identity.
4. Will Stage (2 to 4 years): Children need help handling strong emotions and challenges. Insufficient support can lead to issues with over-responsibility, perfectionism, or feeling powerless.
5. Love/Sexuality Stage (3 to 6 years): Focuses on healthy development in love and sexuality. Poor guidance can cause relational difficulties, especially regarding love, sexuality, and same-gender friendships.
6. Opinion Stage (5 to 10 years): Encourages forming and expressing opinions and values. Without support, children may struggle to articulate beliefs or become overly dogmatic.
7. Solidarity and Performance Stage (7 to 12 years): Involves developing competitive skills and capabilities. Lack of support may result in feelings of shame and loneliness.

How Does Bodynamic® Conceptualize Trauma?

In Bodynamic®, trauma is understood as a disruption in natural human development, impacting the development of ego functions and character structures. Trauma manifests physically, with the body storing unresolved emotional issues. Muscles may respond with either excessive activity (tension) or insufficient reaction (numbness).

Is the Bodynamic® Model Based on Clinical Practice or Scientific Research?

The Bodynamic® system emerged from clinical practice and hands-on work by Lisbeth Marcher and her colleagues in Denmark. The development of ego functions was based on a six-year empirical study involving 15,000 records linking psychological functions to muscle responses. While rooted in clinical observation, it also integrates scientific findings from neuroscience and psychophysiology.

Applications of the Bodynamic® Method in Life

Bodynamic® is a versatile approach applicable in various areas of life, such as:

• Personal Development: For individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves.
• Psychotherapy: To support clients dealing with trauma, depression, and anxiety.
• Stress and Trauma Recovery: To process stress and past traumatic experiences.
• Improving Interpersonal Relationships: Helps individuals understand their physical and emotional reactions.
• Professional Growth: Used to enhance leadership skills.
• Chronic Pain Management: Assists in treating chronic physical conditions.

What Does Therapy Look Like in the Bodynamic® Method?

A Bodynamic® therapist uses various techniques tailored to the client's needs, including:

• Establishing a Contract: Setting clear therapy goals and boundaries.
• Monitoring Muscle Responses: Analyzing muscle tension and relaxation as indicators of emotional and psychological reactions.
• Conflict Resolution: Working with emotional and physical manifestations to resolve internal conflicts.
• Exercises: Incorporating movements, touch, and muscle work to promote bodily awareness and emotional integration.

Therapy is a dynamic process that bridges the body and mind for holistic healing.

What is the traditional international path in Bodynamic® education?

Training in Bodynamic® can take place in various ways depending on individual interest and available time. The training can be completed gradually. Training in the field of "Shock Trauma" and workshops can take place concurrently with Foundation, Practitioner, and Specialist courses.

The average duration of completing each training level: Foundation: 18 days (over 1 year), Practitioner: 75 days (over 3 years), Specialist Classes: approximately 28 days, Shock Trauma: 30 days (over approximately 1.5 years). Workshops are independent of the standard training and certification in the Bodynamic® method.

We are bringing some workshops to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and we plan to conduct training in the foundational course "Foundation Training" and "Shock Trauma." You can find more information about each topic below.