THE EMBODY LAB BLOG
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Our Breathing Body: Breathing Practices to Attune to Your Nervous System and Come Back to Your Center
Our breath is a window into our bodily state (nervous system state) and is also the fastest way to modulate our bodily state and intervene at the physiological level. By changing our physiology, the breath has the power to affect our nervous system state and the emerging feelings, emotions, behaviors, and thoughts.
Burnout and the Radical Path of Non-Abandonment of Self
It takes an enormous amount of courage and vulnerability to talk about and get curious about burnout. At its core, burnout actually reflects a very important set of primal human needs and wishes - safety, belonging, and dignity. Burnout is simply a response to overwhelming life experiences. An adaptive strategy to the underlying need for safety, slowing down, and a holding environment where all parts of oneself are welcome, seen, heard, and acknowledged.
Understanding the Healing Power of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers a unique approach for those seeking solace from the long-term effects of trauma. Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The Body Keeps the Score,” says that EMDR is one of the most effective ways to heal trauma and find relief from the symptoms of PTSD.
Holiday Stress: 5 Ways to Stay True to You When Visiting Family
Are you feeling the stress of the holidays? You’re not alone. The holidays can be the most stressful time of year for many if not most of us: in the U.S., a whopping 89% of adults say that anticipating family conflict, among other factors, causes them stress at this time of year.
If you’re choosing to spend your holidays with family, here are some somatic and cognitive practices to support you as you navigate the joys and challenges of the season.
Unlocking Emotional Release: A Somatic Tool to Release Anger
Imagine having a tool that not only liberates pent-up anger and tension but also empowers your personal boundaries, safeguarding your emotional well-being. In this article, we'll embark on a transformative journey to unearth the power of somatic healing.
Exploring the Hakomi Method of Mindful Psychotherapy
The Hakomi Method offers a unique approach to psychotherapy that combines mindfulness, compassion, and somatic awareness to foster personal growth and healing. Originally developed in the late 1970s by Ron Kurtz, Hakomi is influenced by humanistic psychology and Eastern philosophical traditions.
Embracing Nature: Eco Therapy for Somatic Trauma Healing
Eco therapy, also known as nature therapy or “green therapy”, is a therapeutic approach that taps into the healing power of nature to address various mental and physical health issues. Drawing inspiration from the vast expanses of natural resources and the calming effects of the great outdoors, eco therapy offers a holistic path towards healing and personal growth.
Q&A with Dr. Arielle Schwartz: Movement Integration - A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
In a recent session led by renowned psychologist and somatic healing expert, Dr. Arielle Schwartz, participants had the opportunity to experience an enriching movement integration exercise followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Anxiety, Depression, and Couples Therapy
By embracing emotions as valuable sources of information and guidance, EFT helps individuals develop deeper self-awareness, cultivate healthier emotional responses, and empower them with the necessary resources to confront challenging situations with resilience and strength.
Mindfulness Therapies for Cultivating Presence and Inner Peace
Mindfulness is the art of being in the present moment, aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. Emerging from a long line of ancient traditions, mindfulness therapies present an antidote to the stress of fast-paced modern life. They focus on bringing the practitioner back into the present moment and away from ruminating thoughts and anxiety.
Session Notes: Dr. Arielle Schwartz Explains Trauma Healing and Somatic Practices from a Polyvagal Perspective
In the world of trauma recovery, innovative approaches that merge different disciplines hold immense potential. A notable example is the integration of Applied Polyvagal Theory with yoga principles. Join us in reflection of our recent conversation with Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a renowned somatics expert, as she shares insights on the polyvagal perspective and its implications for trauma healing and somatic practices.
EMDR Treatment: How Rapid Eye Movements Can Help Trauma Recovery
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that can be used to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s after she discovered a decrease in her anxiety while moving her eyes from side to side.
Emotional Freedom Technique for Worry and Troubling Thoughts
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as “tapping,” is a mind-body intervention that utilizes the capabilities of acupressure points to release anxiety and lower stress levels.
Q&A with Dr. Arielle Schwartz: Exploring Applied Polyvagal Theory and Yoga Principles for Trauma Recovery
By understanding the crucial role of the vagus nerve in establishing balance within the autonomic nervous system and tapping into the mind-body connection through yoga, we can embark on a transformative journey toward healing.
Navigating the Impact of Trauma Porn (Part 3): Unveiling the Path to Resilience and Liberation
Healing from trauma is a profound and intricate process that extends far beyond mere catharsis or storytelling. It involves re-patterning our experiences and transforming how we hold them.
Unveiling the Impact of Trauma Porn (Part 2): The Power of Narrative and the Dangers of Exploitation
Understanding the dynamics of trauma and its consequences is crucial, especially when it comes to the narratives we share and consume.
Unveiling the Impact of Trauma Porn (Part 1): Nurturing Resilience Amidst Stress and Trauma
Navigating stress and trauma requires self-awareness, trauma-informed approaches, and a critical examination of the damaging effects of trauma porn. By prioritizing healing and acquiring new resources, individuals can embark on a journey of recovery and resilience.
Embodied Conflict Resolution - A Somatic Approach to Processing Conflict
The physical experiences of conflict are often overlooked but can be incredibly painful and stress-inducing. Working with the bodily responses that can come up during conflict allows us to access a deeper perspective around processing the conflict in a healthy way.
The N.U.R.S.E. Resiliency Protocol for Empowered Awareness
Working with our triggers to re-tune our nervous system and re-write our story.
SALVE – A Somatic Approach to Self-soothing for Internal and External Conflict with Kai Cheng Thom (Part 2)
Part Two of Kai Cheng Thom’s explorative and empathic approach on the topic of Embodied Conflict Resolution.