The theoretical and historical foundations of body work and movement therapies are explored. Wilhelm Reich is credited with bringing into prominence the inclusion of the body in psychotherapy. His influence on Alexander Lowen and Fritz Perls is explored in detail. The importance in psychotherapy of breathing, energy, self-expression, spontaneous movement, and awareness is stressed. Six expressive movement therapies -- Gestalt body work, t'ai chi, encounter group exercises, bioenergetic therapy, psychomotor training, and dance therapy -- are described in detail. An evaluation and comparison of the various movement forms is offered, along with suggestions for outcome research in the area. The authors believe the inclusion of body work and expressive movement in psychotherapy is important, either as a sole intervention technique or as an adjunct to traditional verbal methods.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:rtd-1376 |
| Date | 01 April 1977 |
| Creators | Shotwell, Jody Lynn |
| Publisher | Florida Technological University |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Retrospective Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | Public Domain |
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