How does body-centered counseling differ from traditional counseling?
A goal of a body-centered approach to counseling is for your body to become a valuable resource in your life. This happens only through deep listening to yourself. Often, when your mind and your body are working together in an integrated way, your symptoms lessen, life tends to go more smoothly, and you have a greater sense of meaning and purpose. Traditional counseling often focuses on the story. This is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘the talking cure.’ Body-centered counseling instead brings your awareness (or mindfulness) into your experience in present time. The therapist directs your attention to study your internal experience as it unfolds moment to moment. Through your careful attention and helpful direction from the therapist, you slowly come into contact with the ways in which your life has been limiting. As this happens, you and the therapist gently work together to transform these limitations into new choices and opportunities to live a more fulfilling life. It is impor
